Boston Demons @ New York Magpies – Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn

New York Magpies 14.5.89 defeated the Boston Demons 10.6.66

Only 4 weeks following the Pies memorable Anzac triumph in Boston saw the Demons travel to New York for the return bout at a new venue, Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn.

The Pies were wary that the Demons would be hungry for revenge, as evidenced by their impressive win over the Eagles 2 weeks before. However it was a well prepared Magpies outfit that got the jump with a 6 goal first quarter.

In a complete reversal of the first quarter against Lehigh in the previous round the Pies made their hard work around the field count where it mattered. The engine room of “Bubba” Bridges, Smitty, Luminato and Malackey provided the run out of the center and followed up their passes to the leading forwards to capitalize in front of goal. Walshy, in his last game for the Pies (for a while at least?), was energized in his position as a free roaming attacking wingman and it was his inspiration that was largely responsible for the Pies ascendancy at quarter time.

Heading into the second quarter against the wind the Pies began to be put under the same pressure that they had submitted Boston to in the first quarter. Chinks started developing in the Pies play as their forward line structure and general discipline around the ground combined with a more committed Boston saw the scores close to within 2 goals half way through the second term. The Pies began to fight back in the second half of the quarter and were able to reestablish their 5 goal cushion at the main break.

After a half time blast from stand in coach Guzz for undisciplined play the Pies began the second half more disciplined. The back line led by Wilson restricted the Demons in the air and never gave them a look in on the ground. The center line continued to run hard and work the ball into the forward line but the delivery and the lack of forward structure combined to reduce the Pies scoring potency in the third quarter. Lerner continued to lead by example by putting his body on the ball rather than toe-poking the ball like many of his team mates.

Leading by 6 goals heading into the last term the Pies concentrated on crowding the Demons back line but the Demons were up to the challenge and scored 4 goals to make it interesting. The Pies were able to regain the ascendancy late in the quarter propelled by Wilson’s numerous marks across the half back line.

New players Desai, “HOS” O’Flaherty, Lerch and McClelland continued to improve and show signs of versatility as they were asked to play in different positions from other games.

At the final siren the Pies had taken a 3/6 record against Boston and converted it to a 5/6 record within 4 weeks. At the end of the game Walshy was given a traditional Pies last game send off, being carried off the ground by Wilson.

Offensively and individually it was a much better performance from the Pies, equaling the score of the previous 2 NEAFL rounds and posting the fourth highest score in the clubs 48 game history. However the game disclosed a number of chinks in the Pies forward structure, the team play wasn’t as evident as in the Anzac win and the team was far too undisciplined at times. All of these will have to be worked on before the Pies can legitimately consider themselves contenders for the inaugural NEAFL crown.

‘Dem Pies are sure hot, Ma!!!

Guzz

Best: Bridges, Lerner, Luminato, Malackey, Smith, Walsh, Wilson

Goals: 6 – Walsh, 2 – Kallhovd, 1 – Bell, Bridges, Gurry, Keenan, Luminato, Smith

Scores

New York 6.2, 9.3, 12.4, 14.5 89

Boston 1.2, 4.3, 6.3, 10.6 66

Players: Barlaz, Bell, Bridges, Desai, Farnham, Gurry, Kallhovd, Keenan, Lerch, Lerner, Lewis, Luminato, McClelland, Malackey, Moorcroft, O’Flaherty, Reid, Smith, Thakker, Thompson, Walsh, Wilson