The first place Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club faced the second place Toronto Rebels Saturday at the Manotick Polo Club in front of a great crowd. The game started with both sides standing strong defensively, but the Rebels overpowered the Swans and eventually won 52-27.
Right from the first bounce it was clear this was going to be the Swan’s toughest game of the season. The Rebels brought size, strength and skill with them down the 401 and opened with a quick goal. Though the Swans answered back quickly with a goal from Jordan Harcombe, they were unable to get any momentum and trailed at half time for the first time all season.
Down by two goals, the Swans came out flat in the third quarter and didn’t get a single scoring opportunity. The defensive line of Mike Beall, Luke Coady and Ronan Shaughnessy held the Rebels in check and kept it close heading into the fourth.
Unfortunately, undisciplined penalties helped the Rebels kick two quick goals in the fourth, and while Morgan Whyte was able to get one back with a classy snap from 30 yards, the Swans lost their second game of the year and slipped to second place in the AFL Ontario standings.
“We expected a better performance today,” said Rod Frank, head coach of the Ottawa Swans. “This is a reality check for the players that nothing has been won yet, and we’ll use it heading into the finals in September.”
The women had a better day out, beating the Montreal Angels 73-34. The Swans took an early 6 goal advantage after the first quarter, which proved to be the difference as Montreal did a better job shutting them down through the rest of the game.
Rebecca Rousseau was named player’s player after kicking her first 18 aside goal and playing a standout role in the forward pocket next to Emma Dickinson. Midfielder’s Jane Fenelon and Vivian Nguyen controlled play in the middle and pushed up to support the forwards when needed, preventing Montreal from exiting their zone.
This is the final 18 aside game for the Swans and Angels women, who will break back into their 9 aside teams for the final week. On Saturday, August 27, the Rideau Shamrocks and Carleton Warriors will travel up to Vanier College to face the Plateau Eagles and the NDG Giants to wrap up the regular season.
The men will also play their last game of the regular season, as they go to Humber College in Toronto for a rematch against the Central Blues. Both teams will then be heading to the playoffs.
Last Modified on 25/08/2016 01:26