The Curra Swans had a successful weekend away when they competed at the AFL Mackay Lightning Premiership in Airlie Beach at the weekend.
The Swans came up against Mackay side Bakers Creek in their first match and despite an even contest the Swans kicked clear in the end to win by 8 points.
For Swans Assistant Coach Simon Johnson and new recruit Jason Drew the match was much anticipated with both players having previously worn the black and yellow at Bakers Creek. For Drew especially it was a great way to start his time as a Swan. Drew played with the Tigers last season and only recently moved to Townsville. On the final training night before the carnival Drew was itching to get at it with his former club. One of the Swans prized recruits for 09, Drew didnâÂÂt let his new team down in his first outing in a Swans jumper.
In the Swans second match the Swans opponent was the Mooranbah Bulldogs and once again it was a close affair however the Swans prevailed to win by 2 goals.
The Swans made it through to the Semis undefeated along with fellow Townsville club Hermit Park, Mackay Under 18 and Eastern Swans.
As fate would have it the Swans were to play the Swans and Hermit Park took on the U18 side.
Curra began well but soon ran out of legs and their Mackay counterparts took control of the match to win passage to the final only to lose to the Tigers.
While the Swans would have liked to make it to the final they must be happy with their efforts considering the travel and inexexperienced squad they took down the Bruce Highway. Coach Peter Pyle was very impressed with the overall effort from his charges and made special mention of the Swans younger brigade and the way they stood up at senior level. Pyle said â we had maybe half of our A grade side not playing and that presented the young up and coming players at the Club a chance to impress, which they did. ItâÂÂs a real buzz to see your juniors develop into senior players and some of these boys will be playing a fair bit of senior footy this yearâÂÂ
When asked who stood out over the carnival the Swans coach praised the efforts of Nathan Wescombe, Glen Clarke, Blair Hill, Wayne Parker and Steven Taylor
Sources watching the Semi Final seem to think that if the visiting team had been allowed to wear their own jumpers instead of having to borrow a set from Saints the result would have been different. Curra players apparently got confused on a few occasions and kicked to players in the red and white. Which is ok in Townsville but not so good when your opponent is MackayâÂÂs Eastern Swans.
Last Modified on 11/04/2009 15:27