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Kangaroos Comeback Stymied by Jackaroos
After the "statement" win at home against the Minnesota Freeze, the Kangaroos were flying high. However, it wasn't without injuries and that would play a role as the team traveled to Ohio to battle the newly formed Columbus Jackaroos in Tuttle Park at the Ohio State University campus. The Kangaroos were coming in at 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the MAAFL while the Jackaroos had two forfeits to their credit in their MAAFL Championship matches.
Nashville opened the game winning the first tap and began the scoring when Chris "Bagman" Moerman kicked just wide at the post. Columbus responded with a goal by former Kangaroo Evan "Gameday" Gardiner from 35 yards out to give Columbus the lead. After another behind by Moerman, Columbus notched their second goal of the quarter from JP Culgan and their third from Santosh Nachu, leaving the flat-footed Kangaroos just what was happening. The Jackaroos were controlling more of the ball and able to take advantage of the undisciplined Roos. But when Moerman uncharacteristically missed for the third time in the quarter, the clouds seemed that much darker in the Ohio sky. The marks was a decisive 14-5 by the Jackaroos and the scoreboard showed them leading 3.1(19) to 0.3(3).
The second quarter went much better for the Roos after a 50 yard penalty for running through the mark set up an long shot for Moerman who regained his usual accuracy to get his first goal of the game. Columbus countered a minute later with a goal as Rick Matulja kicked true to bring the lead back to 16. After a behind from Gilberto "Chimi" Ortiz Chris notched his second goal from 40 yards near the boundary line to bring the deficit down to 8 points. Columbus again responded with a goal from Rob McFarland as the Jackaroos were able to use their youthful enthusiasm to outpace the older Kangaroos to get shots on goal. The Kangaroos then locked downthe but only mustered two more behinds. The marks favored the Kangaroos 12-9 to bring it to 17-23 at the half. The score at the major break was Columbus 4.2(26), Kangaroos 2.6(18).
During the halftime break, Coach Marty "Thommo" Thompson refocused the team to concentrate on the basics and just play Roo football like they showed they could do when they played Minnesota. On the other bench, player/coach Scott "Scooter" Matheson told his squad they had the Kangaroos right where they wanted them: trailing and fighting an uphill battle while undermanned.
The pep talk battle was won my Matheson as the Jackaroos took the opening tap and proceeded to run around the Roos, scoring two goals from Adam Horrocks and Matheson to reextend the lead to 20 points. But then the Roos kicked it into high gear. Led by Damian "What's" Serong "With That" taking an amazing mark and goaling from 35 yards out. Columbus nearly regained the momentum but for super defensive efforts twice by Ross Flemming making his season debut. That enabled the Roos to close the gap further when Serong notched his second goal of the quarter from 40 yards. The marks were tight with Nashville winning 8-7 but Columbus still led on the scoreboard 6.4(40) to 4.6(30).
In the fourth quarter, captain Luke "Ooga Booga" Nemeth led the Kangaroos with his typical tenacity and ferociousness in gaining possession. The first score, however, was another goal by Gardiner as he slipped past his defender and kicked true (proving that the Roos never should have let him move away!). Back came the Kangaroos with determination as Serong used his height advantage and ignoring the pain in his knee, nearly brought the scores level with his third and fourth goals of the game, both from about 30 yards out.
The remainder of the quarter was quite the intense affair as Colorado flooded their backline to double and triple team Serong and Moerman, who both still kicked behinds to bring it to within two points. The Columbus fans were plenty nervous until the Jackaroos broke free, only to have their hopes dashed when Culgan was only able notch a single point. In a act of despiration, The Roos pushed everyone into the offensive half, and for a moment the thought they might complete the comeback as Cliff "Nugget" Cosnahan found space left of goals, but despite being a lefty, just missed connecting for his first career goal. As the Roos tried to position for one more shot, the final siren sounded. The marks again favored the Kangaroos 11-10, bringing the final total to 40-36 in favor of Columbus. Despite Nashville winning the quarter Columbus prevailed 7.5(47) to 6.9(45).
With the loss, the Kangaroos fall to 4-4 and 1-2 in the MAAFL, while Columbus is now 3-0 and in a position to win the MAAFL in their first season, but they will have to beat defending champions Chicago United in Chicago in two weeks. Now, the Kangaroos need to regroup for their final match in the Championship Division as the Milwaukee Bombers come to town on August 29th. Game time is 2 pm at Elmington Park and is your last chance to see the Roos at home in 2009 so don't miss it.
Scores By Quarter
Columbus 0.3 (3) Nashville 3.1 (6)
Columbus 2.6 (18) Nashville 4.2 (26)
Columbus 4.6 (30) Nashville 6.4 (40)
Columbus 6.9 (45) Nashville 7.5 (47)
Goal kickers:
Nashville: Damien Serong 4, Chris Moerman
Columbus: Evan Gardiner 2, Santosh Nachu, JP Culgan, Rob McFarland, Adam
Horrocks, Scott Matheson
Best on Ground:
MAAFL: 3- Luke Nemeth (NAS), 2- Rick Matulja (CLB), 1- Chris Moerman
(NAS)
Nashville: Luke Nemeth, Chris Moerman, Damian Serong, Nick Parker, Cliff
Cosnahan, Ross Flemming. Encouragement Award - Val Revin
Columbus: Rick Matulja, Santosh Nachu, Ryan Gross, Rob McFarland, Clyde
Simpson, Doug Hoblet
Umpires:
Field: Kyle Strenski
Goal: Kye Smith, Brian Reiss
Attendance: 60
Injuries: Serong (knee)
Photo: Jeff Persson
