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The Kookaburras traveled with a less than full 18 man squad on their first trip to Dallas Texas to play the leading MAAFL team the Dallas Magpies. With the heat nudging 100F it was always going to be a test for the Kooka squad. Added to the pressure perhaps several players not fully over injuries from the recent Baton Rouge game and other local matches. In contrast Dallas from their reports had their best line-up for the year ready to go. Having already three solid wins against Cincinnati, Milwaukee and Chicago they were fast becoming the benchmark for the 2005 season. Captain Brent Bacon won the toss and kicked with a slight and fluky breeze and after a strong mark and goal himself in the first five minutes the Kookas were on the board early. However it was only a brief time in front as the Magpies started to assert their authority all over the park. First to the ball and great delivery to their forwards enabled the Dallas lineup to quickly post four goals in reply to the Kookas early success. At the first break it was Atlanta 1.0.6 trailing Dallas 4.3.27 The second term made the game for the home team, superior team work and running by players all over the field set up chances to score in quick succession. The Kookas defense was under fire with Jason Barnes having his hands full at full back and Ed Robinson trying hard at CHB. Through the middle the Kookas were ineffective in stopping the talented Dallas midfield who at times appeared to have little resistance. At the main change the day was sunny and hot but for the Kookas only gloom hung over their heads. Dallas leading by 53 points. During the half time break Coach Kraska asked for a greater commitment from his players in the second half otherwise they had wasted their time in traveling all this way. The Kooka players responded to this and played a much better quarter. Trips into the forward line were more prevalent and the team put in a far greater effort around the park to stem the flow of goals for Dallas. After Kraska himself was taken from the field with a bloodied face the Kookas fought back a with goals to Crist and Robinson. At the final break though the Kookas could only look to salvage some pride. Scores Atlanta 3.2.20 trailing Dallas 11.9.75 The Kookas fought out the last term and with a some excellent play again by Robinson, Crist and Bacon.. Marty Hyder out of semi retirement and fast closing in on game record holder Mike Powers' 58 games came on and contributed a goal after only a few chances. At the final siren the Kookas were glad it was all over as the Dallas Magpies and full credit to them, came away easy victors by 83 points. Easily Atlanta's biggest loss in recent years. Perhaps a day the Kookas would rather forget but it shows that the challenge to win away in the MAAFL is huge and good luck to any teams that can. Well done to Dallas on a fine team performance, their future looks bright with plenty of new recruits and plenty of Aussie talent to help them along. Atlanta 1.0 1.1 3.2 5. 3. 33 Dallas 4.3 9.6 11.9 17.14. 116 Best Players: ATL: Robinson, Bacon, Barnes, Crist, Hyder DAL: Richardson, Neary, Haesecke, Paton, Campbell Goalkickers: ATL: Bacon, Robinson, Heffernan, Crist & Hyder 1 each. DAL: Paton 4, Cobb & Campbell 3, Haesecke & Richardson 2, Mc Laren & Bliss 1 each
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