Jacks Put on Clinic Versus Kingless Dockers

Veteran Ohio State Students make boys out of Columbus' Men

Columbus, OH – Louisville failed to show in this make-up for their cancelled '09 game, leaving the Dockers short-handed, but with a roster bolstered by the promising likes of soon-to-be household Columbus names like Politz, Tharp and Clyde "Always hits a Homer" Simpson. Cinci were no strangers to experience though with Pennsylvania veterans Sam Pope and Scott Strenski lacing up for the Docks. Add in Aussie rugger, and Footy First-Timer Neale "This is (literally) my house" McMurray - and they weren't going to shy away from this MAAFL game turned "friendly."

And while the lineups may have been unbalanced, the Jacks weren't going to take the match lightly, yet to notch a MAAFL win themselves this year after tough losses to perennial leaders Chicago and Nashville. Columbus attacked hard and fast from the opening ruck. The "Robs" - both U23 Revo Selections - held court, imposing their will on command.  McFarland won the rucks, sending the ball forward, where "Toey" Ward let everybody know he'd be putting his stamp on the game.  Relentless up front, him and Half-Forward wingman Santosh Nachu "Supreme" pelted the goals for a nice afternoon performance.  Pat Hickey, took the "Screamers Encouraged" advice literally coming down with an impressive mark during the match.

Cinci's attack got few opportunities to penetrate the solid JACK wall of defense.  Cbus Vet Crowe-ball held down the kickouts, while they let only 1 goal from Cinci Socceroo Alex Rundle pass their goal posts.

Strong play through the midfield by Alan "I Go Both Ways" Gardner kept the ball in the forward line.  Bernie "Crazy-Man" Frankly and Mike "Durden/Kraut" Krause welcomed the physicality of the game as something close to a Fight Club while laying down intimidating shepherds and tackles of their own all day.

At each break, the score became more and more lopsided, though, as the behinds column out-numbered the goals, it was obvious that the hometown could use a little work on their accuracy.  And Coach wasn't easy or shy about addressing his concerns, and reminding the Jacks they could and needed to improve, setting goals to end the game on a strong note.

Super fans and Social Members Rob de Santos and Bill Joyce anchored the main tent as it would be the first Jackaroos game with pre-game and inter-quarter music. Still fine-tuning the game-play announcing details, these two are both keen to raise the bar to an exciting new level in Columbus.  Triathlete in Training, and keen prospect Matt "Three-way" Butterworth anchored the scoreboard and kept our fans abroad and at home up on the action, with live Twitter quarter score updates from the pitch. Sign up to follow along if you haven't yet!

The entire club came together afterwards to break down and quickly get to the Post-Game to share brews at Byrne's pub while barracking for the USA in their heart-breaking World Cup loss to Ghana.  Rookies, Veterans and new prospects stuck around to cherish that camaraderie and special bond between teamMATES afterwards.

Special Thanks goes out to the YMCA, Hoover Y Park, Neale and Martin for having us out to their fantastic grounds – we look forward to building a great relationship over the years. Cheers mates!

Still loving, living, sharing and playing the Greatest Game In the World.

See you at the pitch ... and the Bar!

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