2002 Season - Cougars v Seattle Cats August 17th

Cougars v Seattle Cats
August 17th, 2002

Cougars pummeled by the Cats …

Pre-Match Report

It’s fair to say there was an unbelievable amount of anticipation leading up to this vital clash between the Cougars and the Cats. With both teams keen to ensure a berth in the Grand Final, nothing sort of a victory would suffice for either team.

Keen to answer the cries of its growing supporter base, the Cougars board made the appreciated decision of moving it’s home game once again from it’s traditional base at Burnaby Lakes to a larger ground with better spectator facilities. Some skillful work by the Cougars hierarchy and some good old luck allowed the Cougars to shift the game not just to UBC, but actually to the Thunderdome - otherwise known as UBC Thunderbird Stadium.

The buzz began well before kick-off as Handyman Col Hilton assessed the wind conditions and gave the two thumbs up to the move to the longed for larger goal posts. Despite some strong gusts of wind, once erected, the posts seem to hold firm.

The Cougars match committee assessed the ground on arrival and were dismayed that despite receiving an accurate mid-week assessment of the ground conditions (and training to such), they did not take into account for a late soaking by UBC’s Groundskeeper Willy. There was some early concern that the soaked ground surface may assist the Cats who seem used to playing on the swamp they call a home ground. Would this theory prove founded? Time would soon tell.

The buzz reached fever pitch as the game was delayed half and hour to allow the queuing fans outside the stadium to squeeze into their seats. These fans were however not left unfed as once again, Geoff Cunnold secured the services of about 100 meat pies and a portable pie warmer.

So all was set for the game. Would it be yet another tight thriller ??

Match Report

Two teams enter, one team leave; two teams enter, one team leave; two team enter, one team leave….that was the cry as these two gladiatorial teams entered the Thunderdome.

Q1 – Cougars 2.2.14; Cat 4.1.25
Half time –Cougars 4.4.28; 8.1.49.
Q3 – Cougars 6.7.49 ; Cats 12.2.74
Final Score –Cougars 6.9.45, Cats 16.6.102

Cougars Best – 3. Marty McGrath; 2 Paul Jennings; 1 Timmy McGrath, Justin Long, Rob Edmunds,C.Delahunty.

Cougars Goals – Vargo 2; Mark George 2; Stu Grills 1; Todd Little 1
Cougars

Injuries – Team (Heart Strings).

The After Match Report

Once again, the day wouldn’t be complete without a few beers to quench the thirst. On this occasion, a few of the Cougars and the Cats headed back to the Nevermind for a few consolatory drinks. As always a good night was had by all and the Cougars were treated to a special a digeridoo medley by Shine.

Thanks

As always to Col for bringing and setting up the goal posts and score board.
Stu/Timmy – for getting the Thunderdome organized.
Tuli – for maintaining the scoreboard.
Geoff and Mary Anne for organizing the pies.

……..we’ll get em’ next time.

Next Game – The Grand Final!! in Seattle September 14th.