Hawks 21 goals, 9 behinds = 135 defeated Kings 3 goals, 3 behinds = 21
Vinohrady Hawks fielded their strongest side for the year so far and Prague Kings were undermanned with several injuries. The Hawks midfield dominated the Kings all game, with Sam Lalloue (FR), Ken O'Donoghue (IE), Joe Svejovsky (CZ) and John Crehan (IE) all playing great games. Yauhen Safrankou (BL) & Ashley Ball (AU) battled hard for the Kings in the centre, but couldn't get on top of the running Hawks.
The Kings had 2 or 3 first time players - Kings new recruit in the Ruck showed very promising signs and played a great first game. However, the Hawks experienced forwards were too good for the young first year/first game King recruits. Hawks first year players Joe and Jarda Simek (CZ) continue to improve and stand out with every game and will be pressing for national selection.
The Kings came into the round 3 match hungry for another victory after swinging the Cats last round. With a couple of players down due to injuries and broken down cars, Kings were coming into the match as underhorses… With the mercury on the field pushing 30, both teams lined up for the top of the ladder clash.
From the first bounce the hawks swooped in on the ball and with some fast Irish stead kept the Kings at a couple of wing lengths for the whole match! The Hawks had had some very good plays - it is obvious that their training drills are paying off! The Kings were asleep for the first 10 minutes of the first quarter. Perhaps the lack of warm up drills with only a 10mins strategy talk prior to the match was a mistake? After 10 minutes, the Kings woke up and managed to slow the assault, but they just couldn’t keep up with the legs of the Irish.
With plenty of shepherding, great handballing around the pack and excellent supporting runs, the Hawks flew tight as a team and toppled the Kings off their horses with a hurtful 114 point victory.
Credit must be given to the Kings for their recent, solid recruiting - they look promising for the second half of the season. Martin Marik (CZ) and Michal Horky (CZ) chipped in with a goal each in their first game for the Kings as well. Radek Carda (CZ) played an awesome game for the Kings - he had his jousting pole and was focussed on the ball. Great game in the summer heat.
Goal Kickers:
Hawks
Mark Pace 7, Sam Lalloue, Josef Svejkovsky, John Crehan, Jan Brynych 3
Mark Cichon, Ken O'Donoghue 1
Kings
Radek Carda, Michal Horky, Martin Marik 1
Dragons 2 goals, 3 behinds = 15 lost to Cats 14 goals, 15 behinds = 99
Goal Kickers:
Dragons
Michael Gates, David Yule 1
Cats
Brent Hadley 5, Jakub Kafka 4, Martin Lulak 2, Greg Johnson 1
League Leaders Dragons met the Hawks in the 1st scheduled game for the round 2 of the CAFL season and continued to display the development in the standard of play from the end of 2009. The Dragons were optimistic of a close game with so many of the Hawks carrying niggling injuries but some late Hawks recruiting fielded them an exceptionally strong (and fast) team.
The Hawks won the toss and chose to kick with the generous breeze which paid dividends with plenty of ball in the attacking half. The Dragons were a little lethargic in the first quarter and the Hawks made them pay with constant pressure and heavy tackling. The new Hawks recruits made an immediate impact with a couple of goals from Steve, a new recruit and first gamer.
The Dragons consolidated a little in the 2nd quarter and kicked their first through Dave Yule, off a free kick resulting from a strong bump on Jarda Simek. Spectacular Action! This was the only hiccup for a Hawks defense that covered their men well all day.
Jarda and Pavel Smolen were on their players like 1980’s spandex but also got some valuable possessions and delivered effectively to their dominant midfield. The Hawks were relentless in their play and unlimited speed in the center gifted them more attacking opportunities at the Dragons end with only some poor conversions preventing a more damaging score line at the major break.
In the third quarter, after some fairly choice words from the coach and captain, the Dragons came out hungry and were happy to restrict the Hawks to the few goals they did manage while also managing a few points of their own. Kevan Lyons was inspirational in his leading on kick outs and demonstrated to the Dragons what needs to be done, he also managed a Dragons goal from a mark right in front.Spectacular Action!!
Undisturbed by the rejuvenated Dragons the Hawks showed class around the center and were dominant in the attacking half but some great coverage from Honza Dubec and Enda Gorman in the Dragons backline made sure the Hawks had to earn every point. A highlight for the Hawks came when ‘journeyman’ Dave Singleton (aka Singo) slotted a scruffy goal off the ground to put the Hawks even further ahead. The Dragons defenders would like to consider that a charitable gift but the truth was he was where he needed to be and kicked a well earned goal. Spectacular Action!!!
In the 4th quarter, the Dragons were playing with the growing wind and were keen to use it to their advantage. Long kick outs and faster hands lead to 2 more Dragons goals and more dogged play ensured a thrilling end to the game. The Hawks ran out convincing winners but there was certainly some promising play from both teams and Mark Pace needs to be congratulated on some magnificent last minute recruiting as it made the difference at the end of the day.
Hawks 11 goals, 13 behinds = 79 defeated Dragons 4 goals, 2 behinds = 26
Goal Kickers:
Hawks
Sam Lalloue 3, Josef Svejkovsky 3, David Singleton, Steve and Ryan 2
Dragons
David Yule 3, Kevan Lyons 1
Round 2's second match-up saw premiership favourites the Prague Cats take on the underdog Prague Kings. However the Cats tough first round win had come at a heavy price with a couple of key players including all European back pocket Brent Hadley picking up injuries, throw in the absence of Greg Johnson and there were all the makings of another upset.
Both teams came out fighting hard (and looking good in their brand new uniforms) for the ball from the first bouncedown, the Cats kicking with the assistance of the breeze. However the Kings strong defensive effort was able to negate the wind advantage and an Ashley Ball free kick saw them get the first goal on the board. Whilst both teams had their chances this would be the only major score of the quarter and the Kings went into the break leading by 9 points.
The second quarter started again with the Kings getting the first goal on the board through Jirka Duron and it looked like they might be able to run away with the match. But the Cats dug deep and after some bruising clashes managed to kick 3 goals for the quarter, one a fantastic running goal from first game player Martin Zitniak. The Cats brought themselves to within 6 points at the half time break.
The third quarter saw the Kings continue their high work rate especially through the back line where defenders Jamie Mcdonnell Alexey and first gamer Ondrej Sykora did an exceptional job against the Cats tall front line, although Jakub Kafka of the Cats did manage to sneak through for a good opportunists goal. At the other end Kings were able to score a couple of goals including the career first of Jakub Rutigr playing just his second game allowing them to sneak out to a 12 point lead at the last break.
Going into the final quarter the Kings could sniff the historic first victory in club history, but the Cats were still determined to put up a fight to steal the match. The stakes appeared to be raised even higher after some fiery clashes between Kings fullback Jamie McDonnell and Cats big full forward Stuart Severin, who would finish the match with 2 goals to his name. Jan Kren also looked dangerous for the Cats with some strong runs through the middle. The Kings were well served by the flying Dutchman Swen Groeneveld, who, coming back from injury, rucked tirelessly all day combining well with midfielders Eugene Safrankou and Jirka Duron allowing the Kings to gain some ascendancy through the middle for the first time this year.
In the end the Kings all round effort was enough to hold off the Cats when Jakub Rutigr kicked his second then fellow second gamer Radek Carda took a mark directly in front and despite signs of nervousness managed to score the goal. Matej Sliacky sealed the game picking up the loose ball in a pack of players and quickly slotting it through from a tough angle sending the Kings players into celebration mode.
In the post match press conference, the Cats Brent Hadley said, "both teams fought extremely hard for the ball until the final whistle. Honza from the Cats played exceptionally well, creating countless opportunities for the Cats. A good win to the Kings though, well deserved, and a great day of footy!"
CAFL veteran, Kings Ashley Ball, added, "the Kings kicked exceptionally well throughout the game, increasing the conversions dramatically from previous games. Jamie and the backs from the Kings just keep slamming the chances, sending the ball scurring back into the Kings forward line."
Kings 8 goals, 10 behinds = 58 defeated Cats 4 goals, 10 behinds = 34
Goal Kickers
Kings
Jirka Duron, Jakub Rutigr 2, Eugene Safrankou, Matej Sliacky, Radek Carda, Ashley Ball 1
Cats
Stuart Severin 2, Martin Zitniak, Brad Compton, Jakub Kafka 1
Sunday 9th May, 2010 Sparta Rugby Ground
AFL 2010 began in style on Sunday 9th May, with the Dragons taking the first 4 points of the season and sitting on top of the ladder, edging out the Cats only on percentage.
After a rainy week, the skies opened up and sunshine poured down on the Sparta Rugby Ground for Round 1 of the CAFL League Season. As the crowd slowly filled up the northern grandstand, the players began their warm up and with the sunshine can additional enthusiasm for a great day of footy!
GAME #1: Prague Dragons -v- Prague Kings
The Dragons started well in the match, taking a comfortable lead to the half time break. After the long rest though, the Kings hit back in the third quarter and kept the Dragons goalless. They could not turn their possession advantage into goals with inaccurate kicking costing them. A gentle breeze helped the Kings to peg the margin back to just 10 points, but in the last quarter the breeze helped the Dragons maintain the lead and finish the game with the 4 points and what would prove to be valuable percentage.
Tackling was ferocious all match and young Dan Prochazka for the Dragons and Yauhen Safrankou for the Kings were tireless in their efforts chasing down opponents. Jan "Honza" Dubec and David Vetvicka worked hard, and Aussie Dave pushed himself to the limit against a very physical Jamie Mcdonnell in the ruck as well.
Michael Gates (right. no.80, with 2 goals for the day) provided solid support for the Dragons all day and was lucky not be knocked out by a firm but fair shirtfront in the action of kicking the ball.
The crowd were delighted with the physical spectacle and good old fashioned arm wrestle between the two sides. Arguably the least experienced in the league, both teams showed willingness to put their body on the line for the ball.
Result: Dragons defeated Kings 42 to 27
Umpire: Greg Johnson
Crowd: Numerous
GAME #2: Vinohrady Hawks -v- Prague Cats
As the rain began to threaten the Kovanecka ground, the Hawks and Cats warmed up for their first clash of the season. The Hawks looked tremendous in their new kit and were keen to show the Cats that they weren't just after the best dressed team award.
A new look, streamlined, Brent Hadley set the pace early in the first quarter for the Cats, with some drive forward from the back pocket. His opposite number, Hawk Mark Pace, also showed some toe and combined very well with Sam Lalloue for some useful work midfield as well. John Crehan relished his chance with the oval ball and provided strong forward forays for the Hawks, but it was the Cats who were able to make their chances count in the first half, leading 42 to 15at the main break.
Jakub Kafka did the damage for the Cats early in the first half with a great contested mark and goal from the resulting kick to go with his earlier close range goal. Petr Hampl showed strength in defence with some strong tackling and constantly had the Hawks under pressure.
The second half action continued unabated, Honza Kren showing plenty of class and a cool head finishing accurately to give the Cats strong lead going into the last quarter. In a weekend of big hits the Hawks and Cats fought it out like the 89 Grand Final. Both teams lived up to early expectations with a combination of skill and strength. Though in the end the Hawks fluent running game only fired in the last quarter outscoring their opponents but the Cats steadied and ran out to a deserved victory.
Result: Cats defeated Hawks 66 to 47
Umpire: Kevan Lyons / Neil Palmer
Crowd: Substantial
Wednesday 24th March, 2010 Slavia Rugby Ground
Where else on a Wednesday night in March would you find a match pitting the skills of two of the most dynamic ball games from opposite sides of the world? Right here in Prague, that's where! The Hibernians Gaelic Football club invited the CAFL lads to a friendly match in the lead up to their 2010 tournaments.
It was the first outdoor run for the Aussie Rules players and they relished it with enthusiasm. The Irish boys appeared a bit more relaxed as they strolled confidently into the stadium. For the CAFL players, many who had not played a game of Aussie Rules before 2009, were now about to take on the round ball and different rules of Gaelic football.
The combined, or "International" Rules are obviously a mix of the two codes. Tackling was allowed, where bumping only is normal for Gaelic. The goalkeeper was taken out of the "net" and only "overs" were counted as goals, strangely enough, called points. 1 point for an over. No small posts to give the additional point for missing the big sticks, and that seemed simple enough.
Then it was time to have a kick with both the round and oval balls. Not quite as easy as it looks with most players on the pitch ducking for cover in the first 5 minutes of the warm up drill. But we are talking about seasoned athletes, and it wasn't long before the boys all got the hang of it. The match would be played with 3 periods, first and third with the round ball and the second with the oval ball.
What a spectacle!
Hibernians took the early lead with an over in the opening minutes. Shortly after, it was 2-0. But the Aussie guys fought back and put the round ball through the big sticks. Joyful scenes erupted, until it was pointed out by the man in the midddle that an "over" means it must go "over" the cross bar. What a strange rule indeed.
More skillful passing from the Hibernians created more chances up front, but some wayward kicking saw the CAFL lads stay in the match. The Aussie Rulers made some fine clearances from the kick ins and some forward moves looked promising. It wasn't until halfway through the first period though, that they struck. Hibernians took advantage of some poor defencive clearances and took a 4-1 lead into the first break.
Second period and now it was time for the normal shaped ball, the red Sherrin, to be introduced into the game. The CAFLers seemed to fire up immediately from the bounce, especially since the 45 degree bounce went straight to the hands of Swen Groenveld, who galloped into half forward and kicked into the forward line. Dan Prochazka was playing like a (young) man possessed, with his youthful exuberance putting the pressure on the Irish.
But the CAFLers were wayward in the second and could manage just one point, despite creating some great forward moves. It should have been an all Aussie Rules middle stanza but Hibernians scored as well and it was 5-2 into the second break to the Irish.
Back to the round ball and more adjustments needed by the Aussie Rulers. All but Dan Prochazka, who looked like he'd been playing for years. A point to Dan in the third added to his votes for Best on Ground for the CAFLers.
It was the Hibernians though, who started to show their skills with the round ball in the third and kicked away to finish the match 7-3 to the good.
Enda Gorman ran the show from the centre, and did a very fine job indeed.
CAFL would like to thank Hibernians for the match and look forward to another one or two games during 2010. We also wish them the very best of luck on Saturday April 10th at 11am, when they take on the boys from Budapest at Slavia Rugby Ground.
Visit their website for further information: Prague Hibernians Gaelic Football Club