2011 Fixtures

Saturday 23 Oct - Boat Show Footy Match, Ft Laud Squids v FAU Saints

FIU SAINTS 10.7 - 67
FTL SQUIDS 7.8 - 50
 
The weather gods smiled upon Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale last Saturday afternoon for the first annual Boat Show Footy Classic. Bright autumn/fall sunshine and sea breezes swept across the broad, manicured turf as the 11 a side match commenced. This was Sunshine State footy at its best (well, weather-wise anyway)

With the winds favoring the downtown end the Squids drew first blood with debutant Dave showing strength and agility up front to mark and kick truly: Game on. It took some time for the Saints to settle in the blustery conditions but they managed to claw back towards the end of the first quarter to stay within reach. Newcomer Peter working well up front and Sailor Greg enjoying some freedom across half forward.

Half time had a point separating the teams, and the crowds were collectively salivating like Pavlov’s pooch at a snackfood convention, as the second half got underway.

They call it the premiership quarter and the FAU Saints responded accordingly in the 3rd stanza, stringing together great teamwork and quick movement of the ball to nullify the wind advantage and sneak ahead of the Squids at the final change.

The determination was clearly showing in the faces of the Fighting Squids as the final quarter commenced but the fitness and teamwork of the Saints proved too much in the end and the students ran away at the end, recording a comfortable 14 point win in a very entertaining and open game. Overall the game was fast and open and the difference was the ability of the Saints forwards to kick accurately and make the most of their opportunities.

The Dipper tried hard to keep his goal-kicking form rolling on but only managed to remove a goal post with a unlucky snap, with Big Joe battling in the backline this week after his fairytale dalliances up front last week. Bundy was fuming (not angry, just fuming) and got better (ie fresher) as the game went on.

Spider took on Tinny Tom in the ruck and though getting the upper hand in the rucking duels found Tom’s mobility and fitness around the ground impossible to contain. On ballers Jezza and Carlos were busier than Bondi beach Seagulls. Jim the Shark made a welcome return with plenty of run in the middle, as did Diesel Craig back from his fact-finding mission out west.

Adzy tried to impress the wife with his fitness (somewhat convincingly given he’s in fine fettle compared to some of us old blokes), and Tibs (aka Vlad the Impaler) tried hard despite suffering a bad case of “shagger’s back”, caused by some nefarious nocturnal adventure as was rumored). Olen showed great improvement from his debut last week, and got involved with some good passages of play.

Some international flavor was added with debuts from SAFA/Jarpie George who relished the physical nature of the game, while the Kiwi Nugget Bo showed his rugby skills by constantly being a threat to life and limb (and even getting the hang of handballing).

Maguires was the venue for the night’s entertainment where the complimentary Four ‘n Twenty pies were enjoyed by a good crowd. We are looking forward to Boat Show Footy 2.0 next year.