After 3 tough losses in the row, (1-3) Hamilton Wildcats headed East up the 401 to face the winless Ottawa Swans which marked the 'Cats 4th away game in 5 Rounds. Coming off a very strong home performance which unfortunately resulted in a tough loss to the League's top side a week earlier, (5-0) Toronto Eagles, Hamilton was looking to turn their season around and bring their Round 4 momentum to the Nation's Capital to face a young, yet talented Swans side.
After struggling for numbers a week earlier on their home ground, due to some injuries floating around the Club, the 'Cats chances of earning their 2nd win in the '10 season was looking up as 23 strong made the trip to Ottawa. Despite missing a number of key players for their 1st of 2 games v the Swans in 2010; Hamilton was confident going into their match-up versus Ottawa and were looking to improve their career record against the Swannies to 4-0. One key that had been missing for the Wildcats so far in '10, was stellar ruckman Paul Lawson, who was suiting-up for his first game in over 10mths. Despite the lay-off, it didn't look like he had missed a beat, immediately making an impact and helping the "Hobbit Brigade" of Aiken & Lombardini clear the center and flood the Swans backline with long kicks to strong Hamilton leads. After jumping out to an early 2 goal lead, Ottawa bounced back with 2 of their own, one from an unlucky bounce after Fullback Charles Thompson made a strong contest punching from behind but unfortunately the footy sailed directly into the arms of an oncoming Swan only metres out from the Wildcat's goal. Heading into the 1st intermission, Hamilton only held onto a 1 goal lead, after some great running and strong ball movement ball the Swans.
After a stern pep-talk from Coach Johns and Aussie "jet" Brett Aiken, Hamilton took to the field determined not to let this game slip away and immediately tacked on 3 unanswered goals in the first 2 minutes of the 2nd quarter. That quick start to the 2nd seemed to spur the 'Cats onwards, as their kicking on become more accurate and the tackles more fierce. Fantastic defensive play from 2nd year Wildcat Steve Assel and rookie Thomas "Gordie" Howe, earned both kudos on the day; as Steve walked away with BOG honours and Howe collected his 2nd consecutive "Hardhat Award" (Hardest Working Player).
Aside from Ottawa's goal outburst in the 1st quarter, not much changed as Hamilton eventually ran out winners on the day in fine fashion, 16.17.113 to 3.4.22.
Goal Kickers: M. Visser (5), T. Wilson (4), B. Aiken (3), L. Lombardini (2), T. Brake , N. Dirago
Best Players: T. Howe (Hardhat Award), L. Lombardini, M. Visser, J. Johns, S. Assel (BOG), B. Aiken