Round 3

Round 3
Eagles vs ISSC Harps
April 18th 2009
UBC

A return trip to UBC paid off this week for the Eagles with a triumphant win over the ISSC Harps. The ground was in stellar condition compared to round #1 and the sun was out. It was set to be a great day of footy.
The Eagles were very weary of the new Harps team. In previous games they appeared to move the ball well and while there skills are sometimes unconventional in appearance they remain highly accurate. It was going to require a big effort to win today’s game.
The boys were pumped!
The first quarter was a learning quarter for both teams having never played each other before. The Harps battled well and did their absolute best to adhere to the rules of Australian football. Condolences go to Harps player Brian Mahoney who attacked the ball eagerly only to have an accidently head clash with a hard running Eagles player. Both players came away slightly injured and it was unfortunate to see the Harps player cop the worst of it. The Eagles really showed their football skills and experience. The major highlights were our Canadian players playing in the midfield and everyone helping each other. Tilley, Bergs, Frewen and Jim all had a great first quarter.
1/4 time EAGLES 5.5.35 ISSC Harps 0.0.0

The second quarter continued in much the same fashion. Mat Piljek stamped his authority on the game. As one of the newest Canadian rookies to the team he showed real endeavour and poise under pressure when he had the ball. It was a pleasure to see the work ethic he brings to the game and the stamina he has to follow the ball. Piljek highlighted his game in the last quarter with a running goal that was roved off the pack. Piljek plucked the ball out of the air without it even touching the ground and then kicked at full speed to slot his second major of the game.
Half-time EAGLES 10.8.68 ISSC Harps 0.0.0

The third quarter saw a different game being played. The Harps dialed in their defensive game and a match of ping pong between half forward and half back resulted in limited scoring opportunities for both teams. The Eagles attempting to penetrate their forward line had numerous thrusts forward only to be repelled by a committed Irish defense. Gary Barone showed that he is indeed not just a ‘pleasure hammer’ as he continued to stand up in every contest. His natural ability to stay on his feet can be described as cat-like and the crowd loved the hits he dished out.
3/4 time EAGLES 12.13.85 ISSC Harps 1.2.8

The Irish continued to press in the last quarter but were no match for the commitment, skills and fitness of the Eagles. Coach Bell giving 50 game veteran Steve “PM” Harper the opportunity of his career playing up forward in front of the sticks. Steve got his hands on the ball too many times but being the defensemen he is failed to post a major score with numerous attempts. Rumor has it he is in private coaching this week in Langley, enlisting the help of talented offensive veteran and goal kicker extraordinaire, Colin Hilton.
The Eagles look forward to meeting the Irish team again in a few weeks and having another great battle. It will be great to see them improve throughout the season.
Final Score EAGLES 14.17.101 ISSC Harps 1.3.9

Eagles Best Players;
Dane Bergman, Brenton Garth, Matt Piljek, Adam Sadler, Steve Gibson

Goal kickers:Pete Cristoforo 3, Brent Frewen 2, Che Pritchard 2, Matt Piljek 2, Rowan Tilley 2, Dale Wakefield 1, Pat Gallivan 1, Brenton Garth 1