New York v Baltimore / Washington Eagles at New York

Sweltering heat greeted the New York Magpies and the Baltimore Washington Eagles at the Magpies new home of football, Rutgers University in New Jersey. A large crowd of both Magpies and Eagles supporters make the trek out to watch the Magpies 50th game. Such an event was just a glint in Chucky’s eye in 1998 when the club was formed. Having secured the larger of the two Rutgers grounds, the teams were able to field 18 a side, making it a true spectacle and test of depth in the hot weather.

The Magpies entered the game needing to win to maintain top spot, due to a series of recent wins by the Boston Demons. Baltimore Washington were also motivated as a win would place them equal on points with both New York and Boston; a three horse race for the NEAFL grand final was in the Eagles sights.

Winning the toss and kicking with a slight breeze, the Eagles started quickly through some early center breaks, putting the Pies back line under pressure. The Eagles however were unable to convert their opportunities. Magpies full back Peter “Palm Pilot” Gurry capitalized on the Eagles inaccurate goal kicking by hitting ruckman Andrew Bridges with kick-outs, and the Pies were able to steady, then push forward. Fielding a tall forward line, the Pies began to take control of the game midway through the first quarter as Tom Wilson consistently presented at marking contests. With Jeff “Haven’t had a decent hit since Sadie” Farnham busy bullocking across half forward in heavy traffic, and the duo of Shane Smith and Guy Luminato following up possessions in the midfield, the Pies started to exert some scoreboard pressure. A James Paterson mark from a Baltimore kick-out sent the Pies forward late in the first quarter. After safely taking the mark, Tom Wilson increased the Pies lead with a goal. The Pies took a 13 point lead into the quarter time break.

With the introduction of fresh legs at the start of the second quarter, the Pies continued to exert pressure on the Baltimore back line. John Woodbridge and Simon Bell proved to be elusive across half forward, fighting hard to retain possession. As has become a disturbing theme throughout the season, the Pies were not able to hurt the Eagles on the scoreboard due to inaccurate kicking. Alex “Doc” Mirakian was added to the midfield rotation of Luminato, Paterson and Smith during the quarter, and added some poise and polish, calmly slotting through a major and providing many opportunities across half forward. The Pies backline was extremely solid, especially across half back, proving the springboard for many forays up forward. James Malackey, reveling in the Perth-style weather, was the backbone of this strong defense. Malax, displaying fine form not seen since the hazy days of the Boston and Chicago post match scenes of 2001, was magnificent in the air, claiming mark of the day honours with a leap over James “lead feet” Paterson. The Pies went into the main break 32 points ahead.

The Magpies continued in the second half with hard aggressive running at the football and tackling with intent. The superior fitness and straight line approach of the Pies was personified by the American wingmen Eric “Shhhh!” Lerner and Ojas “Juice” Desai, who continually put their bodies on the line to obtain possession. Campbell “Rockstar” Doughty, soon to be leaving the Pies, gathered plenty of possessions across the middle in his final game. With Paterson engaged in an interesting duel in the midfield opposite his coaching counterpart from Baltimore Washington, New York’s other onballers Smith and Mirakian began racking up touches, which were finished by goal kicking midfielder Guy Luminato, who continued to run deep into the forward line.

The New York defense kept the Eagles scoreless in both the second and third quarters, due to exceptional teamwork and an impregnable halfback line of Jon McClelland, James Malackey and Andrew O’Flaherty. Self proclaimed Magpies games leader Tom Thompson continued his great form from the previous game, remaining unbeatable in one-on one contests until he met with an unwelcome elbow to the jaw. Said elbow later saw Thompson seeking sympathy votes at the post-match function. However, a recount later in the evening led some in the peanut gallery to suggest that Arthur Anderson had kept score of Tom’s total of 47 games from 50. Up forward the Pies were more accurate, but while Tom Wilson was dominant overhead, the same could not be said of his disposal; an attack of the kicking yips lead to a miss from the goal square.

Late in the game the heat began to take a toll on both sides. Baltimore Washington traveled well, bringing a squad of 27 for the game. Their bench helped create some potency in the forward line, kicking two goals in the opening stages of the final quarter. However, the Pies continued their disciplined play across half back and through the centerline, and finished the game attacking strongly. The strong crowd on hand for the Pies 50th game cheered the Pies home to the tune of 50 points.

It was another good win for the Pies, maintaining the momentum from wins against Boston and Philadelphia in the previous 2 NEAFL games. With the win, the Pies maintained top spot on the NEAFL ladder and continued its push for a grand final berth.

Thanks to all emergencies who came out and helped on the day, supporters who made the trek to Jersey, Leonie Lewis our water girl, umpires Steve Hasker and Rob Kelly, and magnet holder Moorcroft.

Final scores:

New York: 2.3 ; 4.10; 7.12 ; 9.12: 66

Balt. / Wash. Eagles: 0.2 ; 0.2; 0.2 ; 2.4: 16

Goalkickers: Wilson 4, Luminato 2, Woodbridge, Collela, Mirikian.

Best Players: Malackey, Wilson, Bridges, Desai, Smith, Mirakian, Luminato.