Despite a loss for the Ottawa Lady Swans in Toronto on August 11, Ottawa has become this year’s surprise frontrunner to contest for a spot in the OAFL women’s grand final.
It was evident based on the strong play, and 35 points the Swans scored versus the Demons’ 43, that the brand new side is giving well-established women’s footy programs a legitimate threat.
“I was very proud of the girls today,” said head coach Chris Lockhart. “They gave a great effort on the field, and despite the loss, we recognize that we played against the top team in the Ontario AFL.”
The Demons came to the game strong and prepared with a full 15-player roster.
And they were strong out of the starting gate, as the Lady Swans struggled to find their rhythm in the first quarter of play.
The game was rain free, but a wet and muddy field presented a different game flow, with the ball played often from the ground.
The Demons capitalized on clean marks to play onwards and surprise the Swans.
But the Swans came back fighting in the second quarter, hopeful that down only a goal, they could still take the game.
It was a strong back and forth, with two goals from each Emma Dickinson and Kirsten Bodashefsky, and Ricki-Lee Pitman adding one of her own.
Holly Costanza was a strong ruckman, winning many of the ruck taps to give the Swans the offensive advantage.
In the defensive line, Lisa Dalla Rosa, Brier Dodge, and a returning Amanda Paradis managed to hold off many of the forwards attempted advances by holding a close man-on-man defensive-style.
Nathalie Presseau and Catherine Geci were a strong presence in the forward line for the Swans, making sure the Demons were kept on their toes.
“The girls went in hard on the ball, and fought to keep possession as much as possible,” Lockhart said. “I was pleased with their contested marks throughout the game.”
The Swans now remain in second place in the league, and will not play this Saturday as the Dingos have forfeited the upcoming Aug. 18 match, originally scheduled for play in Ottawa.
“We know what we need to come back to Ottawa and work on,” Lockhart said. “We’re going to tweak our game a bit, and are looking towards our next match against the Roos.”
The Swans will next play in their last regular season game on Saturday, Sept. 8 in Toronto against the Etobicoke Kangaroos.
High Park Demons 6.7.43 defeated Ottawa Swans 5.5.35.
Goals: Emma Dickinson (2), Kirsten Bodashefsky, Ricki-Lee Pitman
Best: Emma Dickinson, Brier Dodge, Ricki-Lee Pitman
Last Modified on 15/08/2012 06:13