Another great day for Nashville footy. Congratulations to the Men's team on a solid win over the Ohio Valley River Rats. After a bit of a slow start in which a talented River Rat team through accurate passing and great use of space led 2.4.16 to 2.2.14 at the first break, the teamwork began to take over, with a late goal giving the hometown a slim margin 3.5.23 to 2.6.18 at half time. Goals from Mick Jones in the opening stanza kept the Roos in close, and a late second period goal from Kersei Davis provide the difference at the break.
But then in the Premiership quarter: in a tribute to the world-class taco-eating machine, Carlos Villicana, the DEFENSE collectively shouted to the footy gods: "NOT IN MY HOUSE!!" and put their minds and bodies to work. Led by Saul Camarena and rotation of most of the roster, they pitched a shut out in the second half. With a six-goal quarter (Joel Thornton, Nick Tyson and Mick Jones twice, and Eric Toepfer closing out the scoring), the game was all but over, 9.5.60 to 2.6.18. After moving players around in different positions to get experience in positions they don't normally play, a solid fourth period ended with the final score 10.10.70 to 2.6.18.
With the victory, the Roos move to 7-2 (3-0 at home) and are guaranteed a winning season, with one home game on Sept 7 against a stacked New York Magpies and then a crack a national championship in October in Sarasota, Florida. And don't forget, there is the Metro Grand Final followed by the AFL Grand Final Party on the last Friday in September.
Many thanks to the Women's Team who ran all the off field duties to help make the game a smashing success for 85 fans who cheered the Roos to victory under the lights (Nat, Yanny, KB, Brooke, Bryar, Jess, and Melissa). Thanks also to Evan "Colonel" Ling for the field umpire duties and Toby Persson for helping the off field team.
Nashville Kagaroos 10.10.70 defeated Ohio Valley River Rats 2.6.18
Nashville Goals: Mick Jones 4; Nick Tyson 2; Kersei Davis, Joel Thornton, Eric Toepfer and James "JD" Duty 1
Best on Ground: Kersei Davis
One Percenter Award: Andrew Gleichert
Umpires: Evan "Colonel" Ling (field), Natalie "Nat" Smith and Lauryl "Yanny" Desch (goal)
Injuries: None
Attendance: 85