|
The Nashville Kangaroos (3-1) travelled to the Baton Rouge Tigers' (0-4) home at Clark Park in what was expected to be the battle of the forwards - Chris Moerman (NAS) and Pat Muller (BR). If that's what it was, then Moerman won an emphatic victory, kicking 13 goals breaking a Nashville Club record and almost double his USFooty total bringing it to 28 goals on the season. At his end of the ground, Muller was only able to get 1 and the Tigers only kicked 2 in the game.
Baton Rouge is a young team that has improved every year, with their two previous home games against Nashville being true 'Rumbles in the Bayou', decided by only a couple of goals. Earlier this season, they came within one kick of upsetting former MAAFL powerhouse Dallas. Neither team was really sure what to expect as both teams were missing key contributors, including Baton Rouge's Revo, Mickey Kleinhenz. Nashville was missing Revolution center and co-captain, Luke Nemeth, rookie sensation Blair Morris, and the defensive wall Justin Davis.
In contrast to the offensive strategy of diversification that provided seven goal-kickers in Nashville's victory in St. Louis, Coach Thompson primed his team with a clear strategy of keep the forward line clear for rookie forward Chris Moerman. The Roo forwards played unselfishly, passing the ball to players who were in better scoring positions rather than attempting more difficult kicks. This resulted in accurate scoring, with six goals scored by Nashville before their first behind. This is the Roos' fourth straight game with greater than 60% of their scoring shots being majors.
When Baton Rouge were able to attack, they found Nashville's defense was unrelenting and tenacious, bending but not breaking under the Baton Rouge offensive pressure from veterans such as Robbie Montanaro, Brad Patterson, Paul Napolitano, and Nathan Lane. The Tigers were unable to crack the goal line, getting the footy into their forward line repeatedly, but unable to find that one final extra pass or to get enough on the kick. Four separate shots on goal were knocked back at the goal line, and the more experienced Roo defenders cleared the ball efficiently to teammates in the center and half forward lines.
Still Baton Rouge fought on valiantly, with Pat Muller breaking clear for the first goal and Jeffrey Phillips launching a bomb from 35 yards out under pressure to collect the other major. There were plenty of great efforts from the half a dozen Tiger rookies, such as Aaron LaRose delivering some big hits and tackles, and Jonathan Morrill working hard in the middle. Sophomore phenom Jordan Woods is coming along nicely as he was the only one who seemed able to slow down Chris Moerman.
In the end, however, the depth and experience of the Roos proved too much. Chris Moerman made up for missing the last match in St. Louis by grabbing a double-bag of 13 goals, breaking the 10-year old team record of 12 held by Adam Carter. Revolution forward Dave Walker continues to thrive in his new position at half forward flank with a bag of his own. Gilberto Ortiz, Jake Strickland, Mike Guinsburg, and Ross Flemming, despite being limited by a dislocated thumb, had career games.
Damian Serong dominated at ruck as the Tigers had to rely on less experienced ruckmen. He tapped frequently to Revolution alternate Jeff Persson, who displayed the stamina and determination that has continued his improvement into his ninth season. He and Matt Wheatley were the instigators in the center square all game long. Captain Travis Quigley roamed the field causing havoc for the Tigers and was rewarded with his first goal in two years. Mischa Nemeth and Nick Parker both anchored the defensive line and provided power in the middle when the midfielders needed rest. Dee Vsetecka, showing why he starts for the Revolution team, had close to 30 touches and at least 10 clearances from the back line.
Nashville now has five weeks to prepare to host the Florida Redbacks in the first ever match between the two clubs at Elmington Park on July 19th, providing another mystery for the Roos to solve. Meanwhile, the Baton Rouge Tigers are planning team weekend getaways to build their teamwork and camaraderie in preparation for the USFooty Nationals.
It was hard to find an upside for the Tigers. According to Baton Rouge Pat Muller, "Nashvile arrived in Baton Rouge with a solid unit, they were more experienced, they dominated in all areas on the field. There's really nothing more to say, except we are a young and inexperience team that continues to learn from "thumpings" like this. Nashville is clearly a Division 1 team."
Nashville now have five weeks to prepare to host Florida for the first time, providing another mystery for the 'Roos to solve at Elmington Park on July 19th. Meanwhile, the Baton Rouge Tigers are planning team weekend getaways to build their teamwork and camaraderie in preparation for the US Footy Nationals.
Quarter-by-quarter:
Nashville 6.3.39, Baton Rouge 0.1.1
Nashville 14.4.88, Baton Rouge 0.3.3
Nashville 21.7.133, Baton Rouge 0.3.3
Nashville 24.8.152, Baton Rouge 2.6.18
Goals:
Nashville: Chris Moerman 13, Dave Walker 6, Ross Flemming 3, Travis Quigley, Mischa Nemeth.
Baton Rouge: Pat Muller, Jeff Phillips.
Best on Ground:
Nashville: Chris Moerman, Dee Vsetecka, Dave Walker, Matt Wheatley, Travis Quigley, Gilberto Ortiz.
Baton Rouge: Jordan Woods, Paul Napolitano, Nathan LanePat Muller, Jeff Philips
Umpire: Neil Stebbing
 Quote this article on your site I Views: 340
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
Be first to comment this article
