2002 Season - June 15th Cougars v Seattle

Cougars v Seattle Cats
June 15th, 2002

The Cougars sneak past the Cats

Pre-Match Report

Determined to avoid missing players on this trip to Seattle after the last trip when a certain Jason “Goal Sneak” Stratford forgot his passport and was turned back at the Border, the day started badly when our Ruckman – Big Jeff missed the bus after in Vancouver after Super Coach Stu enforced the stick 8 am departure time. Despite frantic calls to get the man to meet us at the Border, it wasn’t to be. However, with a full 18 players, things still looked hopeful.

With the first stop at the pub near the Border for a couple of passengers, it seemed an appropriate time to pull out the mighty BC Cup won by the Cougars in May. The Cup was on a pilgrimage to Seattle to use as a physcological tactic and to “remind” them of the hiding the Cougars gave them that day. What wasn’t planned was Dougie leaving the Cup on top of the Min-Van as it proceeded across to the Us Boarder, a good few hundred metres away. It was only when the Boarder guards/officers gave as a quizzical glare, that tragedy was avoided, as the still intact Cup was returned to the inside of the Van for the rest of the trip.

Match Report

When these two teams last met in Seattle in late April, Seattle won a thrilling encounter by 2 points. The question had to be asked, would a similar situation occur this time, or would the Cats be fired up and keen to redeem the 42 point thrashing handed out to them by the Cougars in the recent BC Footy Cup.

In the first quarter, one of the questions was answered very quickly. Despite the Cougars posting the first major within a minute of the first bounce through a strong lead and mark by Dougie. From then on, it was all the Cats. The Seattle centre line players were on fire, and completely took the lethargic Cougars by surprise. Within 15 minutes they had slammed on 6 unanswered goals. Only a thumping torpedo punt goal by Jase, the self proclaimed, “Goal Sneak” Stratford in the dying moments pulled the Cougars closer.

Q1 – Cats 6.0.36; Cougars 2.2.14.

After some hard soul searching and yet another inspiring quarter time gee-up by Super coach Stu Grills, the re-juventated Cougars came out fired up with a new Game Plan. The call was made to get the ball and bomb it long to the full forward line where Dougie was instructed to take the big grab or get it down for the Rovers. The plan worked a treat. With big Tom ( who decided to grace the team with his presence at quarter time ) dominating the ruck duels, the Cougars centerline of Richo, Timmy and Justin were able to get on top and repeatingly bomb the forward line time and time again. Richo, Marcus and “Goal Sneak” Jase all snapped miraculous goals through the packs from the forward pocket and a long drop punt from the centre by Stu turned the game into a contest. The Cats managed to break through with 2 goals themselves, but their dominance was starting to slip from the game.

Half time – Cats 8.5.53; Cougars 6.6.42.

The second half quickly turned into a war of attrition. Neither teams forward lines could penetrate as the backlines of each team began to put on a show. This point was quickly proved when the quarter was marred by an ugly incident when Super Coach Stu and a Seattle centreman put their bodies on the line chasing a hard ball. Leaping hard for a high ball, the two downed each other completely. With Stu sacrificing a good 20 kg’s to his opponent, he managed to cope the worst of it and had to leave the ground with blood streaming down his face. Play went on with neither side getting the upper hand. As always, the Cougars backline of Coops and Rob were holding strong. New boy’s, Mike and Simon were getting a lot of kicks out of the back flank with the latter breaking through to score a nice goal. Jeff Allen started to dominate and playing up the ground at CHF seemed to be marking everything in site. Richo, Tom and Justin continued to control the centreline and kept thrusting the ball forward. Yet still the Seattle backline held strong. Eventually the Cougars broke through and with only a few seconds left in the quarter, Dougie was able to mark strongly and goal to narrow the Cats lead to a paltry point.

Q3 – Cats 8.7.55; Cougars 8.6.54.

With players from both team fast tiring, the last quarter was hard slog with neither team wanting to give an inch. Each forward move by either team continued to be expelled by the backs who were playing inspired football. However, with some continued big marking by Jeff and the solid work by the centerline, the Cougars were able to sneak through a few points to earn a hard fought victory.

Final Score – Cats 8.7.55; Cougars 8.10.58.

Cougars Best – 3. Richo; 2. Justin; 1 Tom

Cougars Goals – Dougie 2 ( and about 5 points ); Jase 2; Stu 1; Richo 1; Marcus 1; Simon 1

Cougars Injuries – Stu (Concussion)


The After Match Report

After a hard fought win against Seattle, rivalries were quickly forgotten as the boys headed to Seattle’s team pub, (the Irish Immigrant) for a few post match bevies and a well deserved feast. The pub was kind enough to block off their beer garden and with what turned out to be a beautiful day in Seattle, many a beer was consumed in the bathing Sunshine. The hours quickly trickled by and as the banter got more rowdy, (mainly through newly appointed No. 1 Team Supporter – Babs), the call was made to fire up the now traditional “Booze Bus”. With only 15 seats, a ticket on this bus is a hotly requested and a hot ticket item, with non-drinkers kindly requested not to apply (or at the very least offer to drive).

After a quick pit stop in the local Servo, the bus was fully stocked with more Beers, Ice and party snacks. It wasn’t long before Stu and Campo fired up the Cougars karaoke machine (the local 70s radio channel) and the bus was pumping with some very bad group singing sessions which would struggle to make the first cut of Popstars. Justin performed solidly in the back of the bus with magnificently controlled bevvie distribution. Highly controversial was Jase’s purchase of some alcoholic fruit drink that came in a blue bottle. Jeff quickly co-ordinated some the drinking games, and the 3.5 hour journey home seemed to fly by.

After a few toilet breaks, and the obligatory 2 second stop for the Canadian immigration officers to stick their heads in and go “… are bugger your passports, just come on in”, the crew were home, and another successful trip over….

Till next time.