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The Kookaburras traveled light to Sarasota Florida for the rematch of their challenge game last month against the Florida Redbacks and later in the day a trial game against newbies the Ft Lauderdale Fighting Squids. On the previous occasion in Atlanta the Kookaburras were too strong on the day or perhaps too skillful as the Florida Redbacks had plenty of ball that but just didnt convert possessions in to scores. The day was hot and smokey down near the coast with lingering smog from the wild fires in the area water was a well sort after commodity all day. The Redbacks were full of voice and vigor and started well with goals to Maggio and Howard after three behinds to start the game. The Kookas also hit the scoreboard with behinds early before Warren Ballagh kicked truly midway through the term. After another set shot and miss Ballagh redeemed himself with a nice long goal to level the score close to the end of the term. The Kookas were under pressure all quarter as the running players of the Redbacks were getting on top. Kewley was trying hard in the middle as was Mobley but conversions up forward were not easy. Sheehan in the backline was having little impact as the ball seemed to bypass his line. The second term was a dog fight. Brent Kewley and Wayne Kraska were in everything but were lacking support around the ground. Up forward their shooting was off line with only one goal to Mobley and 5 other behinds. This inaccuracy was to be a telling factor later in the game. At the half time break the Kookas were trailing 3.8.26 to Florida's 4.6 30 and were in a little trouble with no reserves on the bench to call on. The third term was to be the turning point of the game. The Florida Redbacks relentless running and tackling paid off as they went forward three times for goals in the first 8 minutes and swung the game heavily in their favor. Atlanta could only respond with an opportunistic goal to club legend Marty Hyder late in the term. At the last break the Kookas looked spent and trailing by 24 points. A move of Damien Sheehan to the forward line reaped immediate rewards for the Kookas early in the last quarter. Where Sheehan had been less than effective in the backline he gave new life to the Kookas forward line with several great marks and two quick goals. With another goal to local Smith for the Kookas all of a sudden the Kookas were only 6 points behind. But it was if that effort was all the Kookas had and soon after midway of the term the Redbacks smaller brigade broke free again and put paid to any hope the Kookas had of retaining their unbeaten run this year. Mirakian goaled twice and another to Makki soon after ended the Kookas hopes. Another great goal by Sheehan was too late to have an impact and the Kookas went down by 23 points. Perhaps ruing the fact that the Sheehan move should have been done a lot earlier in the day when inaccuracy was costing the Atlanta team dearly. Congratulations to the young Redbacks team though, they played hard, fair and for keeps and thoroughly deserved their win. Best
Atlanta
Kraska, Sheehan, Jones, Kewley, Grier Florida
Not Available Goalkickers
Atlanta
Sheehan 3, Ballagh 2, Hyder, Mobley, Smith 1 each Florida
Makki 3, Mirikian 2, Turay 2, Kleman, Maggio, Morton, Howard 1 each Scores
Atlanta 2.3 3.8 4.9 8.11(59)
Florida 2.4 4.6 8.9 11.10 (76)
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