CONT…WEST
TAKE HOME THE CUP
Players were now in position for the start of the 2005 "All Star" East versus West game. What had begun as a slightly overcast morning had turned into a perfect day for football, clear blue skies and a slight cooling breeze. The game started at a fast pace and both teams tried to work each other out in what was a relatively even first term. There were some thrills and spills as players fought hard for possession and the chance to score a goal and at the half time break it was the West who were able to stretch out a narrow lead.
Early in the third quarter it
looked as if the West side were going to run away with the game, as they
began to flex the muscles around the center of the ground and kicked a couple
of early goals. This was shaping up
to be a memorable day not just because ASTN was capturing it all on film but
the West looked like they were going to steal the cup away from the East for
the first time in this new rivalry.
Not to be outdone, the East team found some inspiration and mounted a
comeback. Late into the third quarter
they had bridged a 3-goal gap and even jumped ahead on the scoreboard by one
point. No one could have asked for a
better show down for the last quarter. Motivational words from both
coaches at the last break echoed around the ground as both teams became
desperate to clinch victory. The last
25 minutes of the game didn't disappoint the large crowd and players from both
teams never gave up. In the end it
was a momentous occasion for the West All Stars as they ran out 21-point
winners and took home the coveted All Star Cup. Awards ceremony followed with
the presentation of the cup and individual player awards. Later on in the evening at the
event banquet, the squad to represent America in the International Cup later
in 2005 was announced. Thirty-five
American players were selected to train and possibly be selected to travel to
Melbourne, Australia and play on the hallowed turf that is the home of
Australian Football, the MCG. In what
was a weekend of history making sport in Dallas, Texas the real winner was
Aussie Rules Football. The expected growth and development of this game is
undeniable and with such talented, skillful and determined athletes success
is all but guaranteed. Box Score and Player Stats click
here. Action pictures from the day
click here. Team pictures from the day click
here.
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