Round 5 of the 2015 AFL Ontario season saw the Ottawa Swans take on a tough Toronto Rebels side on an unfamiliar ground on a blazing hot Saturday afternoon. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Swans home field at the RCR wasn't available, so it was a massive last-minute effort to not just find a replacement field but to get it set up late into Friday night. Well done to all the players and personnel involved - it really showed the character and spirit of the Ottawa Swans Club. A sprrit that was rewarded at the end of the day with a narrow come-from-behind victory.
Swans 9.11.65 Rebels 7.10.52
The first term was even with both sides putting 1 goal 2 points on the board. Some wonderful contributions around the ground from all players, but again the Swans half back line in particular stood out, with Ben Trew, Ronan Shaughnessy and Joel Crimmins prominent. Morgan Whyte, Alex Huard and Bogdan Rotaru also had a strong first quarter, and Jake Plunkett-Latimer was back in the thick of things with some very handy tackles and possessions.
Frustration crept into the second quarter, with 1 only goal resulting from 11 inside 50's. The Rebels took full advantage, kicking 4 goals 5 points. Had the Rebels kicked straighter the game's outcome might've been different...
Fortunately, the Swans turned the corner in the second half, working together and getting the necessary results. Outscoring the Rebels in the third quarter 3 goals 2 points to 1 goal 1 point took guts and determination, and it was on display across the ground. Dan Robinson got one to sail through, as did Ben Trew and Matthew Powell, and then we were on our way, closing the gap and setting up a tight fourth quarter.
To their credit the Rebels kicked the first goal of the term, but again the Swans stepped up and kept chipping away and then finally broke through with relentless forward pressure. 15 inside 50's saw Matthew Powell slot 3 majors and Dan Robinson again showing his class with a final goal to seal the game. The Swans midfield worked tirelessly with Nathan Strom again running out the game and Morgan Whyte rucking well in tandem with Jordan Hardcombe. The full back line was terrific with Mike Beall having his standout game so far this year and Trevor Jamieson looking really solid at Full Back.
Round 6 will have the Ottawa Swans taking on the Grand River Gargoyle in Guelph for the Canada Day Cup. The Swans are the current Cup holders and will be looking to retain the silverware for another year.
Last Modified on 01/07/2015 00:53