On Saturday the club competed in its inaugural intra club match for the ‘Franco Cozzo Cup’ in honour of the great man who provided so many memories in his 37 seconds of power football against Thailand.
The players were divided into two teams, the Wizards and the Cobras, with the Cobras wearing our old Cambodia Cobra strip while the Wizards wore Collingwood training guernseys fitted with the Wizard Home Loan logo. These two teams will stand and compete against each other as we approach the Asian Champs on August the 13th.
The newly erected goal posts were a welcome sight and after some quick ground keeping we were underway. Rousing speeches by the two captains (Callum McCulloch captained the Wizards, Dustin Barter the Cobras) only managed to bewilder the teams as they headed to their positions in a swirling breeze.
The Cobras took a four point lead into half time due to the Wizard’s badly functioning forward line. After some minor forward line tweaking and brilliant ruck work by Rugby Union convert Dave, playing his first ever AFL game, the Wizards climbed back to within two points at three Quarter time.
Scores – Wizards 6.8 44 Cobras 7.4 46.
The Cobras made some telling changes at three Quarter time. ANZ Steve was moved into the ruck while Cobra captain Dustin placed himself on the ball. The result was devastating. The older, more experienced Cobras dominated the centre clearances thanks to President Steve and Chhaya. Chhaya had been quiet by his standards but had a blistering last term while President Steve shook the old man tag to bulldog his way through clearance after clearance.
Final score - Wizards 7.10 52 Cobras 12.5 77.
There were brilliant first games by Gav, Aaron and Union Dave while older heads (and bodies) Murph and President Steve played well. Rory made the most of limited opportunities up forward in the swirling wind while Liam provided great run from down back in the second half.
Dustin, winning captain, was beaming and quite confident of a white wash heading into the Asian Champs. Cal was left with his head in hands as the team got around him for a group hug.
A fantastic effort by everyone. Big thanks to Trev for umpiring, Rick for medical treatment and Franco whose 37 seconds of power football against Thailand will never be forgotten.
If you would like to play Australian Rules football please call Coach David Murphy on 077 959 861 or President Steve Morrish on 017 609 300. Everyone is welcome!