Saturday 29th April 2011 – Happy Valley Racecourse

Round 3 of the SCAFL kicked off in near perfect conditions for football on Saturday 29th April, with Hong Kong Blues hosting Guangzhou Scorpions at Happy Valley. This would prove to be a pivotal match for both teams, with the result having a huge impact on the make up of the SCAFL ladder. Victory for The Scorpions would all but sow up 2nd spot, however The Blues were hot on their heels and keen to avenge their recent close lost to the HK Reds.

Both teams were affected by a number players pulling out in the 24 hours leading up to the game, much to the displeasure of club heavy hitters Grant Dooley and Robbie Burns. A pre game lunch was organised at the HKFC, which was a good opportunity for the players to grab a bite to eat and exchange a few recent war stories. Once the players arrived at the pitch, the mood quickly turned serious and both teams stripped down ready for action. The Blues handed over a few players to help bolster The Scorpion numbers and ensure they had some enough players rotations for the encounter.

The match was of special importance to Grant Dooley, who was playing for the first time with his 15 year old son, Callum Dooley. With a frame more akin to a 22 year old than a 15 year old, Callum thrown straight into the middle and the ploy worked unsettle the Blues midfield. The 9-a-side format allowed for a great deal of open space and both sides got off to strong starts. Jarrad “Crights” Crighton’s rich vein of form continued and he was instrumental in 2 of The Blues early goals. The Scorpions rotated Skipper Matt Warren and Callum Dooley through the middle and down forward, this ploy proved fruitful with Callum booting 2 1st quarter goals. The only down side to first quarter being the injury to XXXX, who appeared to injury his knee. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. At quarter time the game was in the balance: HK Blue 3.4.22 Scorpions 2.1.13.

The 2nd term started at a frantic pace, with both sides playing with passion and keenness for the footy. Tim Lovell was starting to have a big impact on the game and when he goaled early the Scorpions knew they were in with a real chance. Shaun Cooper was providing a handful up forward and his 2 goals in 5 minutes gave the Blues a bit of breathing space. The battle of the team captains, Matt Warren and Dom “Bowski” Dunn, was an enthralling one, with both players having an impact for their respective sides. The form of Nathan Leischke in the back half was telling as he managed to repel numerous scoring opportunities before half time. At the break the score was HK Blue 7.8.50 to Scorpions 4.5.29. It was a tight contest and although The Blues looked to have the advantage Blues Coach, Darren Flannigan, let the boys know that unless they lifted their work rate their lead would soon be reeled in. On the other side of the fence Coach Dooley encouraged his troops to maintain the pressure on the Blues and try to catch them on the counter attack where possible.

With a smaller touring squad that expected and with a couple of injuries before half time, the second half was always going to be tough for the Scorpions. It was agreed to shorten the quarters to 10 minutes in the second half and both teams seemed happy, given the hot and humid conditions. The Blues got out of the blocks quickly and slammed on 3 quick goals to break away to a 40 point lead half way through the quarter. Ben Howell was a welcome addition to the Blues side and was racking up possessions all over the ground. Crights continued to dominate and young Tom Murphy was relishing a run in the midfield. Jaydon Campbell was having his best game in a Dragons jumper, controlling the centre bounces, kicking a goal himself and having a hand in 2 others. Paul “Greeno” Greening came on after half time and his fresh legs were telling, helping himself to one goal and assisting in another. The Scorpions weren’t to be denied and they battled on gamely. Time Lovell, Callum Dooley and Matt Warren continued to drive the ball forward and Matt “Mojo” Feeney contributed one goal and it could have been 3 had he kicked straight. By three quarter time the Blues were in control 12.9.81 to the Scorpions 5.6.36.

At the final break Coach Dooley asked his troops for one final effort, in what he promised was to be his 2nd last career game. With the Addition of Matty Wu and Tim Hosford, the Scorpions were confident they could take it up to the Blues for the final 10 minute stanza. The first few minutes were in close tight footy, with both sides struggling to get clear possession. The class of Ben Howell and Crights eventually prevailed and the heavens opened mid way through the quarter. Two goals to Ryan Lawson, followed by singles to Christian Romano, Simon Dodd and Darren Whitfield put the result beyond doubt. True fighting spirit was show by the Scorpions, as they managed to kick the final two goals of the game. The final scores HK Blue 17.13.115 to Guangzhou Scorpions 7.7.49.

Best Players

Hong Kong Blue: Jarrad Crighton, Ben Howell, Dominic Dunn, Shaun Cooper, Thomas Murphy

Guangzhou Scorpions Callum Cooley, Tim Lovell, Nathan Leischke, Matt Warren

Goal Kickers

Hong Kong Blue Sean Cooper 5, Ryan Lawson 3, Jarrad Crighton 2, Christian Romano, Ben Howell, Simon Dodd, Darren Whitfield, Jaydon Campbell, Thomas Murphy, Paul Greening

Guangzhou Scorpions Callum Dooley 3, Matt Warren, Tim Lovell, Nathan Leischke, Matt Feeney

After the game both sides headed to Kila Bar for a feed and a few refreshing drinks. The day was celebrated in style and it was great to see the two Dooley boys arm in arm. The second half of Round 3 will be completed next Saturday when Macau Lightning host Hong Kong Reds in Macau.

Check the gallery for pics