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8am saw the Division 3 team take on a very strong Baton Rouge team. The team captained by Rob Liwanag, with a few extra players to help make up the Lions numbers (including
Mark Hollick, Ash’s dad) played hard and never gave up. They went down to a strong Baton Rouge team who were seeded number 1 in their pool.
9am was the Division 1 first game against Golden Gate. This was a game that the Lions were not taking lightly as Golden Gate is certainly one of the strongest teams in the USA. Remembering their nervous start from last year, and not prepared to let that ever happen again, the Lions took the game to the Golden Gate boys from the first bounce. With some great passages of play the Lions jumped ahead to a 2.4.16 to 0.1.1 lead over Golden Gate, but not withoout a cost….losing Andy Scott in the first 10 minutes to a nasty shoulder injury. After a slight team reshuffle, the second half saw much the same with the dominance of a very tight backline keeping the Golden Gate team to just another behind. Game 1 was over and the Lions were on their way to achieving their goal. Final scores SD 4.9.33 GG 0.2.2 Goal Kickers Adam Cannane, Cameron Trickey, Jeff Blankman and Todd Conway. Best Adam Cannane, Steve Simpson, Brett Ullman
Next game saw the Division 3 team take on St Louis Blues. With the help of some boys from Vancouver and Seattle, the game began this time with the Lions putting up much more of a fight. In an always difficult situation of playing with new unknown players, the Lions fought to the very end losing to the Blues.
Next up was the rematch against the Boston Demons. Never an easy team to beat, the Lions were fired up and wanting to keep their unbeaten record in shape. From the first bounce, Pills won the ruck and the attack was on. The first half saw the Lions dominate and jump ahead to a handy lead at half time 4.6.30 to 2.1.13. Coach Nicholas urged the players to concentrate on finishing off all the hard work of the backline by kicking straight, and in the second half the forwards did just that kicking 4.1 and with the continued dominance of the backline keeping the Demons to just 3 behinds, the game was won. Final scores SD 8.7.55 to Boston 2.4.16 Goal kickers Todd Conway 3, Jack Cameron, Adam Cannane, Martin Mondia, Daniel Robertson and Brendan McDonald 1 each. Best Chris Richmond, Brandon Blankenship, Brett Ullman and Andy Evans.
Saturday night saw the SD Lions finish with a 2-0 record with Milwaukee left to face to earn a spot in the finals. This match was one that has been talked about since last year, a true test for the Milwaukee team facing off against the in form Lions, a win a must for the Lions to protect their seasons record.
A team dinner at Treasure Island had the players refuel for the big day ahead. Spirits were high but the players were certainly reserved and tired. The night was kept short and the team headed off for a well earned night of rest.
Sunday morning was a perfect morning for footy, weather was clear, the ground, well it was a ground, and the players were all feeling ready for some victories. The first match saw the SD Lions Division 3 team take on the Florida redbacks. Captain by Michael Russell, and joined by some more of the Vancouver boys, the Lions came out fighting. The Florida team ahead at half time by 3 goals, the team was urged to play hard, enjoy their footy and finish their tournament with a win, and that they did. The Lions fought out a great victory which set the stage for the rest of the tournament for the club.
Milwaukee Bombers were next. This game was against the best team in the MAAFL, a team that is rated as one of the best clubs in the USA, and rightly so. They are young, fit and fast. The Lions needed to ensure that they 1. play their game and controlled the ball, and 2. kick straight!!!
The first half saw the Lions start off fast and dominate from the first bounce. The kicking once again keeping the opposition in the game with the Lions kicking 4.4 but once again the backs dominating keeping Milwaukee to a sultry 1 point. With a victory ensured and a spot in the finals guaranteed, the Lions went out to finish their task, and that they did. Final scores SD 7.6.48 to MIL 2.3.15 Goal Kickers Todd Conway 2, Adam Cannane 2, Brian Nickel 2 and Andy Evans 1 Best Adam Cannane, Brian Nickel, Chris Richmond, Steve Simpson and Brendan McDonald
The stage was now set for a titanic showdown….the 2006 National Championship game against the Denver Bulldogs at 3pm.
The Lions made sure that the prep work for the game was as good as it could be. The players tended to niggling injuries, hydrated themselves and grabbed a power nap when they could. The Lions supporters were fantastic in helping out tending to all of our needs, which helped us be in the best shape possible. After watching and supporting the Vegas gambler win the Division 3 title, the Lions headed for some quite time in the shade.
The coaching staff, Scotty and MC, were challenged with a tough selection, who would make the 24 for the National Championship game. With the depth we have and the passion that exists, it was never going to be an easy task. 2.45pm and the time had come for the team to prepare. After an address by Coach Nicholas the team headed over to commence their warm up routine with MC. All eligible players warmed up together before the team was announced. An emotional time for the players who missed out, however it truly was and still will be a team effort to win this title, and that is with everyone focused and ready to do whatever it takes.
3.30pm, this was it, the moment of truth, the final test, the game that everything rested upon….the chance to be the 2006 National Champions. The team stepped onto the ground and headed over to the center for the coin toss, won by Freddy, the teams lined up for the National Anthems. Emotions still running high, the Lions looked strong and ready for battle, and that they were. The first bounce saw the Lions win the toss and 10 seconds later Toddy lined up for the first scoring shot of the day. Unfortunately a point was kicked which was certainly indicative of the kicking for the tournament. The backs fought hard, the center line dominated and the forwards continued to work and work. With 5 minutes to go in the half the Lions were leading keeping the Denver Bulldogs scoreless. But Denver being the team they are, capitalized on 2 mistakes that the Lions made and kicked truly both times. Half time scores saw the Lions ahead 2.4.16 to Denver 2.0.12, not the perfect place to be at half time but the stage was certainly set for a showdown in the second half.
Urged by Coach Nicholas not to make it harder than it has to be and to make better use of the ball when we have it, the team got fired up and took to the field. 20 minutes remaining to see who would reign as the 2006 National Champions. The Lions again dominated from the first bounce and the backmen did their job, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless. Jimmy Coyne playing the game of his life kicking 2 crutial goals, Richo taking hanger of the year when it looked like the Bulldogs were gaining some momentum, and the youngest player on the field Jack Cameron dominating in the forward line. Although the kicking was not where we wanted it to be, enough was done to see the Lions complete a long and perfect season, 16-0. The final siren blew and the SD Lions were the 2006 National Champions. Final Scores 4.9.33 to 2.0.12 Best players Jack Cameron, Jimmy Coyne, Brendan McDonald and Paul Hanton. Goals Jimmy Coyne 2, Brian Nickel and Todd Conway 1 each.
The SD Lions winning the title in style. Further icing on the cake was added with Martin Mondia being named as the Most Consistent Player of the tournament and the Finals Best on Ground, MVP, youngest, toughest and most destructive impact player was awarded to Jack Cameron.
Not to be outdone, the 2006 Nationals was completed by a naked game, in which the Lions saw Paul Hanton show some great ball handling skills and Robbo taking out the MVC award (You work it out).
Sunday night was a night to remember, starting with the F/Up Awards in Coach Nicholas’ room. A BIG thanks to Bob and Jan Bitmead for donating $200 bucks which Scotty and MC were able to stretch out and supply enough grog and food for everyone…..more to follow on this.
AWARDS: Players Player: Chris Richmond Board Award: Brendan McDonald Nipple Award: Adam Cannane.
INJURIES: Andy Scott broken wing, Brandon Blankenship hip and Andy Evans a really sore bottom.
REPORTS: Well, there will be more off the record reports to follow, featuring the SD Lionette Pole Dancers…..
NEXT EVENT: B&F Presentation Night, October 28, Rock Bottom Downtown
A massive thanks to all the players, administrative staff, supporters, family and friends who have been there with us through a long and very successful season. Well done and a result well earned!
Go Lions
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