Round 10 Summary

Although the Gods were smiling on London when they turned on a magnificent weekend, unfortunately they weren't smiling on the Wildcats, as despite rallying to hit the front midway through the last quarter, we blew a slender lead to allow Wandsworth to kick four unanswered goals to run away with the game. Earlier in the day the Raiders tried to set the tone by jumping Regents Park and blowing them away with an awesome three quarter burst. We allowed them a few late goals to make the score line look more respectable, but the end result flattered Regents Park as the Raiders dominated all over the ground, and the five goal win was probably not a true reflection of the game. There is still plenty more work to do before September though, as they are sure to improve, and we have to be ready for that next challenge. Unfortunately though, after showing early promise, September action is looking out of the question for the Emus after we were soundly beaten by Clapham in the other days game.

The Wildcats got off to a flyer kicking the first goal of the game after only a couple of minutes play, and were then involved in an enthralling battle with Wandsworth for the remainder of the day, with there never being more than one or two kicks in it. In perfect conditions, if anything it was a touch too warm, it was a fast and physical contest with neither side giving the other an easy touch. The Cats copped an early blow with Ako breaking his cheekbone in the first quarter, but continued to battle hard after that, with Jack Jess coming on and giving us a target up forward, despite himself being on one leg. With Richo being well held at full forward though, we struggled to find an avenue to goals. Sniffa was working hard on the ball and getting first use from Bryce, and Jase Hughey was doing a great job at CHB. We then copped another blow, when in one of the worst decisions seen, Gerry was sent from the ground for the remainder of the game for shepherding - the umpire somehow mistook a shepherd for a deliberate trip! We rallied hard to come back from a goal down at three quarter time to hit the front by a goal when Johnny Boyle kicked his second for the day, but then Wandsworth steadied and ran away with the contest. JB and myself were our leading goal kickers with two each. Obviously all is not doom and gloom again though, as there were plenty more promising signs, and with some of the inexperienced EU blokes gaining more valuable game time, such as Chambo, Martin, Kev, Leigh and the like, there's still a good base to build on.

The Raiders was a different ball game though. They jumped Regents Park from the outset and their fierce attack on the ball and desire to help out their teammates was second to none. Leading from the front were a couple of first gamers in Clarkey and Deano, while Gools was also sensational in his first Raiders hit out for the year. LJ, another first gamer, also was travelling well until he hurt his knee and we hope that was only a slight knock. The Wily old veteran and coach, SOS, also was providing an option up forward. Clarkey dominated the game from the ruck though, with his athleticism and strength being a key in setting up the break. Up forward, Plugger and Jimi were capitalising as normal on all of the good work. And as with the Raiders previous game, despite playing the undefeated top team, we were allowed the luxury of having up to four EU's on the ground at certain times. Mango was great in defence, as was Kittsy at full back, easily holding Regents Park full forward for the afternoon, and Karl Culshaw was sensational in just his second Raiders game for the year. All in all it was a great win, but there can be no room for complacency as if we want to go back-to-back, there's still much work to be done.

Finally, playing for their survival, the Emus were unable to conjure up any magic of their own, when we were soundly beaten by an improving Clapham. Despite the best efforts of Captain Courageous, Woody, and a couple of his Red Palace comrades in Crackers and Daisy, they couldn't overcome an improved opposition. Grappa showed improved form, and Smithy was again giving us a contest in the forward line. All is not lost though, lets keep together and keep working away heading into the finals as the spirit and enthusiasm of what is supposed to be our third side has been great all year and really been contagious around the club. With a bit more of that rubbing off, it might spark something special come September.

On the social front, the Wild Day Out 2 was once again a big success on Sunday. The only thing counting against us was unfortunately the weather, as London turned on its hottest day for the summer. For those that did attend though, it was another success, and the bikini contest was obviously the highlight of proceedings, with the £350 cash prize going to a very deserving winner. I'd hate to pre-empt anything here though, I'm sure Whispering Crack will have plenty to report on in this weeks Wildcat Whispers. If you'd like to check out a few photos from the day click here.

This week we have another big test against Wimbledon, and hopefully we can come away with a different result.