Buckaroos Impressive in Metro Opener

Veteran Ohio State Students make boys out of Columbus' Men

Columbus, OH – The much anticipated 2010 Metro Season kicked off with a competitive start this Saturday on a beautiful sunny day, perfect for 'Footy.' Veterans on both sides of the pitch teamed up with a half-dozen enthusiastic rookies that added freshness and extra excitement to the match. On a field, perhaps ambitiously too long (even after Head Coach moved the West posts in 20 yards), it appeared that Columbus' old(er) legs couldn't keep up.

With an improved scoreboard, high flying country flags, goal umpires with flags, field signs, statisticians, photographers and videographers; the entire club was ready to put on a show for their fans. Final lineups would pit regular MAAFL teammates against themselves, as first-half Umpire Scott “Scoota” Matheson had set the stage and was ready to ruck it up. And with the Buckaroos (OSU) vs. the Bushrangers (CBUS) in Metro Rd. 1 you could tell it was going to be a G'day.

From the ball-up close to thirty 'Roos were off and running. In the first, both teams got off to a slow start while players were getting their footing (made tougher by a pitch that seemed a grassland on Miracle Grow). Ohio State had a few chances, but was only able to convert one into a goal, leaving three behinds on the board. For Columbus, they would struggle in the middle of the field to get the ball up to their forward lines – a problem that would be the storyline of the day. Through the first quarter, the Bucks were up 9-6.

After a quick breather, quencher and pep talk, these blokes took to the field on opposite ends, ready to renew the battle. Alan “Socceroo” Gardner played brilliantly and was consistently strong for Columbus throughout the match, while providing half of his side's scoring output. No doubt his two-footed kicking skills played key roles in his success. Veteran Chet Ridenour would leave the pitch early into the second after a concerning knee injury – leaving his out-of-town twin Michael “Lex-Vegas” Brislin to handle ruckman duties alongside Grossy – always 'closey' to the action. At the half, OSU controlled a narrow 8 point lead.

Columbus Veterans were slow to get back to form. Phil “Sheepdog” Sisia back in the midst for the first time in a year was twice too 'behind' his old form, though solid in setting up the opportunities. Pat “Just call me Nemeth” Hickey would come down with an impressively strong 'spekkie' that immediately brought nightmares to his roommate. Umpire turned middie “Scoota” McGavin performed well on the ball with impressive runs and tight disposals – showing players their coach truly does know the game.

A full-field effort from the Bucks really showed how to move the ball up the field. From the back sending booming kicks upfield, and voracious in defense of their (Northern) territory, Brandon “Crow-Ball” Crowe(y), and the original 'Jackhammer' himself stifled the few offensive ventures for the 'Rangers. Up the pitch it would be Ohio State's unsung heroes in the middle that continually rammed the ball into their offensive zone. Irishman Eddie “I'm Gae-lic?” Nangle along with Mr. Intensity – Clyde Simpson – labored hard in the midfield. Once there, future REVO star Rob “T.O.ey” Ward showed why National Coach Matt Bishop has him high on the scouting report for Toronto this summer. His four goals were the match high, while his five behinds proved that even the best can stand to get better. He realized though, that he had much help from the likes of Derek “Nintendo” Shannon, who performed honorably wingmanning for his shirt-tail relative – once laying down a shepherd that took out two defenders, freeing the big man for a sixer – nice assist 'DS'.

To end the third, '08 Jackass Wes McCorkle was back to his poor form with an untimely and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty – setting up Santosh “the Screaming Seagull” with a gimmie in front, in expired time. Unfortunately, as was the case with most players on the day, the accuracy just wasn't there as the club left fifteen behinds on the board overall – and another strong case for getting posts down to training or finding a new field.

Nick “Young Buck” Bosley showed some of his potential kicking straight and true for his first ever game goal. Eric “Half-Monty” Montalvo never saw a shepherd he didn't meet FULL-on, and Brandon “Toohey's NEW” Koechlin performed commendably while learning much from his defensive assignment counterpart.

With the final horn, Coach gave out his verbal 'at-a-boys' to some well-deserved footballers. Three cheers of “hip-hip-hoorah” and a choir-esque serenade to the faithful 'JACK-O-ROOTERS' fan club filled the air and both teams posed in front of the scoreboard, banner and country flags to finish off the day's formalities. Nothing left but to kick back, relax, and talk it up with the ever lively and festive post-game chatter. The blokes were already rehashing the game, a scene they repeated with a strong 20 person showing at the Byrne's Pub game night social and will undoubtedly revisit at next Thursdays video watch.

USFOOTY be advised...Columbus is here to play and stay in 2010.

GET JACKED UP.

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