It was a great day for footy in the nation’s capital this past Saturday. The first, Swans double header of 2015 took place under gorgeous sunny skies. The ladies played first, followed by the men. Both teams had high expectations and in the end did not disappoint.
The first match-up was between the Lady Swans and Montreal Angles, who will meet three times this year in a best of 3 series. It was also the first time women played full field in Ottawa. History was made. While numbers did not allow them to play 18-aside, the 28 ladies that took to the field played every minute to the fullest.
The Swans got on the score board first and remained in the lead for the entirety of the game despite a third quarter push from the Angles. The final score was 6.7.42 over 1.6.12.
The three stand out players for the Swans all started in the mid-field. Holly Costanza had another strong showing this week, creating space and controlling the middle of the ground. She was awarded the “Player of the Round” by AFL Quebec for the women’s division. Last week’s recipient of this recognition, Vivian Nguyen also had a great game. She dominated the inside 50’s at centre half back despite being tagged. “It is hard to believe that this is only her second season playing this sport”, commented Coach Emma Dickinson. Another second year player, Kelly “MK” Robinson made her presences known on Saturday too, she was responsible for half of the Swans goals.
It was in the final 10 minutes that the Lady Swans secured the win. A solid back line, punctuated by formidable play by Sarah Ennor, had only allowed for one Angel goal. The Swans kicks to this point had not gone straight and they had only managed to notch two goals at this point. The game was too close to call, however the Lady Swans dug deep and dominated the last minutes of the match, resulted in four goals (a pair by MK) to earn this historic win for the home team.
The men carried the lady’s fourth quarter momentum right into their game against the High Park Demons. They played hard for the full 80 minutes and the result was an impressive win by a 145 point difference. SWANS 24.15.159 to the DEMONS 2.2.14.
While credit is due the goal scores, the true hallmark of the game was the impressive way the ball was driven forward from the back. A great example of that was Ronan Shaughnessy run from the back, which he finished with a nice goal. Mention should also be given to Greg “Simmo” Simpson and Nathan “Stromy” Strom who both hauled 5 a piece this match.
Some excellent rucking from both Jordan “LeBron” Harcombe and Paul “Fairy” Fairbrother helped create the many inside 50s for the Swans. Even though the game was well in the hands of the Swans the Demons never stopped trying. Alex “Yobbo” Huard deserves to be recognized for his defensive play on the wing. Hopefully we see more of him in that position in future games. With a large lead, Coach Rod was able to move players around and test them out in other positions. There were some new faces in the forward line, who ended up adding their name to the score sheet for the first time.
This win, will help with percentages later in the season as the final ladder positions are solidified.
Next up for the men are the Central Blues. They play in Toronto on June 13th, where the men hope to reverse the results of their last encounter. The Blues eliminated the Swan last year in the semi-finals. This Round 4 game is at the University of Toronto field, ball up at 2 pm this coming Saturday.
The women are back in Montreal on Sunday, playing in their 9-aside AFL Quebec league. Giants vs. Warriors at 2 pm, followed by the Eagles vs. Shamrocks at 3:30. Both games will be played at Parc Vanier.
Cheer, cheer the red and white.
Last Modified on 11/06/2015 22:37