In the traditional annual State of Origin match the Victorians fielded a powerful team and were heavy favorites with the bookmakers. However, the Allies were determined not to let the Vics win 3 in a row.  Both midfields traded in hard to start the game and neither team could gain a mental each. The Vic’s was backline was on top and they went into the first break with a handy 3 goal lead.

After some positional moves at quarter time, the Allies got their running game going and piled on a few quick goals. With the Aliies backline in control, they piled on a few more goals and were looking like taking a lead into the main change. However, the Vics kicked a couple of late goals against the run of play to go into the halftime break with a 3 point lead.

Both teams took advantage of the break and came out full of running. It was an arm wrestle for the first 10 minutes as the the game hit a frenetic pace. However it was the Vics who broke the deadlock and in a 10 minute span kicked 5 goals. The Vics big names were living up to their reputation, however the Allies fought on and got a couple of late ones to keep the contest alive at three quarter time.

In the last quarter the Allies threw everything at the Vics but they couldn’t penetrate into the forward line and the Vics kicked away to a comfortable lead and controlled the rest of the match. In the end the Vic’s just had a little too much class to make it 3 in a row but they Allies certainly proved they will be a force in the coming years. There were a lot of new faces in the game and this only bodes well for the club overall.

Thanks to Arne Pulle for a terrific solo umpiring effort, showing he has really developed his skills. The Rob Oliver medal, awarded to the best on ground as judged by the umpire, went to Jack Taylor (Victoria)

The Hudson River Rats shocked the heavily favoured Times Square Tourists in the 2010 NYCAFL grand final. The Rats started strongly and continued their surprising form throughout the game to keep the Tourists at arms length. The skill and class of the Tourists came to the surface however and threatened the Rats after halftime. It was the initial shock at the start that propelled the Rats confidence and they hung on for a 1 point win, 8.1 to 8.0. The Tourists trailed by 3 goals late in the game and a late surge put them ahead before a snapped goal by the Rats gave them the lead with seconds remaining. It was a great, hard fought game, probably the best of the season, and credit must be given to Squires’ men who were not given much of a chance during the year.

The Rats win ended a 5 season premiership run by the Trash. Coincidentally, the Rats ended the Trash’s hopes of 6 in a row the week before with a 7 goal drubbing, while the VB’s were handed the wooden spoon by the Tourists. The Tourists dream of bottom to top was close, but not close enough.  However, Brennan’s men will be eager to atone for the loss next season.

2010 saw a great season for the NYCAFL with more players taking part than any other year and a new team taking out the title to reinvigorate the competition.

For the last time, this is the Commish signing off!

A number of new players turned up to Tibbetts Brook Park for the club’s first hit out of the year. The more highly fancied Vics were slow out of the blocks against the Allies. However, by quarter time the Allies had a small lead that grew to 4 goals at the half, thanks to the forward line presence of Keating and Walkington while Jimmy McLoughlin kicked 5 first half goals in his debut as a Magpie. Whilst the ball was continuing to be kicked long into the Allies forward line, back line generals Norman, Smiles, and McCormick did well to keep the pressing Allies at bay.

The Allies were on top in the middle with Taylor at first.  With the move of 17 year old Dan Lehane into the ruck, Ormsby, Smith, Hawkins, Lin and Desai grabbed first use of the ball. The Allies’ defense was proving to be a good platform of attack with composure by Lewis and Polulach’s penetrating kicking.

After a half time spray by stand in coach Squires, the Vics came out firing with Dawkins, Gluck, and Mitchell all getting more of the ball and giving their forwards better delivery. Georgiou was also moved forward with immediate impact and formed a potent forward line with first gamers, Sani and Nichols. Roberts was moved to half back where he shut down first half hero McLoughlin.

The last quarter was a tight contest. Both teams traded goals and Brennan continued his dominant performance. Buxton’s class showed through, but the Allies countered with Guarino’s long left foot kicking. There were big efforts from McCormick and Walker for their respective teams and after Lehane’s solo run and goal the Allies were up with only a few minutes on the clock.

However, it was the courageous return by injured Vics’ ruckman Buckingham, who dominated early until injury forced him to leave the field, that sparked the Vics. Any hopes the Allies had of stealing this one were snuffed out when late goals by Dawkins and Sani were enough for the Vics to hang on over a gallant Allies outfit. Andrew Brennan was awarded the Rob Oliver medal for best on ground.

Vics 12.10 82
Allies 11.9 75

The New York City Australian Football League opened up its season with the OUTBACK Pre-Season Challenge on the weekend.

Three teams competed on Saturday, the Brooklyn Tigers, the Bronx Warriors and the Manhattan Scorpions.

The first match between the Tigers and the Warriors was a game dominated by talented forwards on both sides.

The first half saw James Hawkins in rare early form for the Tigers kicking six, some reminding observers of a young Diacos. While the Tigers dominated the match in the first half it was the Warriors who owned the game in the second half, with Zac Keane and Tim Buxton combining for five goals. The Tigers were able to hang on for a 30 point victory.

Scores

Brooklyn Tigers	10	0	60
Bronx Warriors	5	0	30

Best

    Brooklyn: Jimmy Polulach, James Hawkins, Toby Tornay

    Bronx: Zac Keane, Tim Buxton, Ed McCormack

Goals

    Brooklyn: Hawkins 6, Desai 1, Flavel 1, Lonergan 1, Polulach 1

    Bronx: Keane 3, Buxton 2

The second match was played between the Manhattan Scorpions and the Brooklyn Tigers.

This turned out to be a crackerjack contest. The game was played at a ferocious pace plenty of hard at the ball contests and tackling at a level not usually seen in early season games. Toby Tornay particularly led the way in this area for the Tigers. A feature was the ruck contests between Adam Mantzaris and Brett Smiley of the Tigers. The Scorpions had done their homework and were able to restrict the dangerous Hawkins in the first half. Ormsby and Batty driving the center field for the Scorpions helped create a one goal lead at the half.

The second half was played at a similar pace, but Hawkins refused to be contained any longer and opened up finishing the game with five goals. The lead see-sawed throughout the half Ormsby and Batty kicking 7 goals between them, while Big Mike “Buckets” Farrell was engaged in a tough physical contest with newcomer Nick Walker, Farrell finishing with 3 goals. Just when you thought the Scorpions were done back they came to kick a tying goal. The game finished with the ball in the hands of Jimmy Polulach but the siren went before he kicked and the game ended in a tie. Special mention to Monica Robbins, a member of the USA Freedom team, who played for the Scorpions finishing the game with 4 goals.

Scores

Brooklyn Tigers	12	0	72
Manhattan Scorpions	12	0	72

Best

    Brooklyn: Jimmy Polulach, James Hawkins, Toby Tornay , Brett Smiley

    Manhattan: Shane Batty, Glen Ormsby, Nick Walker, Paul Guarino

Goals

    Brooklyn: Hawkins 5, Farrell 3, Polulach 2, Flavel 1, Lonergan 1

    Manhattan: Robbins 4, Ormsby 4, Batty 3, Guarino 1

The final match saw the Bronx Warriors take on the Manhattan Scorpions. A Scorpions win could give them bragging rights for the day.

The Warriors bounced out of the blocks and played hard man on man football from the first second. Cleary not wanting to go through the day without a win, Zac Keane leading the way in the ruck and around the ground creating opportunities for his team mates. Ben Squires and Glen Ormsby were involved in a fierce contest on ball. Tim Buxton was at his creative best causing havoc in the forward line. The Warriors took a substantial half time lead.

The second half saw a fight back from the Scorpions with Mantzaris fighting back against Keane in the ruck and quick goals to Batty and Ormsby. Paul Guarino was active and dangerous in the forward line providing the goal of the day with sensational play and a snap across the body.

However the Warriors steadied and ran out comfortable winners.

Scores

Bronx Warriors	12	1	73
Manhattan Scorpions	7	1	43

Best

    Bronx: Zac Keane, Ben Squires ,Tim Buxton, Ed McCormack

    Manhattan: Shane Batty, Adam Mantzaris, Glenn Ormsby, Paul Guarino

Goals

    Bronx: Keane 4, Squires 4, Buxton 3, Adam 1

    Manhattan: Batty 4, Ormsby 1, Guarino 1, Robbins 1

Special thanks to Rod Marr and Michael Payne who umpired all games and did a terrific job.