Wildcats Roar, but Hawkers Soar to Close Out 2006 Season

Only 2 weeks removed from having their post season dreams dashed, the Hamilton Wildcats were looking at playing a new role…spoilers. The ‘Cats headed to Humber College North in Toronto to face the 2nd place Broadview Hawks, who were looking at cruising into the OAFL Finals with what looked like an easy match to close out the regular season. Hamilton came prepared, and weren’t going home without a fight. As the game got underway, Hamilton took control in the middle of the ground with great ruck work from Mike “Wildcats MVP” Nolan, Barry “What Happens in Mexico, Stays in Mexico” Crow, Brett “Is There An Age Limit For Playing in the Guts” Hill and Ken “I’m Dying for a Doughnut” Tumak. Unfortunately, the visitors from Steeltown couldn’t sustain their attack against the much bigger, and more experienced Broadview backline. Despite several valiant offensive bursts from the Wildcats midfielders and forward line, Hamilton just couldn’t convert their gusty efforts into goals as the first quarter came to a close with the Hawkers up by 14 points. As confidence seemed to be at an excess on the hometown bench, Hamilton looked to even up the scores heading into half time. Strong defensive efforts from the entire Wildcat backline core helped to keep the Broadview boys at bay, while goals from Paul “The Real McCoy” Lawson, Charles Thompson and Nick “Play Safe” DiRago helped to give the ‘Cats their first lead of the afternoon. Broadview answered back with a couple goals of their own from 2006 OAFL Leading Goal Kicker Ben Carter, and took back the lead as the first half came to a close. The third frame started with more of the same from both clubs; heaps of bone jarring hits, great high flying marks and kicks so sharp they could make a stingray barb seem dull. As time ticked away in the third quarter and Hamilton looked to be mounting a comeback, the Hawks tempers began to flare, as they lost 2 players for the quarter (1 for the game) and almost had their score erased for a close “too many men” call. As both clubs headed to their respective benches for the 3rd intermission, the Broadview faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief as the Wildcats just missed out on a glorious chance to upset the second place Hawks with only 20 minutes to play. Unfortunately for Hamilton, that was as close as they would get, as Broadview emerged victorious on the day 9.10.64 to 6.13.49. Despite their inaccurate kicking on the afternoon, the Wildcats should be proud of their tremendous performance against one of the top clubs in the OAFL, as in true Hamilton fashion…they never gave up. The Wildcats would like to send our best wishes to the Broadview Hawks as they head into the OAFL Finals, as well as the other 4 clubs who qualified for Finals footy. Congrats and good luck. Thanks for making the 2006 OAFL season one to remember boys!
HAMILTON GOALS:Paul Lawson (2), Nick DiRago (1), Trent Kelly (1), Brett Hill (1), Charles Thompson (1).

HAMILTON B.O.G: Paul Lawson, Nick DiRago, Brett Hill, Justin Johns.

The (4-7) Hamilton Wildcats will now head to Humber College North for their final game of the 2006 season vs. the the (7-4) Broadview Hawks this Saturday, September 9th at 12 noon. Let's final the 2006 season with a bang boys. Please come out and support the club, as we're always looking for new players and our fans to continue their cheers as the year comes to a close. C'arn the WILDCATS!


OAFL Round 13 Results

Eagles (5.11.41) def. Dingos (4.7.31)

Kangaroos (13.11.89) def. Gargoyles (9.3.57)

Demons (11.9.75) def. Rebels (6.3.39)

Hawks (9.10.64) def. Wildcats (6.13.49)