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Round #4, CAFL Season 2009

Sunday, 30th August Marauders -v- All-Stars - full scorecard

A reprieve in the weather this weekend everywhere in Prague except the sizzling Slavia stadium!! CAFL round 4 was contested in near perfect conditions and turned out to be the season decider.

There was a small change in preparation for the 9-a-side EU Cup for this match, dropping the extra player and imposing the additional EU Cup rules. Players could score only inside the forward third of the ground and only one bounce on the run was allowed.

All-Stars headed into the game with a 2-1 lead in the 5 match 2009 league and were keen to cement their place as innaugural CAFL Champions. Marauders had the work to do and they knew it, coming into the game down on points and percentage. They needed a win and a big win at that.

Stand no.2 was beginning to fill from the overflow as the crowd took their seats, and the tension was mounting. After almost two months since round 3 and a month since the last match, the punters were keen for the 4th round footy furor to get underway.

The first bounce was decidely won by the Marauders and they advanced into their scoring third within seconds. The ball was tied up in front of goal and finally cleared by the All-Stars defence. But the Marauders pounced again in the centre and forced their way back in to open the scoring. Their tails were up and first blood was drawn.

By the first break, the Marauders had posted 3 goals to All-Stars 2 and a air of confidence surrounded them, with all players urging each other on to push even harder in the second. The second quarter produced some more even footy, mostly contested on the ground. Everyone was going in hard for the footy and trying to gain the upper hand. Shots on goal were plenty, but not many could find the big sticks. The Marauders got of jail a few times in front of the All-Stars goal and were unlucky not to go to the main break down by a larger margin. As it was, the All-Stars managed to kick themselves ahead by 7 at half time.

The long break between games was showing, with both sides showing inaccuracy in kicking and even some tiredness in the legs.

The third quarter proved to be the Championship quarter, with the All-Stars kicking out to 22 points in front courtesy of some poor Marauders disposals and careless tackling. Again, the Marauders were lucky not to go further behind as the All-Stars squandered three clear chances on goal.

At the other end, the Marauders were not able to exploit their luck and were also wasteful of some good chances in front of goal.

Marauders coach, Dan Vella was furious at the last break and he stood over his charges, demanding everyone lift their pedestrian like efforts and take the fight right to the end.

Again, the Marauders broke first and kicked two goals in two minutes to bring the game back to two kicks. But it was too little too late as goals either side from the All-Stars ensured an even quarter and they held on to the 20 point margin to run out winners, 67 to 47 and Champions for the first season of CAFL League Football.

John CrehanJohn Crehan (left) was welcomed back with a solid performance and 2 goals for the All-Stars, while Kevan Lyons (below) played his first match for the Marauders, helping out in defence and shifting forward in the last quarter and chipping in with a goal as well.Kevan Lyons

Thanks go out from all players and supporters for the umpiring, shared between Mark Pace and Greg Johnson (below), while also wearing the selectors cap for the EU Cup, to be held in Croatia in the first weekend of October.

Greg Johnson & Mark Pace

The first selection was announced yesterday, for Coach of the Czech Lions team for EU Cup 2009:

Congratulations to Neil Palmer (right), who will now work at molding the 20-man squad into a pride of 15 hungry Lions to go on the hunt for EU Cup glory in 5 weeks time.Neil Palmer

A big thanks to all the supporters who filled stands no.1 and 2 in the beautiful conditions and also stayed on to enjoy a bbq and refreshments with the players.

 

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Final score: All-Stars 9 - 13 = 67 defeated Marauders 6 - 11 = 47

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More photos from the match can be seen under the Gallery.

To view more CAFL photos, visit one of the following links:

Czech Footy

CAFL Footy Pics

And keep you eyes open for video on YouTube, such as this snippet of action from round 1.

Round #3, CAFL Season 2009

Wednesday, 8th July  All-Stars -v- Marauders - full scorecard

Yes folks, you have read correctly... Wednesday. Midweek action has come to Prague and the stands were creaking with excitement, and under the weight of the dozen or so fans who braved the wild and woolly weather, to witness Wednesday weaponry wielded to weed out the winners from the weepeers, they were not to be disappointed.

Would it be the All-Stars to avenge their first loss and retain first spot on the ladder clear on points, or would the Marauders continue their winning streak?

Both sides had enough question marks hanging over them to punctuate a Spanish quiz book! With several players from both teams out due to injury, the odds were at evens. Noone was willing to bet either way until the first bounce.

The Vypich ground provides a bit more space to move the ball than the compact Slavia venue and this was obviously going to affect the boys performance. Fitness would prove to be a more important, and maybe deciding, factor in the match. Both the late start of the match, being midweek, and the perilous journey on the no.1 tram to the venue had the players puffing before they'd even pulled on their Big Rooster Footy guernseys.

The first ruck knock was hard and the onballers were all over the ball and tied it up in the centre for another ball up. Immediately, it was obvious that the desire to win the ball and the game would be tough and uncompromising.

The All-Stars were the first to make their mark on the Auto Klub Marketa scoreboard. They continued to pepper the goals in the first quarter, but many missed their mark and both teams went to the first break at 18 points a piece. Game on!

Ball skills were great in the dry conditions and handpassing under pressure is definitely an area of huge improvement over the first 2 rounds. Honza "Jako" Kren (CZ) used his body well and a one-two handpass with Ryan "Canadian" Adams (US) resulted in well engineered All-Stars goal.

Halftime quickly approached and both players and spectators alike were asking themselves... was it really 40 minutes? The clip of the first half even had the timekeeper checking her watch to see if wasn't playing up.

The first half was full of tackles as hard hitting as the first Underbelly series and the Marauders managed to edge themselves in front by 2 goals. The question was, would the second half be as hard hitting? Would the fans already be sensitised?

To the fans delight, the players continued the pace and drama of the first into the second. But it was now the All-Stars turn to take advantage of the sheltered stand and gale force breeze to run the ball quickly into attack. With some direct passing from Mark P. (AU/ML) and the sharp leads of the forwards, the All-Stars took control. The All-Stars didn't allow the Marauders more than a solitary point in the third quarter and thanks mostly to Jan "Honza" Brynych's control of the ruck knocks and Brent "Angry Ant" H's centre breaks, the Marauders simply didn't have the answers.

In a strange move, Michal "Rash" Becvar (CZ) was marking the Marauders defender Michael "Shut the" G. (AU) stiffling his ability to shut down the All-Stars attacking forays. 

As the teams huddled for the last break, Mark P.'s (AU) Marauders sat silently and devoured every word. In the other cabana it was a different scene, with the All-Stars exchanging thoughts on how to stem the flow from the All-Stars. They had the 23 goal breeze at their backs for the ride home but couldn't stop the All-Stars from kicking a few more to ensure them top spot on the podium.

Match-up of the match: Neil P. (AU) -v- Mark C. (AU/PL)... do these guys actually get along?

Play of the day: Jakub "Frans" Kafka (CZ) spinning out of a tackle and booting a torpedo punt from 25 metres out, straight through the centre for a goal.

This was a truly great game, full of passion and fire in the bellies of all the players. The CAFL President was full of praise in the after match press conference:

 "Yes great job to everyone...was by far the most intense game yet...especially all the new   players who haven't played much before...the speed of improvement is amazing." Mike G. (AU)

The only thing hotter than the pace on the field was Dave's bbq - good work fella!

Best wishes also go out to Pete "Pommy" Cowan (EN) and his lovely lady Mel, who will be leaving Prague in a few days. Was great to have you on the field with us mate, and Mel's help with scoring and timing yesterday was very much appreciated. Good luck to you both.


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Final score: All-Stars 14 - 13 = 97 defeated Marauders 9 - 9 = 63

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Round #2, CAFL Season 2009

Sunday, 14th June  Marauders -v- All-Stars - full scorecard

Link to video: Action from round 2. (Will appear in our Gallery -> Video section soon!)

Round 2 of the 2009 CAFL Season was contested later in the afternoon due to the wonderful, yet hot, sunshine on the doorstep of summer in Prague.

From the first bouncedown it was clear that the Marauders were bent on reversing the result from round 1. Hard tackling and determination to be first to the ball looked like it would be the order of the day. Both teams didn't take longer than 5 minutes to warm up and hit top gear. However, the All-Stars managed to do the damage on the scoreboard early and went into quarter time 3 goals ahead.

Greg Johnsons (AU) Marauders were clearly shocked by the first quarter and huddled closely to listen to the coaches advice. The All-Stars though, looked cool in the heat and appeared confident that they could repeat the punishment for the next 3 quarters.

The second quarter opened at the same frenetic pace and the Marauders kicked 2 goals to close the gap. The All-Stars, through a clever snap by Mark Pace (AU) pegged one back and looked dangerous from the centre once again. The ruck contests were tight all day and Swen Groeneveld (BE) was beginning to win his share of the knocks for the Marauders.

Goals from Pete Cowan (EN) and Dan Vella (AU) brought the Marauders within 2 goals as the half time siren edged closer. The All-Stars were at one stage peppering the goals at their end, but couldn't find the big sticks again. Mark Cichon (AU/PL) was under constant pressure from Neil Palmer (EN) but forced his way into front spot and goaled from the mark.

Marauders had their tails up and took a 3 point lead into the changerooms.

Early in the 3rd quarter, the Marauders stretched their lead further, with goals from Greg Johnson (AU) and Dan Vella (AU) converting his 2nd and 3rd of 5 for the day. Tristan Youngster (AU) was playing a great supporting role, alongside the ruck and centres.

At the other end, Mike Gouteff (AU) was throwing his body on the line to get his boys back into the game. Kicking 4 goals for the game was impressive, but the defending of the Marauders was to be applauded as Jakub Komarek (CZ) began to settle into the fullback position and fended off several All-Star attacks to deny the scoreboard from ticking over further. Honza Dubec (CZ) showed his promise in defence as well, punching the ball clear from behind on several occasions and spoiling the All-Stars attack.

The All-Stars missed the steading presence of Brent Hadley (AU) and although John Crehan (IE) and  David Singleton (AU) showed good determination for the ball, they had little to kick to up front with the Marauders defenders wearing their opponents like a Borat mankini. Matous Hlaves (GE) tried to generate some movement in the centre but had trouble finding Matej Slovak (SK) in the crowded forward line.

Switching with Swen, Honza Brynych (CZ) also took his fair share of ruck knocks and one not so fair knock to the nose as well. Taking a hit which would've put Didier Drogba out for the season, he returned after a short break to continue his influence in the centre and on the ball. Honza Kren (CZ) was tireless on the ball and switched occassionally with Mike Gouteff (AU) as they tried to dominate the centre bounces. All day, the centre breaks were pretty even and the ruck contests harder to pick than a broken nose.

Jakub Maly (CZ) for All-Stars  played well in his first game for the season, as did Evgen Bily (BR) as he and Sam Lalloue (FR) worked well all day for the Maruaders, getting into front spot and working hard off the ball.

Final score: Marauders 14 - 14 = 98 defeated All-Stars 11 - 11 = 77

 

Round #1, CAFL Season 2009

Sunday, 24th May All-Stars -v- Marauders - full scorecard

Round 1 of the inaugural 2009 CAFL Season was contested under the glorious sunshine of a warm spring day in Prague. The first bouncedown marked a historic occassion as the very first Czech Australian Football League match.

Greg Johnson (AU) lead the Marauders, while Mark Pace (AU) looked after the All-Stars and on paper it looked like a pretty even match up. The first quarter started with all players going in hard and showing their enthusiasm and desire for the ball. It was the All-Stars though, who were able to post 2 goals to the Marauders 1 to take the lead at the first break.

Matous (GE) and Mike (AU) combined well from the centre through half forward (if there can really be one on the smaller rugby size ground) to boost the All-Stars lead early in the second quarter. It might have been worse if Sam (FR) hadn't put his body on the line for the Marauders on several occassions to clear the ball from defence. Still, the Marauders managed only 2 goals to the All-Stars 4 in the second quarter.

After being frustrated in the first half, especially by the close attention from Mark P (AU), Dan (AU) finally broke from the centre and booted a steadying goal for the Marauders. Tristan (AU) contributed with a couple of good kicks out of the centre and Mark C (AU/PL) was solid up forward, getting in front and taking some strong marks.

Greg (AU) took advantage of a good ruck knock in his favour to kick the Marauders 3rd, and it looked like they were about to get themselves back into the match as John (IE) was also pushing forward again, booting the 3rd of his 4 goals for the day. But the All-Stars fought back and Honza K (CZ) did the hard yards on the wing and fed the ball back into their forward line again. Singo (AU) held onto an overhead mark and kicked the All-Stars 6th goal for the third quarter giving them an unassailable lead.

In the final quarter, Brent (AU) was hard working in the centre for the All-Stars and was unlucky not to put his team further in front. Sam (FR) continued his dominance in the back line and helped to hold the All-Stars to 3 goals for the term. The Marauders didn't give up and ran solidly for the last 18 minutes. Swen (BE) goaled and soon after the next ruck knock, Pete (EN) took a nice mark in front of goal and helped the Marauders win the final quarter 4 goals to 3.

It wasn't enough though, and the All-Stars were clear winners at the final whistle, 15 goals 20 points: 110 to the Marauders 10 goals 9 points: 69.

 

The new players in 2009 were having a great time and were getting into the game quickly. The Marauders Honza D (CZ) was trying his hand in the ruck and did a great job alternating with Greg (AU) all day. Matej (SK) was impressive in the second half for the All-Stars and kicked 2 goals, 1 of them following up from a strong mark. Pavel (CZ) and Lukas (CZ) worked solidly in defence all day for the All-Stars as did Jakub (CZ) and Tom (EN) for the Marauders.

Final score: All-Stars 15 - 20 = 110 defeated Marauders 10 - 9 = 69

Thanks to Kevan (AU) for umpiring and to Paul (US) and Honza (CZ) for taking care of the scoring and the stats for the match.

Congratulations to all players who made this historical match a great one. The training is paying off and we are already seeing a vast improvement in all players. The handpassing in round #1, especially under pressure, was fantastic and the spirit in which the game was played was a credit to all.

For more from round 1 and other CAFL photos, please visit the following link: Czech Footy

 

CAFL League Kicks off this Sunday

 

This Sunday, 24th of May, sees the beginning of the first CAFL Season.

2 teams will fight for honours, the EU All-Stars and EU Crusaders. Gates open at 12:00 noon at Slavia Rugby Ground in Vrsovice for a 13:00 Bounce down.

Training has been tremendous in the last 6 weeks, with some experienced coaching paying dividends as the standard has improved 10 fold. For the first time in CAFL history, Australian players are outnumbered. This is fantastic news for the sport in the Czech Republic as the whole drive behind setting up the league is to get the locals involved. Of course, we have welcomed players who are neither Czech or Australian and everyone has enjoyed the challenge of learning (and in some cases) relearning the skills required to play this great sport.

All are welcome to come down to support the teams on Sunday and to join the players for a BBQ and a few refreshments after the game.

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