Northwind Looking Ahead To Japan

September 1, 2008 by Salvatore Capoferri | View Comments (7)

WARRNAMBOOL, Australia. - On a wet and windy day in the Victorian country town of Warrnambool, Canada met 2002 International Cup champion Ireland in a match that would determine who made it through to the final four.

From the outset it was clear that the Irish side was using the conditions better, and their experience was showing as they constantly moved the football forward, only to have it rebounded by full back Matthew Lowden as the back-line worked overtime to hold the Irish at bay.

As it was, Ireland took a 14 point lead in to quarter time. After some positional changes at the break from head coach, Mark Block, the Canadians began to outplay their opponents, with the midfield getting on top.

Tall utility Oliver Hayward scored the Northwind's first goal and this was followed up by another from young Scott Fleming, as Canada pulled the margin back to 8 points at the main break. The tackling from Toronto Eagle Tasos Dimacakos, his brother George and ruckman Manny Matata, kept the Irish from moving the ball with any freedom into their attacking half.

Matata's physical presence around the ground, along with Frank Luisser's strength over the ball allowed the Northwind to remain in touch going in to the final quarter.

Toronto Eagle Andrew Garth played well all day, as did wingman Kevin Minaker, whose run was important in the boggy conditions. Danny McIlravey, Daniel Zimmerman, Sean Kennedy and James Maitland played hard, and Guelph Gargoyles' forward Greg Logel, who was returning from injury, got his hands on the ball on a few occasions.

Key forward Aaron Falcioni covered plenty of ground and worked hard to provide a target up forward, but Ireland was too strong in the end, winning by 16 points. To further dampen the day, key forward Adam Jacobs limped off with a serious knee injury.

The Northwind now look forward to their next match against Japan on Wednesday, with the winner moving through to the Grand Final of the second division. If the Canadians can win that match, they are assured of their greatest ever finish in the International Cup.

With a young side, and a junior team, The Wolfpack, coming through the ranks, the future looks very promising for the Northwind program going forward.

The final score was Northwind 2.2.14 to Ireland 4.6.30

Goal kickers for Canada: Oliver Hayward 1, Scott Fleming 1

Best players: Andrew Garth, Aaron Falcioni, Matthew Lowden, Kevin Minaker, Manny Matata, Tasos Dimacakos, Oliver Hayward, James Maitland, Sean Kennedy, George Dimacakos, Frank Luisser, Daniel Zimmerman

Reported by Daniel Eddy