It was a historic day for the Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club as the Lady Swans grew their wings and played in their inaugural home game at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Playing against the Ontario Australian Football League’s 2011 champions, the High Park Demons, the Swans were up against some tough competition.
It was a rough start for the girls, who were playing with several affiliated players from the Montreal Angels, in the 11-a-side match. The Demons opened with a strong first quarter, kicking a goal in the opening minutes, and would have been easy for the home team to lose heart, but with each quarter, the team meshed. Lisa Dalla Rosa and Margo Legault continued their strong play in the backline and courageous effort to defend the goals.
In the second term, the Demons continued their strong play, however, were met with considerable resistance as Emma Dickinson and Holly Costanza patrolled the centre of the ground with vigour and challenged at every contest. As the ball continued to ground often, halfbacks Catherine Geci and Nathalie Presseau were called upon to be their best and delivered often. At the long break, there were strong signs from the improving Swans but the margin still remained on the scoreboard.
Following an emphatic halftime speech from Head Coach Chris MacLean, the Swans were eager to hit the ball running. As the Swans won more possession, forward lines Brier Dodge, Amanda Paradis, Meghan Haycock and Lindsay Belzie worked relentlessly to maintain pressure as the scoring gap closed in the second half.
Winning the fourth quarter, the Lady Swans showed the crowd that the growing interest in Aussie Rules Football has materialized and they will grow into a true force in the OAFL.
Aimee Legault displayed a strong presence on the field, kicking three goals. She was joined in scoring by Ricki-Lee Pitman and Lindsay Belzie to surprise the Demons with a strong offence late in the game. In the end, the Swans would fall two goals shy, as the Demons ran out 12-point winners on the day.
Despite the loss, the Swans left the field with their heads held high. As the team continues to develop, the side continually put their head over the ball and showed considerable skill for the club’s second-ever women’s competition and several women making their debut performance in the new and growing sport. As the season progresses, the Lady Swans are sure to prove a factor in the Women’s Division 1 competition.
The Ottawa Swans women now have two weeks to prepare for their next game, and will next take the field at Humber College in Toronto on May 26.
Swans 5.6 (36) defeated by Demons 7.6 (48)
Goals: Aimee Legault (3), Ricki-Lee Pitman, Lindsay Belzie
Best: Aimee Legault, Emma Dickinson, Margo Legault, Lindsay Belzie, Lisa Dalla Rosa
Last Modified on 14/05/2012 08:48