In a match up of the two leading teams in the AARFL, the resurgent Roswell Rebels took it to the Midtown Bombers on a beautiful Spring morning and only just missed out on the upset win.

It was a tale of two halves and accurate kicking in this pulsating encounter. Roswell, with the greater numbers and the return of Ben Crist, started like they expected to lose, allowing Midtown to control the tempo of the game and to kick the first three goals, through the very experienced boot of Ed Robinson and newcomer Jason Peters. In fact, it was all Midtown in the early going with further goals to Adam Jennings and Curtis Jones, drifting down from Center Half Back. Roswell were able to eventually get on the scoreboard with a rare goal from Brent Kewley and one from Nick Miklowski. Midtown replied to this with another goal from Robinson, who was dominating the center and stealing the thunder from Roswell, who were winning nearly all of the rucking contests through David Evans. The first quarter ended with Midtown easily on top, leading 6.5.41 to Roswell 2.1.13

The second quarter started much the same way as the first with a barrage of goals from Paul Cargal, Robinson (his fourth), another to Jones and the fit and renewed Brent Bacon, dominating three separate opponents, kicking four goals for the quarter. With Roswell easily winning the center knocks, it was strange to see Midtown being the team driving forward out of the center. Midtown just seemed to be teaming up better, getting the handpassing going and racking up the scores. Roswell managed a couple of goals through the unusually quiet Carl Garofalo and a second for Miklowksi. But it was Midtown easily leading on the scoreboard and it looked like they were going to run away to another big win. At half time, it was Midtown 13.9.87 to Roswell 4.3.27, a huge 60 point margin.

However, games aren’t won with just half a game of football and, as I said earlier, this was a game of two very different halves. Roswell burst out of the half time gate with renewed energy and determination and ran rings around their leaden footed opponents. The started taking advantage of David Evans dominating the center bounces and, with Crist providing much added speed to their game, they started to move the ball forward in waves. First it was Garofalo scoring his third and fourth goals, and then veteran Tim Roberson got in the act, scoring his first. After a couple of misses, it was Mick Frost booting accurately, then Crist and finally Evans got on the scorer’s sheet. Roswell’s overall accuracy let them down and while they booted 6 goals they also kicked 6 behinds for the quarter. They also allowed Midtown to steady themselves with four straight goals. The first was through new powerhouse player Chris Holden, who showed his strength and willingness to get the ball out the pack with some great running. He, and fellow newcomer David Evans (not one to be intimidated) managed to get into some heated discussion about who was stronger and it took the umpire a few minutes to settle things down again. Midtown got a second from Jason Peters, another from Jimmy Glenn (his first) and another from Jones who continued his stellar play on the half back line and drifted down for his third. This accuracy allowed Midtown to maintain a three-quarter time lead of 42 point lead, 17.9.111 to 10.9.69. All in all though, it was a very poor effort from Midtown who seemed content to rest on their laurels and a much improved effort from Roswell, who now realized they could take this game with one last effort.

And so to the last quarter, where Roswell continued their fine running game and dominance of the center bounce to peg back the Midtown score with a barrage of shots on goal. With their fitness showing, but their kicking lacking in accuracy, they kept the Midtown defense under pressure, finding open people everywhere and driving the ball forward. After a couple of false starts, they finally got goals from Garofalo (2), who brought his total to 5 for the day and Miklowski (2). Nick has developed into a fine half back who, like his counterpart Jones, was running out of defense to give support to the forwards. Thomas Berry got his first goal and even showed never before seen aggression in his tackles, being warned by the umpire to release his opponent after a mark. Mick Frost notched his second and was urging his teammates towards an improbable victory. Luckily for Midtown, they kicked goals at crucial moments to steady themselves. Bacon, limping on one leg following a misstep into a hole and straining his hamstring, kicked his fifth goal and was able to create enough trouble for the Roswell defenders that they had to mark him. Jason Peters completed his best game since starting to play Footy only this year, with his third goal and Cargal helped cement the victory with two late goals.

Roswell have to be very happy with their play, knowing that they can now match Midtown over four quarters and have to fancy their chances in future games. Midtown has some worries with fitness and desire after dominating the league for three and a half consecutive seasons. They survived this game on team work and accurate kicking, kicking 8 goals straight in the second half, but were completely out hustled in the same period by a resurgent Roswell team. Roswell had 20 scoring shots in the second half and would be ruing their misfortune in front of goal, having hit the post several times and ‘walking’ the ball through the goals when no defender was there.

The final siren was a relief for Midtown who won the game 21.9.125 to 15.12.102, and the few spectators were treated to best AARFL game in some time. Midtown now has an unassailable lead in the standings and will be happy to lead the league for the third straight season. Congratulations go out to them and their captain Curtis Jones.