Edmonton Ladies Deliver
- Aussie's Stun Irish
By RONAN DEANE
Wolfe Tones 4-3 (15) Chieftains 1-6 (9)
The Edmonton Ladies watched a very entertaining semi-final between Calgary and Vancouver. Michelle Quinn and Deirdre Finneran played their hearts out for the Harps, but Mandy Tuohy and Laura Olsen, among others, gave the Calgary team the edge to set up a battle of Alberta in the final.
This game was close with both teams scoring seven times. Edmonton, however, did get the goals, and as the saying goes, "goals win games." And though that statement rings true, denying goals is a critical part of that concept.
This Edmonton defense is exceptional, and this writer hopes their value is appreciated by all at the club.
Harps 2-6 (12); Roos 5-2 (17)
While Saturday's Western Division drama on August 6 was unfolding, the Calgary Kangaroos were using the round-robin games to enhance their Gaelic football game. The Kangaroos have played every year since 2003.
Last year, their first victory in the Gaelic code was recorded against Edmonton and this year, they played well in three defeats to the Irish sides.
But Saturday was just a warm-up for the knock-out stages on Sunday. When it mattered the Aussie's showed skills and smarts. This Australian Rules team was on a high, having already won tournaments in Kelowna and Vancouver.
The freshly crowned Western Canadian Champions, the Vancouver Harps, were swept aside. Goals from Brad Flowers and Troy Rose set the Roos on their way, and their defense held firm with Matt Toohey and Beau Corps playing superbly.
Chieftains 1-13 (16); Wolfe Tones 1-11 (14)
Calgary Chieftains and Edmonton Wolfe Tones played their usual tight game. Noel Touhy goaled late on to send the game into extra time. This was a tense affair, however the Chieftains edged into the Final.
Chieftains 0-6 (6); Roos 4-1 (13)
But the Kangaroo juggernaut was not to be stopped. With early goals, the Chieftains were always playing catch-up. Kangaroos' president, Gareth Williams scored a crucial penalty. Although, Calgary responded with points, a landmark result was complete. Calgary now has two of the best Gaelic football teams in the west.
We're in big trouble when the Kangaroos actually KNOW the Rules.
MVPs: Ladies: Kim Tulloch (Calgary Chieftains); Men's: Brad Flowers (Calgary Kangaroos).
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