THE TORONTO EAGLES have battled through some terrible conditons to secure a 60-point victory over the High Park Demons.
The victory keeps the Eagles undefeated for the season and the Demons still chasing their second win.
With some heavy rainfall before the match there tough conditions were expected by both teams. This proved to affect the game from the first bounce, as both sides were scrambling to gain control in the first quarter.
With each team having limited opportunities in front of goal, it was the Eagles who were able to their chance and took a 14-point lead into the first break.
“These were some really tough conditions, especially when trying to handle the footy,” said winger George Dimacakos. “We played in similar conditions a few weeks back an in the end, it all comes down to who want it more than the other.”
In the second quarter, the Eagles started to pull away from the Demons. With both sides trying to control the play, it was the Eagles midfield that started to work that little bit harder for the football and their forward line taking their chances in front of goal. The Eagles would head in to the major break confidently in charge with a 25-point lead.
“The first half of the game was closer than the score represents,” said rover Kevin Minaker. “Both side were working hard around the ground to gain possession, we just took our chances around the ground and up forward.”
The third quarter saw the football spend more time on the ground than in the players' hands, making scoring opportunities limited. It was a good quarter for the Demons who control most of the play. Even with less football the Eagles were still able to outscore Demons, three goals to two and take a strong lead into the last quarter.
The final term produced some of the worse conditions for the day with heavy downpour halfway through. Despite the conditions the Eagles were able to dominate play around the ground, only allowing the Demons to score one point for the quarter.
The Eagles would kick four goals for the quarter and eventually run out 60-point winners in game that was well contested. Coach Aaron Falcioni was impressed with his side’s performances in the tough conditions.
“This was one of those games where it’s anyone’s for the taking,” Falcioni said. “It was good to see the boys increase their work rate and finish the game strong.
"It shows the character of the club.”
Ajit Alister had another great performance for the Eagles and was superb in the ruck. Returning forward Oliver Hayward also had a solid match kicking three goals and providing a target up forward.
Other standouts for the Eagles were wingman George Dimacakos and centre Mark Peterson. Dimacakos had fantastic match and was influential around the ground, while Peterson made his presence felt kicking four goals for the game. Also, new recruit Neil Brown had a solid first game in the blue and gold and will be a great alternative for the departing Alister in the ruck.
Next week the Toronto Eagles will have a bye due to the OAFL Canada Day Carnival, but will return on Thursday July 8th at Humber South when they face the Toronto Downtown Dingos.
TORONTO EAGLES 3.2 5.7 8.11 12.13 (85)
HIGH PARK DEMONS 1.0 2.0 4.0 4.1 (25)
GOALS
M.Peterson 4, O.Hayward 3, A.Falcioni 2, A. Alister, N.Brown, A.Farr
BEST
O.Hayward, G. Dimacakos, A. Alister, M.Peterson
INJURIES
Nil
Reports: Nil
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
