THE MAGPIES GO DOWN TO THE BOMBERS

Magpie Press - May 7^th 2006, Lookout Park, Dallas

The Dallas Magpies lost their first game of the year to the Milwaukee Bombers going down 10.17 (77) to 5.8 (38) in MAAFL Round 1. For the past two seasons, both the Dallas Magpies and the Milwaukee Bombers contended for the MAAFL title, so this game had significant implications for their overall seasons.  Although their recent history against each other had Milwaukee ahead by a 2-1 advantage, the Magpies utilized a victory against the Bombers in round 1 of the MAAFL in 2005 to springboard their undefeated season.

Umpires Rhett Rohde and Dallas Cowboys punter Mat McBriar were umpiring their first game of the year together and the game was played in front of a crowd of approximately 150 people on a water soaked field after three days of rain.

The Bombers started the game out strong but failed to kick away. The Bombers forwards had over 8 shots at goal in the first quarter but only converted 3 majors. Dallas made the most of their few opportunities starting some good passages of play starting at the half back line through Seth Haesecke and Drew Scneck. The Dallas forwards Daniel Russo and Scott Cobb kept the game close by converting what little chances they had. At the half, the Bombers had a comfortable lead 5.10 (40) to 2.3 (15) but inaccurate kicking kept the Magpies within reach.

The second half finally saw the Pies get their running game started. The Pies, who started to win the ball out of center with regularity through the efforts of Ruckmen Drew Schneck and Brenn Miller. The clearances out of center, gave Magpies most of the possession through the midfield and allowed running players Sebastian Aguiari, Taylor Howard, Jess Wortman and Stephen Moore to take control of the game. Full Forward Scott Cobb started dominating in the goal square. Three times in 10 minutes Cobb took on two defenders to mark in the red zone. Cobb converted 2 goals (while being assisting Russ in a third). The Magpies were right back in the game again. The score at the 3^rd break was Milwaukee 7.10 (52) to 5.5 (35).

The last quarter started with a flurry of play from the Magpies, Daniel Russo and Stuart Rackham found space three times in the forward line in the first 5 minutes to mark in front of goal, but terrible kicking was their downfall, missing all three shots at goal the Pies watched their chances slip away. As was the story in the entire game, the Bombers took control of the last 10 minutes of the game and converted 3 more shots at goals to run out comfortable winners.

The final score was:

Milwaukee 10.17 (77) def Dallas 5.8 (38)

Best on Ground (Dallas): Schneck, Cobb, Russo

Goals (Dallas): Cobb (2.1), Russo (1.3), Howard (1.1), Moore (1.0)

Individual Player Statistics:

Number	Name	Kicks	Handballs	Marks	Goals	Behinds
1	Taylor Howard	8	2	1	1	1
2	Jay Upston	4	3	1
3	Jared Ray	12	4	6
5	Sebastian Aguiari	6	3	3
6	Seth Haesecke	9	4	5
7	Stuart Rackham	5	2	3		2
8	Daniel Russo	16	5	8	1	3
9	Drew Schneck	11	4	5
10	Jason Ellis	7	4	2
11	Benjie Bliss	2	1
12	Justin Chance	3	3	1
13	Dustin Brazel	5	3	3
14	Jess Wortman	8	2	2		1
15	Pat Sutton	6	4	2
17	Brenn Miller	2	2
19	Ed Nickle	3	1	1
20	Rob Rothlein	3	3
21	Scott Hunt	3	1	1
23	Shane McLean	4	1
32	Chris Emerson	7	1	1
36	Stephen Moore	12	3	3	1
42	Scott Cobb	6	2	5	2	1

About the Dallas Magpies:

The Dallas Magpies are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering national and international amateur sports competition as well as promoting a cultural exchange between Americans and Australians. The Magpies participate in the Mid American Australian Football League, a division of the United States Australian Football League, and also have a player, Brandon Blankenship, competing on the U.S. National team internationally. The team is active in promoting the Australian national sport and Australian culture through clinics at area schools and by sponsoring events such as the annual Australia Day and ANZAC Day celebrations in the Metroplex.

For more details on organizing a school clinic, playing footy with the team or supporting the Dallas Magpies Australian Football Club, e-mail the recruiting department (recruiting@dallasfooty.com).