Cougars defeat Eagles in NWPAFL Game four!

As players approached the hallowed turf at UBC Sports and Recreation fields a strange omen threw its spell over the course of the day - a large Bald Eagle uplifted into the sky from its perch high on a majestic Cedar and headed off in to the distance - far far into the distance off into the overcast skies down south.

As has been the case in other games held at this field it seems eiriily apparent that the goings and comings of these mighty birds are a valuable predictor of the days sports events.

The thrid game of the NWPAFL began in a flurry of activity. The centre line was strengthened by the late inclusion of Troy Macri - who came fully supported by his family. However even Macri's ploy to place his Dad as goal umpire did not help in his attempts to crack it onto the 2007 goal kicking ladder! Vancouver's tall brigade immediately stood out as an obstacle for the Eagles and big James and Chip moved well through the ruck and forward lines. Teddy was full of encouragement as he entered into his 49th game and showed how supportive as a captain he can be around the ground. The Eagles managed to sneak in with a couple of shots on goal but both Chad and Ward proved a wall of strength across defense aptly supported by Brenton. Scott Flemming and Brad J scored some sharp goals for the Cougars as did Ryan and big "mutton chops" Ben Seymour

Q1 - Cougars 5.4.34 Eagles 1.1.7

Grills commanded the Cougars to continue their "hard ball get" approach and challenged the entire squad to keep the Eagles to a zero score line. The players responded with a huge effort but managed 5 scoring shots in the second term. Will gathered a bag of possesions throughout midfield and Tony Cooper added great stability when run off the bench. The Eagles showed that they were not giving up the fight though and managed to slot home 2 majors and a minor by half time. Justin "USA" steered home a tight angle goal and Ryan kickied the second important goal for the term allowing the Cougars 29 point margin for the long break. Mike O'Dell used his high marking ability to offer stability across the half back line. Dominic played his first game and showed that his strength and skills were well up to the task.

Q2 - Cougars 7.7.49 Eagles 3.2.20

It was an all or nothing mandate heading into the third quarter for the Cougars. Having the ability to interchange players regularly the Cougars showed that this game was theirs for the taking. Jay W slammed home two consecutive majors during the term showing great skills for a tall. Brad J also assisted the cause with two majors - greatly assisted by the on ball performance of Jason B and Dennis the Mennis! Clayton and Karl Price played fast footy all day and their speed paid off as the game lagged on. James M moved to full foward and scored truly. James Donkin was also playing a great game across the half back line and took some solid marks throughout the game. But perhaps the gillette turning point of the game occurred when the veteran - Rob "Guru" Edmonds took, a nothing short of pure strength chest mark against the young and spritely Eagle Chuck Buchannan. After the game Rob was seen talking to the clearly despaired Chuck and motioning how best to offer a spoil should the two cross paths again! Having taken the mark less than 30 metres out from goal the entire crowd dropped to their knees as they watched a perfectly excecuted drop punt sail through the big sticks - Guru had scored a goal. Sweetness!

Q3 Cougars 13.9.85 Eagles 4.2.26

The performance of Dave Miller throughout the game was exemplary to the entire Cougars team - hard at every contest and prepared to try all things necessary to gain the ball. Les Ketchell offered many fast paced dashes throughout the game and was denied a goal only by the smallest of margins. Peter Fadelli left the field after two quarters but even in the fourth quarter while supporting a bruised rib cage offered to run water with the Guru to keep the players active and focussed. Peter Brennan posted a fantastic major in the final quarter winning him the days goal kicking award topping off a great day of footy and Ed contributed to several hottly contested battles throughout the day - even while wearing his pink lined footy boots.

Q4 Cougars 15.14.104 defeating the Eagles 4.3.27

Goals - Cougars; Brad J 3, Scott F 2, Jay W 2, Ben S 2, Ryan 2, Justin S 1, James M 1, Peter B 1, Rob E 1. Eagles; Ryan 2, Chris F 1, Shane B 1.

Best - Cougars (from) James Donkin, Brad J, Chad, Dave M, Troy M, Clayton and Chip.

It was an awesome team effort by the Cougars with all players contirbuting for the cause. Chad (honourary Vice Cpt for the day) celebrating his possible final game with a win and an exemplery on field performance. But hats off to all the players - especially those with a little less experience in AFL. We played as a team and always attempted to execute the style of game that we have worked hard at training. Yes the 2007 season is a long one - but there is no doubt that the Cougars have developed a lot from the early game in April! Lets keep the training up and have fun as a club.

Well Done!

VAFC Committee