The Toronto Dingos started their 2012 campaign with a heartbreaking 2-pt loss to Guelph Gargoyles at Humber College South on Saturday.
Having won three of the four quarters, a third-quarter lapse -- which saw a handful of free kicks result in goals -- proved the turning point as Guelph piled on four goals to one, eroding an 18-pt deficit, then taking the lead heading into the final term. The Dingos came at Guelph hard in the final quarter but were unable to register the go-ahead score. Guelph pushed numbers back in the latter half of the final quarter, clogging up any space making it difficult to score.
With five minutes remaining scores were tied 8.7(55) a piece, but Guelph scored two points and were able to hold on in a frenetic and sea-sawing match.
Coach Mick McFarlane applauded the players' efforts after the match.
"I was really happy with the effort today boys. We were just unlucky not to get over the line," he said. "Let's move on, let's forget about it. It could have gone our way today, but it didn't."
Dave Wells was awarded the best on ground award after being involved in a series of heavy knocks, coming off and playing a key role off the half back line. Rick Strezovski played a great game in the ruck and took some telling marks across the ground and in the last quarter. Craig Stewart and Anthony O'Brien worked hard in the forward line and Jimmy Duggan got plenty of it.
Midfielder, Shaun McKay injured his ankle in the first five minutes, leaving the Dingos an Australian key onballer short. Coach Mick McFarlane also didn't play, but will be available next week.
Congratulations to all first-game rookies: Div.1 -- Sean Freedman, Patrick Bossey, Ryan Taylor, Liam Sorrell, Denis Cormier, Div.2 -- Gary Conlon and Women's -- Co-Captain's Rebecca Goldman and Meghan Peets.
Final Score:
Toronto Dingos 8.7(55)
Guelph Gargoyles 8.9(57)
Next Week: Toronto Dingos vs Central Blues
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Div.2 vs Guelph Gargoyles
The Div.2 boys fought hard all day during their 48-pt loss againsta much superior Guelph team made up of Rebels', Div.1 Guelph players and a Div.1 Demon's player on Saturday. The odds were firmly stacked against them, but to their credit, they fought it out all day. Glenn Thompson worked hard in the forward line, while Vice Captain Gary Conlon played his first game and got plenty of it in the midfield. Veterans Tim Shaw and Paul Tinkler also had solid games.
Final Score:
Toronto Dingos: 0.4(4)
Guelph Gargoyles: 7.10(52)
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Women's Football vs Hamilton Wildcats
For the first time ever, the Toronto Dingos Football Club unveiled their women's team against Hamilton Wildcats on Saturday. While the team is still recruiting, Rebecca Goldman and Meghan Peets took to the field along with a handful of Wildcats' for their first crack at Australian Rules football. Both players did the team proud and went in hard for four quarters. The team was no match for the stonger bodied Wildcats, but fought on bravely in true Dingos spirit. We are hoping the Women's team will grow in 2012!
Final Score:
Toronto Dingos: 0.1(1)
Hamilton Wildcats: 13.18(96)
Last Modified on 16/01/2013 15:21