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The Kookaburras unveiled a new look team as the Baton Rouge Tigers came into town looking to avenge two defeats in 2005. In mild and breezy conditions the teams looked evenly matched with both outfits having several rookies just learning the game. Atlanta had six players in their first official game for the club and several of those were to take a large hand in the days proceedings. This was to be a double milestone for the Kookaburras. Mike Powers coaching for the first time the team he founded in 1998 and Ben Crist the first American Captain of the Atlanta team in its 8 years history. Crist certainly showed no stress from the occasion leading by example from the first siren to the last. First bounce and it was a new face in the ruck in Reid Tankersly who with only a few weeks practice and a pick up game or two showed he was going to be a great asset to the Kookaburras this year and perhaps the relief from the position BJ Gambaro has been waiting for. Tankersly did a great job early helping the Kookaburras smalls the likes of Briton Rotell, Brent Kewley and another rookie in Marc Baharj get plenty of opportunities. What they didnt gather certainly Captain Crist did along with a few others like Pete Eckman and Mick Frost. Former Nashville star and MAAFL MVP Lance Van Putten was enjoying his first game for his new club finding space out on the flanks. At quarter time the Kookaburras had already opened up a handy break with only Muller, Napoli and Redman looking dangerous for the Tigers. Atlanta 4.5.29 Baton Rouge 1.2.8 The second term started as good as the first for the Kookas as the home team started to rotate their new players through their bench. Baton Rouge although young and inexperienced they certainly gave all. The midfield however for Atlanta was on top, with some crisp handballs and players in support the locals took the game away for the visitors. Kewley and Crist again doing most of the damage whilst Curtis Jones and Pete Eckman held things together in the back line like seasoned veterans. At half time the Kookas lead had blown out to 48 points. Atlanta 9.8.62 to Baton Rouge 2.2.14 After the main break you would expect the visitors to regroup and dig in and that was the case here. The Baton Rouge team played some good footy at times but were let down by inconsistent disposal. They certainly didnt lack for wanting to have a go.! The Tigers added two goals for the quaterer but couldnt contain the home team as Atlanta added another three themselves putting the result of the game virtually beyond doubt at the final break. Atlanta 12.12.84 to Baton Rouge 4.2.26 The last term and there were some tired legs out there. Both teams using several different options through the center of the ground were finding goals hard to come by. The pressure was certainly maintained for the full eighty minutes of the game that is for sure. One goal a piece in the final stanza and it was the Kookaburras taking the win over the Tigers again. The margin of 58 points was the same as it was at three quarter time, something for the visitors to take heart in showing they never gave up. Back on their own soil in June is sure going to be a different encounter. Atlanta 4.5 9.8 12.12 13.13.91 Baton Rouge 1.2 2.2 4.2 5.3.33 Best Players: ATL: Crist, Kewley, Buharj, Tankersly, Frost, Eckman BTR: Napoli, Pierre, Boyd, Meyer, Redman, Muller Goalkickers: ATL: Crist 3, Batten 2, Frost 2, Tankersly 2, Buharj, Monsour & Ron Sheffield 1 each BTR: Redman 3, Muller & Napoli 1 each
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