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Kangaroos Overcome Jet Lag to Soar Past Boston Demons, 102-32
For most of the Nashville Kangaroos team, the trip to Boston took over 20 hours due to airline delays. Given the circumstances, it was surprising there was a game at all. The Boston Demons waited at Ipswich River Park in North Reading for over five hours to make it happen. With four video cameras and a commentator, the Boston club were prepared for a crackerjack game.
The Kangaroos leaped out of their van on arrival at Ipswich River Park where the Demons had prepped a full size ground and ran through a minimal warm-up. Coach Marty "Thommo" Thompson had a bold new plan, emphasizing power in defense and speed in offense, with a few speedy crumbers supporting full forward Damian "What's" Serong "With That." Kicking to the favorable end in the first quarter, ruckman Luke "Brawny" Stockdale won the first bounce and the ball was quickly in the hands of ruck rover Luke "Ooga Booga" Nemeth. A long kick into the forward line found Ross "Rosco" Flemming, who put the first Nashville goal on the board. The Roos were effective in the wide open spaces in the first quarter, with another four players scoring goals to Boston's solitary behind.
Boston coach Scott "Scotty" Nicholas clearly had cause to reconsider his plan, but his Demons, led by captain Damien "Damo" Helem, had the scoring end in the second quarter. Inaccurate kicking cost Boston the opportunity to catch up, kicking only 2.4. At the other end, the Roos had similar woes, kicking five behinds in the quarter with only Serong adding a goal to his tally.
With a half time lead of 6.8 (44) to 2.5 (17), coach Thompson nonetheless saw plenty of room for improvement. Defenders and center-field players were urged to quickly drop back into defense when Boston gained the ball, emphasizing man-on-man tactics. Forwards were reminded to make fast leads into space to take advantage of the scoring end of the field.
The Demons displayed a similar attention to defense early in the premiership quarter, forcing Serong to a snap shot for his third goal of the match. A similar attempt soon afterwards was less accurate, but skillful passing produced results from Nick "Chopper" Parker, who marked and played on with a great kick for goal from the flank. "Sugar" Kane Harrison created an opportunity for another goal, with Serong unselfishly passing to Flemming, who kicked his second from directly in front of goal. The Demons knew the game was fast slipping from their reach, and showed desperation to at last earn a goal. However, Val Revin kicked his second career goal with a disciplined set shot from a free kick to take that six points back, and was again involved in a goal scored by Nemeth with assistance from Tasweigian Ben Vaatstra. With Serong taking a great mark and goaling after the siren, the game was firmly Nashville's 12.10 (82) to 3.6 (24).
There wasn't much left in the Demons for the fourth quarter. Nemeth found plenty of space to run down the wing, taking two bounces before delivering an enormous pass into the reliable hands of Serong who steadily kicked his fifth goal. Daniell "Whippet" Liepply, recently returned from serving his country in Iraq, took a hand pass from Tim Kleman and kicked to Serong, who again marked and kicked his sixth. Mischa Nemeth, who had consistently provided tough defense throughout the game, took one of his many possessions in center half back and found Stockdale on the center half forward line. The ruckman scored a goal to add to his numerous touches throughout the game. Clifford "Nugget" Cosnahan wrapped up the final quarter with his second goal, a fitting reward for sprinting all over the forward half for 80 minutes. The final score had the Roos incredulous at the result of their own efforts; nobody had predicted that Nashville would go to Boston and win by 83 points. Coach Thompson said it best, "We went to Boston and beat them in stylish fashion ... Best road trip since I have been coach. Under the duress of being 23 hours in transit, the boys showed character and blitzed Boston.....Proud as punch - well done, boys!"
Against the Boston Demons, the Nashville Kangaroos are now 3-3 and undefeated since 2001. The win moves Nashville to 5-2 for the season. The Roos resume their MAAFL Premiership pursuit with home games at Elmington Park on August 14th against Ohio Valley, and on August 28th against three-time defending champions, Chicago United.
Scores By Quarter
1st- Nashville 5.3 (33) Boston 0.1 (1)
2nd- Nashville 6.8 (44) Boston 2.5 (17)
3rd- Nashville 12.10 (82) Boston 3.6 (24)
4th- Nashville 15.12 (102) Boston 4.8 (32)
Goal kickers:
Nashville: Damian Serong 6, Clifford Cosnahan, Ross Fleming, Nick Parker 2, Luke Nemeth, Val Revin. Luke Stockdale
Boston: James Aylward 2, Earl Evon, Peter McCormick
Best on Ground:
Nashville: Not released yet
Boston: Not released yet
Umpires:
Field: Jeff Persson
Goal: Local
Attendance: 30
Injuries: David Ackley (NAS, head); Mike Sheppard (BOS, head)
Photo: Jennifer DeStefano
