Roos Articles
[all articles & game coverage]
Links in archives may no longer work. Photo collections temporarily unavailable.
Redbacks Survive Monster Rally to Lock Up Season Series over Wallabies
It was a humid 90 degree evening for the third match between the Rutherford County Redbacks and the Wilson County Wallabies. Both teams expected a competition of attrition, with interchange being imperative to maintain speed and skill through four quarters.
The Wallabies won the toss and chose to kick with the wind in the first quarter. With Luke "Brawny" Stockdale rucking, they had many opportunities in the center. However, the Redbacks had a strong defense, featuring Justin "J D" Davis, Mischa Nemeth and Nick "Grimey" Grimes, and full forward Damian "What's" Serong "With That" at the other end. Serong soon had two goals in the first quarter. Mike "Goon" Guinsburg gathered possessions on one side of the forward line, including a classy goal off the ground. The other side was controlled by Tim Kleman, who kicked two goals. The Wallabies were kept quiet at the other end, with Stockdale dropping back into the forward line to produce their only goal for the quarter.
After Redbacks' Chip Price and Jake Ridings scored early in the second quarter, the Wallabies responded productively. Jeff "Peeps" Persson fired his team up with an early goal, full forward Bo Link kicked two, and Stockdale again dropped back to support the forwards and earned another goal. At the other end, Serong added two more to his tally and Price kicked a second goal. The Redbacks had slightly extended their lead at half time, but the Wallabies were in the game.
The Wallabies were kicking with the wind in the third quarter, but the Redbacks came out committed to eradicate the threat of a comeback. The Redbacks worked hard in defense, consistently averted Wallaby attacks, limiting them to just four points for the quarter. Rutherford County center-field playmakers Cliff "Nugget" Cosnahan and Ben Vaatstra each kicked a goal, rewarding themselves for their hard work, and Serong scored yet another goal.
Trailing by 52 points at the final break, it looked like it was all over for the Wallabies, but quitting isn't a Wallaby trait. The Redbacks had tired legs, but the Wallabies still had bounce and Stockdale was still tall. Stockdale was a force in the forward line, kicking three goals in the last quarter. Not to be outdone by their center-field opponents, Dee "Weeman" Vsetecka and "Sugar" Kane Harrison each kicked a goal. Full forward Link added another, and the Wilson County boys had reduced the deficit by 30 points. At last the Redbacks found their legs to stifle the Wallaby resurgence. Full forward Serong was fired up enough to kick two more goals, the final whistle blew, and Redbacks and Wallabies all reverted to Roos.
With a 3-0 lead in the five game 2010 series, the Rutherford County Redbacks seem to be the powerhouse of the Nashville Metro League. Nonetheless, there is plenty of talent among the Wilson County Wallabies and another opportunity for them on July 31st, when both teams will celebrate the return of footy to Elmington Park.
Scores By Quarter
1st- Redbacks 5.5 (35) Wallabies 1.1 (7)
2nd- Redbacks 10.7 (67) Wallabies 5.2 (32)
3rd- Redbacks 13.10 (88) Wallabies 5.6 (36)
4th- Redbacks 16.12 (108) Wallabies 11.8 (74)
Goal kickers:
Redbacks: Damian Serong 7, Tim Kleman 2, Chip Price 2, Cliff Cosnahan,
Michael Guinsburg, Luke Nemeth, Jake Ridings, Ben Vaatstra
Wallabies: Luke Stockdale 5, Bo Link 3, Kane Harrison, Jeff Persson, Dee
Vsetecka
Best On Ground:
Redbacks: Luke Nemeth, Ben Vaatstra, Damian Serong
Goal: Kane Harrison, Luke Stockdale, Nick Parker
Umpires:
Field: Grant White
Goal: Toby Persson, Alex Benjamin
Attendance: 15
Injuries: None
