By Eaglesafc.com
02:43 PM Mon 24 Aug, 2009
FOR THE SECOND TIME this season, the Toronto Eagles have defeated the Broadview Hawks and secured second spot on the OAFL ladder.
The Eagles had to work hard for three quarters, until they were able to pull away in the final term with a 26 point victory. Troy Marsh, Ajit Alister and Kevin Minaker were all top contributors for the Eagles, working hard all day.
“This was a good hard game of football for us today, the type of game you need heading into post season” stated Eagles coach Aaron Falcioni. “I was really impressed with the way the boys stood up on the final quarter and took hold of the game”
The Hawks, who's season has been surprising, came out hard and continued to play decent football for three quarters before fading in the forth.
The first half was very entertaining, with both side working hard to take control of the game. Due to the relatively small size of the ground, smooth transitions were required to travel down the ground to avoid congestion.
The Eagles midfield had more possessions around the ground, but were unable to penetrate a flooding Hawks defense. At the end of the half the game was in the balance, with the Eagles holding on to a slight 9 point lead.
“It was a pretty close contest in the first half, with both teams working hard“ stated Eagle Oliver Hayward. "I think we had a little trouble adapting to the small size of the ground, there were moment that it got quite congested.”
The third quarter was even closer, with the Hawks coming out strong and stringing a few goals together to lift their spirits. The Eagles were able to hold off the Hawks challenge though, kicking two goals and heading into the final quarter with a 3 point lead.
"That third quarter was pretty tight, especially when they came out firing" commented midfielder Troy Marsh. "It took a few guys a moment to switch on and relies that we have to step it up if we want to win."
In the final term the Eagles were on a mission to take control and assert themselves. They started in fine form with team lifting goals from Ajit Alister, who slotted one from about forty five meters and Marc Nord kicking his first for the season.
From then on it was all one way traffic as the Eagles slammed on four more goals to the Hawks one, taking full control of the match and securing the victory.
"This was a good effort from the boys to standup when we needed to" stated ruckman Danny Bernstein. "That final quarter showed that when we need to we bring it up a notch."
As stated earlier, there were some standouts for the game with Troy Marsh once again playing some exceptional football. Marsh worked tirelessly all game and added another three goals to his already impressive tally.
Kevin Minaker had another great game, with a workman like performance shutting down one of the Hawks most dangerous players. Bernstein and Alister were dominant in the ruck all day, winning tap after tap and presenting well around the ground.
Next week the Eagles face the Toronto Rebels, in what should be a entertaining game of football at Humber North. And will also be participating in a Division 2 game versus the Broadview Hawks.
TORONTO EAGLES 1.3 4.5 6.8 11.10 (75)
BROADVIEW HAWKS 2.2 3.2 6.5 7.8 (49)
GOALS
Marsh 3, Alister 3, Bernstein 2, Falcioni 2, Nord 1
BEST
Marsh, Alister, Minaker, Bernstein
INJURIES
Capoferri (Knee)
Reports: Nil
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
