Columbus Footy

Bushies ‘hammer Wasps in Spring Metro Two

By Amy Hoover & Jack A. Roo  

Despite clouds and the threat of rain, the Columbus Bushrangers defeated Worthington Wasps 56 to 34 on Saturday, holding back few punches. The field, muddy from spring storms, was treacherous and slick as players raced from end to end and tumbled into one another.

During the first quarter, things were looking up for Worthington. Their defense was tight and they made several outstanding marks, led by debutant ruckman Matt Booms. However, Columbus almost ran circles around Worthington in the second half, maintaining a steady stream of offensive. Players tackled and shoved, aggressively fighting for possession of the ball throughout the match. Worthington struggled against Columbus’ plays during the second and third quarter but battled hard to break even in the final stanza.

"The dynamics of this game were much different this time around," said Coach Scott "Scoota" Matheson, "we saw guys using their skills as well as their toughness today"

Columbus' forward line efficiency kept their team one step ahead. 16 year old Micah Muller was effective up forward scoring 2 goals which easily could’ve been 4 or 5. Adam ‘Bigfooty’ Peterson was again effective, and Joe Herrbach slotted through 2 majors. Mid-fielders Chris ‘Bama’ Sparks and Brad ‘Beast’ Dailey were both outstanding on the day for Columbus and Dailey’s battle with Worthington captain Ryan Gross was a great spectacle. But the story of the day was definitely the introduction of Nate ‘Jackhammer’ Jordan to the mid-field.

“I took coach’s advice this week.” Admitted Jordan “He told us last week to focus on the ball rather than the man. It helped me work on first getting the ball more and then using good kicks.”

Jordan’s play in the second and third quarters was particularly pleasing to Matheson

“Jackhammer was clearly the match winner today. He made smart decisions and used the ball effectively throughout the game, he even slotted through 2 goals in the third quarter.” said a chuffed coach after the game.

For Worthington Earl Onstott continued his great early season form, Alan Gardner battled hard in defense and newcomer Nick D’eramo was very good in limited chances.

This game was a vast improvement compared to the previous match. Passes were completed and followed through in matters of seconds and plays were executed with cooperation and passion.

Worthington has one last chance to make it to the Spring Metro Finals on Saturday, April 11th against the OSU Buckaroos at Tuttle Park at 11 a.m. This game will define the two contenders in the final match of the opener and is sure to be an all in brawl.

Scores by Quarter

Worthington   1.1 (7)     3.1 (19)    4.4 (28)    5.4 (34)

Columbus       2.1 (13)   5.2 (32)    7.6 (48)    8.8 (56) 

Goal Kickers

Worthington: M. Booms 2, N. D’eramo 1, E. Onstott 1, P. Hickey 1

Columbus: A. Peterson 2, M. Muller 2, N. Jordan 2, J. Herrbach 2 

Best Players

Worthington: M. Booms, R. Gross, N. D’eramo, A. Gardner, E. Onstott

Columbus: N. Jordan, C. Sparks, M. Muller, J. Herrbach, R. Matulja, E. Gardiner 

Season Awards

Jackaroos MVP

5 – Nate Jordan

4 – Chris Sparks

3 – Matt Booms

2 – Ryan Gross

1 – Joe Herrbach 

Jack in the Back

3 – Alan Gardner

2 – Brandon Crowe

1 – Evan Gardiner