Nashville Kangaroos Victorious in the D.U.F.F.A. Cup.
After watching Atlanta qualify for the final with a strong finish against Baton Rouge, Nashville took to the field against the Baltimore/Washington Eagles on Sunday morning. With the aid of a decent breeze, Nashville took the game away from the Eagles in the first half, kicking 4 goals to nothing. In a complete team effort, the Kangaroos followed up by outscoring Baltimore into the wind in the second half.
Score:
Nashville 6.2 (50)
Baltimore/Washington 2.1 (13)
Goals: Cliff Cosnahan 2, Damian Serong 2, Chris Neilson 2, David Walker 2.
The final was a rematch of the opening game of the tournament. Although Atlanta kicked with the wind in the first half, Tim Creed’s opening goal gave the Kangaroos an early lead. Atlanta responded with good teamwork to produce two quick goals. Ben Vaatstra then did a “Walker,” with a drop-punt grubber writhing through to return Nashville to a slender lead. However, Atlanta controlled the remainder of the first half to lead by 14 points at the break.
With a four goal breeze at their backs, the Kangaroos overcame early inaccuracy to play a superb second half. The first three scoring shots were all behinds by Nashville. Three times in a row, Atlanta’s kick-outs flew to Joel Morley in the wing, and the ball sailed back into the Nashville forward line. When Chris Neilson goaled to at last break the pattern, Atlanta players began hanging their heads despite still maintaining a small lead. Nashville finally took the lead when Tim Creed ran into the goal square for the second goal of the quarter, and the tide had completely turned. Luke Nemeth created space to provide opportunity for Clint Milner to deliver to Ben Vaatstra for another goal, then Damian Serong’s first goal of the match put the game completely in Nashville’s hands. A second goal from Serong extended the lead to 21 points. With the final siren, the Kangaroos were the inaugural D.U.F.F.A Cup winners.
Score:
Nashville 7.7 (49)
Atlanta 4.4 (28)
Goals: Tim Creed 2, Ben Vaatstra 2, Damian Serong 2, Chris Neilson.
Best: Joel Morley, Luke Nemeth, Jeff Persson, Nathan Caldwell, Preston Jezek.
Everyone who attended the D.U.F.F.A Cup owes thanks to Jeff Persson, who conducted an umpiring clinic, supervised umpiring throughout the tournament, played three excellent games for Nashville, and helped Baton Rouge to an exciting victory. It was an inspirational and exhausting effort, truly performing beyond expectations as a player, an umpire, the umpires’ coach and the umpiring director.
Two tournaments, two trophies! 2012 is already an incredible season for the Nashville Kangaroos footy team. The Kangaroos now prepare for their first home game, aiming to continue their winning ways at Elmington Park on Saturday, June 16 at 2 PM.
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