A beautiful Saturday morning saw an accumulation of effort from SWAFL and US Footy for the first ever match between a rookie representative side from the Australians and the US Freedom Team. The Americans had arrived missing two players due to a lost passport at LAX, but with some handywork and cooperation of the taxi industry - the Freedom recovered their two players in time for the main game although how groggy the two were with jetlag is debatable.
After the demonstration game between Sydney Uni and Macquarie Uni, it was time for the main event to start. Both sides emerged from their changerooms before lining up before the large crowd of 70-100 spectators. Adriane Garland, an American player (and current SWAFL Handball champion after the trivia quiz results) playing with Sydney Uni before her injury against Balmain, sung both anthems beautifully and was warmly applauded by all involved with many joining in to sing the Australian National Anthem.
The game commenced and was a tight and gritty affair. The SWAFL Rookies dominated possession and field position but kicked inaccurately to score 4 behinds to one behind at quarter time. The result stirred the crowd into a murmur that these American girls could definitely play! In the second quarter there was few to separate the two sides with the SWAFL side scoring 1.3.9 to the USA 1.2.8. After both coaches had asked their respective girls to give it everything it was the local side that was to make the biggest impression with a goal kcikced off the ground that the Americans thought the ball had touched their player's leg before going through the goals. The Americans may have been a little deflated as less than a minute later, the local side made them pay for their lapse of concentration with another quick goal into the forward line. The 3rd quarter time score was SWAFL Rookies 3.8.26 to USA 1.6.12. In the final quarter the Americans kicked their 2nd gal fo the game to while the local side also kicked a goal to have the final score SWAFL Rookies 4.9.33 to US Freedom 2.6.18 in a throughly entertain ing game.
US Freedom goals were scored by Siobhan McHale and Kelli Modica.
The SWAFL Umpires and Coaches combined their votes to select the best American on the day which went to player No. 3 Denielle Beilfuss. Those who also were mentioned in the voting in no particular order was Captain Jenny Sarbacker, Tina Arend (vice-captain), Monica Robbins and Courtney Church.
Thanks to all the US Players, SWAFL Players, umpires (goal, field and especially John Freeland - boundary umpire), spectators and Bondi Shamrocks for running the canteen for a memorable occasion. We look forward to hosting you again some day down the track.
Last Modified on 12/08/2009 06:53