AFTER A THIRD QUARTER scare, the Toronto Eagles leave Hamilton with a sigh of relief and their fourth win of the season.
The Eagles came into round four with almost their full list and were looking to continue the 2010 season with a win in Hamilton. With a healthy crowd in attendance and good football conditions, both sides were eager to get the game underway.
The first quarter was a physical and see-sawing affair, as both teams worked hard to win possession and set the pace of the game. The Eagles took the upperhand, winning the ball throughout the midfield ending the quarter outscoring the Wildcats three goals to one.
No stranger to physical play, Eagles half forward Frank Luisser was well aware of what to expect from the Wildcats.
"As expected the first quarter was a physical one,” Luisser said. “That’s exactly what we were expecting from Hamilton. They’re a team who’s desperate for a win at the moment.”
The second quarter had Hamilton increased their work rate but the Cats just couldn’t transfer their efforts on to the scoreboard. After a feisty opening five minutes it was more one way traffic from the Eagles, who transferred the ball well around the ground and added another four goals while limiting Hamilton to only one.
After the half-time break the Eagles added another goal three minutes in, through forward pocket Salvatore Capoferri and the scene was set for another Toronto Eagles blowout. Whether it was a case of complacency or Hamilton increasing their determination, the rest of the quarter was turned on its head as the Wildcats took control of the game.
Hamilton kicked four unanswered goals and headed into the final break level with the Eagles at 49 points a piece. With each club on different ends of the ladder, excitement in the crowd had heightened with the possibility of an upset.
Eagles vice captain Tasos Dimacakos described the quarter as unacceptable for the proud club.
“The midfield was tiring and not following their men, the defence was in disarray and we just dropped our heads in the third, all of which is unacceptable for our club... if it wasn’t for their (Hamilton’s) poor kicking we could have been in more trouble,” Dimacakos stated.
Heading into the final quarter a little rattled and looking at the possibility of their first defeat for 2010, the Eagles came out more determined and focus. With the defence holding firm (only allowing Hamilton to score three points) and the midfield once again getting on top, the Eagles kicked four unanswered goals and secure a 24-point win.
Eagles coach Aaron Falcioni, who was solid in the fourth quarter, was displeased with the way in which his side had won.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little concerned with the way we played today,” Falcioni said. “The third quarter was totally unacceptable and certain areas will need to be addressed in the coming weeks training sessions.”
One positive for the Eagles was the influential form of full forward Oliver Hayward. Hayward had five goals for the match and looked unstoppable up forward.
Ruckman Ajit Alister continued with his good 2010 form and Frank Luisser was competitive all day. The Eagles’ defensive unit which was under pressure all day, showed good character to finish the game strong.
The Toronto Eagles will return to Humber North for round five to face the Toronto Rebels, bounce-down is set for 10am.
TORONTO EAGLES 3.0 7.0 8.1 12.4 (76)
HAMILTON WILDCATS 1.1 2.5 6.13 6.16 (52)
GOALS
O.Hayward 5, F.Luisser 2, A. Falcioni 2, A. Alister, S.Capoferri, L.Husar
BEST
O.Hayward, F.Luisser, A.Alister, T.Scholtes
INJURIES
Nil
REPORTS
Nil
