Metro League Home, Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Finals

Game 1: Times Square Tourists vs Village Bohemians

The Rd 4 clash between the Tourists and the Bohemians teams was one for the ages. The Tourists jumped out to a commanding 5 goal lead early in the game through the tough centre work of Rhys ‘Market Manager’ Ryan and Walt ‘Google It’ Lin. Walt was damaging in the middle using his pace and agility to evade tacklers as well as up forward in creating plenty of scoring opportunities. Nick ? and Normie Steiner were the focal points up forward, each kicking goals at will. Norm finished the game with 5 goals. However, the Bohemians through Al MacCleod and Jarrad Creighton began to lift and got on top of the Tourists to lead at the long break by 1 goal.

The 2nd half saw a struggle that took its toll with both teams losing key players to injury with Michael Payne breaking a leg and Walt hurting his knee. Big Matthew ‘Yes, I workout’ Smith was a tower of strength at CHB repelling any Bohemian thrust forward. Coach’s Hendrie and Lewis traded moves in spite of each other from the sidelines to find that match winning edge. The Bohemians Jim Nicholls stood tall kicking crucial goals at the right times. As the match wound down, both sides were struggling in the heat and neither could break clear to end the tie. The game ended in the first ever draw in metro league history. The Tourists register their first points for the season and sit at the bottom of the table with 0 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses, while the Bohemians are all the 1’s and sit in 3rd place.

Times Square Tourists 10-0-60 (Stiener 5, Molly 4, Ryan 1) tied with Village Bohemians 10-0-60 (Nicholls 5, McLeod, Gillispe, Crighton, Payne, McCormick)

Game 2: Suburban Tollmen vs The Hudson River Rats

The two heavyweights of the competition squared off in game 2 of the 4th Rd of MetroLeague with the Trash taking the points comfortably. The Rats scored first through a quick thinking goal by Andrew Bridges before the Trash got on top in the middle through Reuben Murray and Ojas ‘OJ’ Desai. Up forward, Magpies coach Shane Devine showcased his accuracy booting a couple of goals and with Joe Meehan patrolling CHF, things could have gotten ugly. Rookie newcomer and Trash-at-heart Tim Buxton tried hard and showcased his obvious talent for the Rats in getting the ball forward for their occasional score. Tom Thompson worked tirelessly in the centre also. At the half though, it was the Trash by 4 goals.

The Rats came out to play in the 2nd half but were always an arms reach away from the Trash, who through Murray (4 goals) and James Polulach (2 goals) peppered the uprights. Doug Lewis defended his heart out as usual along with Bruce Cameron. Dylan Bryant was the best defender for the Rats but their inexperience showed as the Trash kicked goals at crucial times. The Trash sit atop the table along with the Rats, each with 2 wins and 1 loss a piece.

Surburban Tollmen 14-1-85 (Devine 5, Murrary 4, Polulach 2, Lerch 1, Meehan 1) defeated Hudson River Rats 10-0-60 (Bridges, Manzaris, Boyd, Thompson)

Next week is the showcase event at Stevens Institute in Hoboken, NJ. The Rats take on the Tourists and the Trash attempt to get revenge on the Bohemians.

Until next times, seeya at the footy.

James Polulach