Wildcats sailing along after 4 on the trot
Aug 28, 2009

Over the past month, the Hamilton Wildcats have been firing on all cylinders; racking-up 3 consecutive victories over several contending sides as well as pulling off a very hard fought 3 point win over the talented Toronto Dingos last weekend at Mohawk Sports Park.  Despite their recent successes on and off the field (thanks to an incredible turn out at their 3rd Annual Family & Sponsor's Day), one thing seemed to be hanging over the Wildcat collective like a giant storm cloud, and that was their heart breaking 2 point loss to the Guelph Gargoyles in Round #8 on their home turf.  As the 'Cats hit the training ground this past week to prepare for their Round #12 re-match versus the (3-8) Gargoyles in Guelph, one word resonated through out the Steeltown clubhouse…REDEMPTION!

Less than 24hrs before the opening bounce versus the Gargoyles, the Wildcats game day list was looking quite bleak, as several starting vets were unavailable due to work/personal commitments as well as Aussie newcomer Peter Hryhorec having to leave for Oz unexpectedly.  In true Hamilton fashion, several former Wildcats (Greg Young, Mark Krikke) gladly made the trip to Margaret Greene Park in Guelph to take on the rival Gargoyles in light of their "light" numbers, thanks to some late night phone calls/emails from the '09 coaching staff.  With stalwart ruckman Paul Lawson out for Round #12 and Chicago-born rookie Matt "Windy" Witt getting lost on his first trip to the "Royal City", veteran rover Mike "Abs" Nolan raised his hand to take on the rucking duties for the afternoon.  After winning the opening bounce, Nolan then used his god-like body with a text-book shepherd to create space for the on-ball duo of Justin "Buncle" Johns and Brett Hill to work their magic and continually clear the center with booming kicks into the Wildcat's forward 50 again and again.  Hamilton's forwards presented well & kicked truly in the opening 20mins, led by Visser & Aiken, as the 'Cats converted on 3 of their 4 kicks and took a slim 19 to 13 lead into the first intermission. 

After a brief water break, pep-talk and the arrival (albeit 25mins late) of leading scorer Daniel Crouch; the 'Cats again took to the oval in hopes of padding their 1 goal lead and looked to sink any chance of a Guelph comeback by stringing together another solid 20min effort at both ends of the ground.  After a quick goal on the run from the home side, the Hamilton backline of McKillop, Settle (BOG), Thompson and newly wed Cam "Arrrgh, now I have a boss at home and work" Fawns (congrats mate) really switched-on and showed why they've been one of the best defensive tandems across the entire league all season long.  Missing for this important rematch were defensive veterans Nick DiRago & Clint Munro (hamstring) which definitely put the 'Cats at a loss on paper, but thanks to the late game day additions of Greg "Plugger" Young, rookie Canadian John Jenkins and 1st gamer "PJ"; the back 6 stood strong in front of their goals and held Guelph's big guns to only 1.3 heading into the half.  As the 'Cats back men started to close the door on the Guelph attack, Hamilton's offense looked to be opening the flood gates by kicking 4 straight and increasing their lead to 21 points with half the game now in the books. 

In their Round #8 loss, Hamilton's demise versus the 'Goyles was an extremely disappointing 3rd quarter collapse due to a lack of discipline in their own end, knocking the wind from their sails and handing the game over to the Guelph boys on a silver platter.  As to not let history repeat itself, the 'Cats took to the ground in the third frame with a renewed vigor and courage for the footy that was definitely missing in their earlier season match-up.  Thanks in part to fantastic leads from forwards Travers, Visser, Crouch (3 goals) and second/third efforts from speedsters Reuben Sculthorp and Derek Rutten, Hamilton added to their sizable lead by kicking 4.1 while the home side was held to only 3 points due to standout performances across the back fifty from Jeremy Hillis, Justin Settle (BOG) and Charles Thompson who is quickly closing in on his 125th OAFL game.  The 'Cats continued to ride the wave of momentum into the final frame as they pounded Guelph 5.4 to 1.0 and redeemed themselves for their early season flop with a resounding 16.6.102 to 4.7.31 victory on the road; thus evening the season series between the Clubs and extending their current winning streak to 4 games!  Hamilton will back to the "Hammer" for their final home game of the year, playing host to the undefeated Etobicoke Kangaroos who have been sitting a top the OAFL ladder since the start of the '09 season.  Make sure you get out this weekend to support the home side and they push for towards the Finals in what could be a possible Grand Final preview!

FINAL:  HAMILTON WILDCATS 16.6.102 def GUELPH GARGOYLES 4.7.31