2009 - Round 5

Round 5 Match Report

Tempe, Arizona – Still foraging for their first win of the season the Tombstone Marshals came to Tempe Sports Complex to battle the Devils who were still reeling from their first loss of the season against the mighty Kingsnakes. Both teams were nearly at full strength for the clash so there could be no excuses on either side. The Marshals pulled out some first game players for the year with Liam ‘Paddy’ Caulfield and Danny "D-Train" Reidy making his first AZAFL appearance in three years since he tore his ACL for the second time playing footy. Jack Watty joined Steve Rogan as an umpire and it is rumored that umpire is the only place Jack can get any control!

Last weeks write up must have upset Michael Spielman, and Darren Toohey the Captain of Marshals made the mistake of reminding Spielman of his previous poor game he had the week before and this was like waving a tie-dye rag to a hippie, and Spielman had two goals on the board for the Devils before the Marshals knew what hit them. The Marshals were able to get one back through David "Donger" Pack the only time goal umpire Callum "the wet - lemon sour warhead" Ford would be required to wave both flags for the term. The Devils goaled again through Spielman and Lucas "the Pineapple Express" Hanover. The highlight of the term was Spielman throwing himself sideways for what would be mark of the year, shame about the resulting kick! The Devils went to the first break leading by 18 points.

The Marshals started the second quarter with the wind and looked to make amends for their first quarter effort, and quickly responded with goals to Jon "Sweets" Martinez and the veteran Troy Anderson. The Devils were able to steady with a goal to Tim Montagna who discovered the word moderation the night before and was playing his best game to date for the Devils (unfortunately the streak is over Tim finally made it through a game without spewing on the field). Although he is in line for the worst entourage award, sisters do not count and the best he could do outside family were an Irishman and an Englishman, are you worried your ex might find out? Jimmy "the Dog" Scanlan was able to score again for the Marshals but this was quickly answered by Eric "Moose" Nicols who got lost and found himself in attack for the Devils. The highlight for the Marshals was rookie of the year candidate Joe "Crusher" Butler who tackled anything within 10 yards of him including 13 of the Devils, 3 fans, the umpire and a random guy walking his dog. The only thing worse than getting hit by Joe is going on a date with Ryan Luto. The Devils went to the long break 11 points up; close enough for the Marshals to pounce.

The Devils came out for the premiership quarter looking to squash the fight out of the Marshals, Simon "Pop" Daniels who was playing (according to his own facebook page) the game of his life (need to remember that the bar is set pretty low for this). Montagna responded to the challenge by slinging Martinez into Anderson, the only result that was possible from that clash of heads was 15 stitches to Martinez’s head who was forced to leave the game and go to the hospital (Careful Tim, as a lawyer Sweets might sue you for the $67.45 you have to your name)!. Jared "Sneaky" Jones bobbed up for the Devils and put through a major, Brett "Seamus" Boyd who finally decided to show up slotted one back for the Marshals which was quickly answered by Ronan "Trojan" Barrutt who kicked his third goal of the game. Barrutt had other things on his mind which was highlighted by what was in his shopping bag before the game but he still managed to run 36 miles in the game leaving his opponents far bake in his wake. The Devils went to the final break leading by 23 points.

The Marshals staring down at their 3rd straight loss of the season came out for a big final quarter and were able to grab the early advantage putting goals on the board through Scanlan and Robbie "Scrubs" Luto. Mark "Spidey" Stoecker also some how found himself out of defense and put the Marshals out of their misery. The only sound that could be heard after that was the slow whine from the Marshalls at the umpiring; Umpire Watt would have stayed home if he wanted to here whining! The Devils ran out winners by 22 points. Final scores were 11-4-70 to 7-6-48.

Best for the Devils were Speilman, Montagna, Barrutt, Rogan and Stoecker (sorry Simon). Best for the Marshalls were Anderson, Dollar, Toohey, Butler and Scanlan.

GAME NOTE: It was great to see a game of such high standards this week, again a reminder that in 6 weeks we come together to play a tournament as the Hawks, lets be a little careful with the tackles, we can’t afford more injuries like Sweets. Mr Watty we hope all is well in Australia, we do have a few small concerns about Jack, the fact he only seems to turn up when his team has the bye, this week he has chosen the bright lights of Vegas over his teammates? We also ask if you would mind if he came into London a few days late we would appreciate him being available for our tournament against San Diego and Orange County on May 16, it is not every day you get to represent your state!

Final Score - Devils 11.4 (70) d. Marshals 7.6 (48)

Goals - Devils: R. Barrutt (3), M. Spielman (3), L. Hanover, J. Jones, T. Montagna, E. Nichols, M. Stoecker

Goals - Marshals: J. Scanlan (2), T. Anderson, B. Boyd, R. Luto, J. Martinez, D. Pack

Best - Devils: Spielman, Montagna, Barrutt, Rogan, Stoecker Marshals: Anderson, Dollar, Toohey, Butler, Scanlan

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