Midtown Bombers               2.2      6.3        8.3    11.3  (69)
Druid Hills Highlanders        1.0      3.3        6.3      9.5  (59)

MATCH REPORT

The game everyone had been waiting for was here. Midtown sporting the big names and plenty of new recruits and Druid Hills fast and fit small in number but big in results. The line-ups as usual were affected by non attendees and this continues to affect all teams competitiveness. Druid Hills were missing two of their key players in Buhaj and Crist but had new recruits for the first time in Dale Bartlett all the way from NC and Scott Nelson and Scott Rogers. Midtown however also were down a couple of handy players but had plenty of experience to call on just the same, also worthy of mention Jimmy Glenn down for his first game this year.

Its was the consistency of Midtown that showed through early this week. Robinson in the center was having things all his own way and where he left off Sheehan picked up the pieces. For Druid Hills it was Mobley and Ciganek trying to keep things intact and the reappearance of Ross Larossa was a welcome addition to their ranks. Midtown around the ground were able to match Druid Hills run and fitness and this was a telling part, with Midtown taking a slender lead at quarter time by 8 points in a low scoring quarter. The Bombers built on that lead through the second term to lead by 18 points at the half kicking 4 goals to 2. With avenues to goal via Robinson and Sheehan doing as he pleased the writing was on the wall.

The third term was not much unlike the first two but Druid Hills were able to get closer by 6 points. Larossa seemed to be doing a ton or work down in the back half but up forward Druid Hills struggled a little for the first time this year under the pressure of Sheehan and Jones. In a tidy display back there Curtis Jones was everywhere for Midtown even pushing forward for two handy goals. At the last break it was Midtown by 12 points. Midtowns accuracy in front of goal perhaps the difference with Batten kicking a couple of goals in what would be 3 goals from 3 shots at the end of the day for last years leading goalkicker.

The final quarter early looked like a it was going to be a blowout with Midtown posting three quick goals to take a 30 point lead. But funny as this game is and the short time that one of these games can be turned around, Druid Hills kept coming and hit back with three goals of their own in reply. With a couple of late chances going begging for the Highlanders  the deficit was reduced to 10 points when the final 'hooter' called it a day and a well deserved win went to the Midtown Bombers by 10 points.

In summary without doubt one of the hardest fought games seen played in the AARFL in recent times where defenses had a major impact, but certainly still great to watch. Both teams interestingly having only 14 scoring shots which is well down on previous games.  Premiership favoritism is confirmed for Midtown. Can they handle the pressure.?

DRUID HILLS
Best- Larossa, Ciganek, Mobley, Eckman, Nelson
Goals- Bartlett 2, Larossa 2, Mobley 2, Ciganek, Kewley & Nelson 1 each.

MIDTOWN
Best- Robinson, Sheehan, Jones, Glenn, Hodge
Goals - Sheehan 3, Batten 3, Jones 2, Robinson 2, Glenn 1.

Decatur Devils                2.5     3.8      5.13    11.13   (79)
Roswell Rebels               2.2     3.4       4.6         5.7   (37)

MATCH REPORT

In the second match it was the battle of the 'cellar dwellers'. Roswell and Decatur had failed to look like winning a game till now but one of these teams was going to get off the bottom of the ladder today with 4 points next to their name. Both teams were sporting even size squads and several new recruits each, so the scene was set for another great game.

Andy Beh for Decatur was up against the flying Hugo Sach in the ruck in what was going to be a great contest for the whole game. Beh looking to feed Baker and Kraska and Sach for Roswell with two 19 yr olds in Groves and Hayden Frost at his feet. The first term was goal for goal. Decatur looked like they had more of the ball but couldnt pull away on the score board and the lead was just 3 points to Decatur at the first break.

Not a lot change in the second half except Roswell smaller players appeared to be getting on top. Diamond and Sach were combining well in the back half and Larry Groves and young Frost were running around picking up kicks forward of them. For Decatur newly recruited Adam Stevens was turning into a handy pick up for the Devils. The lead still only 4 points for the Decatur at half time with their inaccuracy perhaps a factor.

Well they say the third quarter is the one that counts the most and this was certainly true today. The momentum of the game certainly went to Decatur with Baker, Monkhouse and Judith Stein all playing well. Beh & Kraska still working hard and Roswell was starting to run out of answers. Roswell's forays forward also importantly resulted in little score and that didnt help. At the final change it was Decatur by 13 points.

The last term was all Decatur as they kicked away. The move of Stevens into the back line was helpful for the Devils also ensuring Roswell were not going to get back into the game. For Roswell it was Sach & Diamond with two many holes to fill to make any impression. Decatur kicking 8.5 to 2.3 after half time to win their first game since 2005.

ROSWELL
Best- Sach, Diamond, M Frost, Williams, H Frost.
Goals- M Frost 2, Sach, H Frost & Groves 1 each.

DECATUR
Best- The Whole Team.
Goals - Beh 4, Baker 2, Stein 2, Stevens 2, Kraska 1