Week three of the AARFL and the two undefeated teams meet. Both had been ultra impressive the first two weeks against moderate opposition. Midtown lacking a few of their stars were maybe surprisingly the underdogs. Decatur after two big wins had old timer Wayne Kraska back and also unveiled two new recruits. Former Tri Cities player in Jason Clark and Mick Bent all the way from Tasmania Australia were on debut.

The game started with the most interesting duel of the day Decatur's Josh Spencer up against Midtown's Adam Jennings. It was a tussle that would last the whole game with the fortunes of both teams many times under their control. Who won the battle, well it depends on who you ask. It was Decatur that drew first blood with Warren Ballagh coming out of the center to kick truly. Where Decatur were accurate early up forward Midtown were not. Under some intense pressure for the first time in a long while Midtown's shots at goal went astray. Jason Clark and Eric Baker chipped in also for a goal each later in the term as the Devils took a handy lead into the quarter time break 4.1.25 to 1.4.10

The second term and the pressure and the speed of the game didn’t subside. Curtis Jones for the Bombers came forward and kicked two booming goals to bring them back into the game but Decatur seemed to have all the answers. Goals to Bent, Ballagh and two to Kraska kept the scoreboard pressure on the reigning champions. Decatur were looking the goods. At the main break it was Decatur 8.2.50 to Midtown 4.8.32. That inaccuracy up forward perhaps proving costly for the Midtown Bombers.

The third term and Midtown threw everything they had at their new rivals. Jones, Jennings, Robinson and Mitchell all added goals and the margin came back to less than a goal at one stage as Decatur started to miss their opportunities up forward. With Clark, Bent and Stevens steadying the ship the Devils responded and with some excellent tackling, Mick Bent goaled and Eric Baker added two more at the end of the term. At the last change it was Decatur still by 16 points. But the Bombers still had a chance.

The last term however was to be all Decatur, again Midtown failed to kick straight where Decatur rarely faltered. James Glenn added the Bombers only goal for the term whilst Decatur’s Baker, Kraska & Ballagh added two each for a 6 goal last quarter. In the end Decatur just too consistent all over the ground for Midtown who’s dreams of back to back titles perhaps now in some jeopardy.

Decatur Devils 4.1 8.2 11.6 17.7 (109)
Midtown Bombers 1.4 4.8 8.10 9.13 (67)

Best Players:

Decatur: Clark, Kraska, Ballagh, Stevens, Spencer

Decatur: Wamsley, Jones, Glenn, Robinson, Jennings

Goalkickers

Decatur: Ballagh 5, Baker 5, Kraska 4, Bent 2, Clark 1.

Midtown: Jones 3, Robinson 2, Mitchell 2, Glenn & Jennings 1 each.

The other game of the day was between Roswell and Druid Hills. Both teams had suffered at the hands of the two league leaders in recent weeks and were looking for their first win. The injury prior to the game of Brent Kewley for Roswell would perhaps rob them of any hope of victory. Druid Hills started well with Pete Eckman returning and Alan Mobley running of the half backline they were getting plenty of chances up forward to post scores. Dave Monsour posted the first two goals for the Highlanders then Mobley two more. Kewley not moving well at all was able to squeeze out a 6 pointer to get the Rebels at least on the scoreboard. Adam Grist and Andy Ciganek were certainly also giving Roswell headaches. At the first break it was Druid Hills 4.1.25 to Roswell 1.3.9

The second term and Druid Hills started to push their advantage home. With more run around the packs Roswell tried hard, especially Benny Crist but he wasn’t enough to stem the flow. First game Andreas Shoredits kicked two goals for the term as Druid Hills piled on 5 for the quarter. Roswell added some respectability to their score late in the term with a nice goal on the run by Thomas Berry and then one to Ben Crist. At the main break it was Druid Hills leading by 28 points.

The third term was a very even affair with both teams adding two goals each. Nick Micklowski kicked his debut goal for Roswell whilst Adam Grist playing very well for Druid Hills added two to their score. At the last change the margin was still 27 points.

The last term it was all Druid Hills as they added 5 goals to 1. Eckman and Mobley doing as they liked as Crist held up his end of the bargain for Roswell. Frost chipping in for a goal late for Roswell but the damage was done.

The final score seeing the Highlanders victorious by 51 points.

Druid Hills Highlanders 4.1 9.4 11.7 16.9 (105)
Roswell Rebels 1.3 4.6 6.10 7.12 (54)

Best Players

Druid Hills : Grist, Eckman, Ciganek, Monsour, Shoredits

Roswell: Crist, Frost, Micklowski, Berry, Kewley

Goalkickers

Druid Hills: Mobley 4, Monsour 4, Grist 3, Shoredits 2, Eckman 2, Ciganek 1.

Roswell: Crist 2, Kewley 2, Frost, Micklowski & Berry 1 each.