New York Magpies vs Boston Demons

Minuteman Tech High School, Lexington, MA
Umpire: Doug Algate

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EAFL Round 4

The main game started at an absolute cracking pace with both teams throwing their bodies into the fray. The Demons struck first but it wasn’t long before the Pies, through Matt Smith controlling half back, started to get on top. Neither team was able to get the ball away from stoppages cleanly and it was up to the little guys to push the ball forward. At the quarter time break the teams were separated by the slenderest of margins.

The 2nd qtr started off with the Pies making a few positional changes as the Demons were easily winning the ball across the Pies half forward line. NY began to generate some run from half back through the likes of James Polulach, Smitty and Doug Lewis. Through link ups with the midfield in Juice, Crighton and Molloy, NY began to apply scoreboard pressure. The Pies couldn’t hold the advantage for long as Boston swung the momentum and banged on 4 goals in quick succession. New York began to 2nd guess their play and was caught several times as Boston stepped up the pressure. At the half time break, the Pies were facing a 2 goal deficit.

The 3rd qtr saw some great football as both teams refused to give in easily. Walt Lin continued his great form in the midfield for the Pies winning the hard ball and Tom Hayes rewarded himself with a few well earned goals. It was goal for goal as Boston wouldn’t go away and at the final change, the Pies held a narrow lead.

When opportunity knocks, the door must be answered and the black and whites were unable to capitalize on the chances they worked hard to open up. New York missed some key shots on goal in the final quarter and gave away some undisciplined free kicks which resulted in Boston goals. The ball was entrenched for the most part of the last stanza in the Pies forward line, but with seconds remaining and the ball deep in a pocket, a quick snap on goal capped a remarkable game of footy that saw the scores finish up 1 point the difference in Boston’s favor.

Andrew Bridges rucked fantastically for most of the game and Rhys Ryan was powerful as ever in the middle. The Pies had several players that had a red hot go but lack of fitness was a key issue. It is a tough loss to swallow but hard work on the track will ensure we go along way to avoiding that pain again.

EAFL match Scores

Boston 7.6 (48) def.
New York 6.11 (47)

Video

Reserves Match

New York traveled to Boston for the much anticipated match against their arch rival, the Boston Demons. The Pies were hoping to reverse last years result which saw them lose comfortably to the red and blues. NY was fielding one of its strongest lineups and with an eye towards nationals, was looking to stamp their authority on the EAFL and build some momentum heading out to Las Vegas.

In a strong sign for both clubs an 8 a side reserve/metro style game served as a curtain raiser to the main game. As a sign of things to come, Boston controlled the game for 85% of the time, with NY putting on a furious second half comeback to go down by 3 points. Great work by all the players from both teams who set the tone for the day with their hardness at the ball and the player.

Scores

Boston 7.13(55) def.
New York 8.4(52)

Mark of the year nomination goes to Rhys Ryan.

Two games decided by a total of 4 points made for some great suspense and a plenty of entertainment for all of the spectators.

Farewell to Brett Lewis who played his last game as a Pie and we wish him, Alyssa and little Lewis all the best back in OZ. Cheers Lewie!

The results of the games certainly did not put a damper on the Saturday night out on the town with a mysterious princess fairy making an appearance granting three wishing to many of the partiers out that night.

Until then, see ya at the footy.

James Polulach

Match Photos