 With 9 teams in 3 different groups for the round robin stage, the South Dublin Swans found that their group consisting of the Aberdeen Dingoes and the Belfast redbacks, was not going to be as easy as they hoped. Game 1 kicked off against the dingoes whom were an unknown package. The Swans came out firing but found their opponents up to the challenge. Goals were exchanged and the half time score found the swans needing to lift – with scores being almost level. The second half turned into a shambles for the swans, the dingoes kicked two goals to grab a solid lead. The swans peppered the goals but the forwards were missing some easy opportunities. A massive goal by big Paul put the swans within distance but the time had run out and on the final siren, the swans found themselves with a 1 point loss Dingoes 4.1 to Swans 3.6 and the thoughts of an early finish to the day were on the cards. The Swans followed this game with a stern talk from Scotty and realised that the game against the Red backs would decide our day. To the Swans credit, they didn’t let each other down and some great football was played all over the field. Belfast are a fast running good skilled side but the Swans played brilliantly, led by the midfield of Ryano and Ryan & Con, and both big guys Paul and Shane. Manus up forward was providing a good target and the backs were defending extremely well. The final score in a good skilled game, Swans 7.1 to Belfast 2.2 Our day rested on the result of the Belfast and Dingoes game and good fortune came with Belfast winning comfortably leaving all three teams on one win each, however the Swans went through to the main group finals with a superior points difference. The main finals group consisted of the Swans, the Dublin Saints and the Cork Lions who all top their tables. Game one Swans v Saints would be a good test for the Swans and again they followed the format of the previous game with brilliant play all over the field. To the Saint credit, the fought out the game to the end even after many of their players departing before the final stage. Again the midfield were fantastic, and a dependable backline who repelled every Saints charge. The forwards had plenty of opportunites but still failed to convert fully, however the Swans were just too strong in the end winning 9.8 to 2 points. The second match saw the Lions comfortably win over the Saints setting up the match against the Swans as the “grand final” for the day. The Lions have been the Swans nemesis for many seasons, always providing a tough game of football, however after a full day of good football by the Swans, there was renewed faith that this would be our time to win. The game started with some great midfield work from Paul and Shane in the rucks, along with Ryan and Ryano assisting, the swans took the first initiaitive with a point on the board. The Lions responded with a goal but this still didnt cause the Swans to panic. As the game went on, every Swan put their body on the line and some took some hard hits, none more than a spectacular new recruit Ryan who smashed into two cork boys, still held the ball and disposed of it forward. This lifted the whole team and after some great play all game, the Swans ran out victors 4.6 to 2.3 and were crowned Smats Super 9’s champions for 2010. A few highlights of the day include the new Irish recruits taking to the field as though they had been playing the game for years, some class new Aussie players, a duelling ruck team, the hard hitting boys in the back line and midfield and a ‘hit and miss’ forward line (some goal kicking practice will help!) and of course we can’t go without mentioning the swans faithful guys returning from last year! Special mention to Ryan Serocki (Ryano) who was player of the day and a star in the final, great stuff Ryano. Thanks to all those that assisted in the running of the day – fantastic effort, thanks to the Swans boys who played as fill ins with other teams and those on the bench. Jen the physio was great in keeping the boys going all day. The presentation ceremony was held on the pitch after the game, where medals were presented to the winning Swans team by Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Bruce Davis. The successful day continued into the night where the super 9’s cup was presented to the Coach Scotty and Captain Macka at D2 nightclub. The cup remained full of refreshing drink for most of the night and heads were sore the next morning. Good work boys! Bring on season 2010!!! |
After the success of our first Open Day which was attended by a good number of newcomers despite snow the night before and freezing conditions on the day, we're following up with the second of our Open Days, coming up on Sunday week, 2pm March 21st.
