Reading Kangaroos Australian Rules Football Club

22nd April, 2006
Roo's selected for the British Bulldogs for ANZAC Cup Day
by Andy Whiteaker

In addition to the Roos joining up with the guys from Swindon to form the Regional Roos for this year's ANZAC Cup, four British Roos were selected to play for the British Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs side contained the nucleus of the side that travelled to Melbourne for the International Cup in 2005, but also included a number of players very new to the game. Given the lack of experience of in the team and that many of the boys were playing together for the first time, it was a credit to the team, and to Charlie from the Nottingham Scorpions who was coaching the team for the day, how well the team played. Of the Roos, two International Cup veterans, Adam Bennett (Vice-Captain) and Jules Ford featured. Making up the Roos contingent were Ian Gladman and Andy Whiteaker, both representing the Bulldogs for the first time.

The first game against Putney Magpies was a tough start, but the Brit Magpies in the Bulldogs team where keen to get one over their erstwhile team-mates. Despite great spirit from all of the Bulldogs, the lack of cohesion cost them. The Magpies moved the ball well up the park and took their chances, the Bulldogs lost possession too easily and didn't take the chances they created. In the end the Magpies ended up comfortable winners, albeit having taken a few big hits from the Brits.

the roos support by ben's favourite tent

The second game gave the Bulldogs their best chance of a win, taking on the Scottish Puffins, a mainly Aussie Ex-Pat side drawn from the Scottish League. The game was tight, with neither side able to take and hold much of an advantage. Once again the Bulldogs struggled to play much fluid footy and the Scots went into the last five minutes a couple of points up. However, cometh the hour, cometh the Ford. Jules came off the inter-change bench for a ball-up just inside the Scots' 50. Two Scots up at the ruck gave Jules a free shot at the posts, which he took without much fuss. Another swift break just before the end gave the 'Dogs another goal and their first victory of the tournament.

Next up were the West London Wildcats, the biggest club in the country, who had won the ANZAC cup for the past few years. Our confidence was definitely up following the win against the Scots and we were determined to give it our all. As it was we got off to the best possible start with Andy winning a contest just inside the 50 and straight in front of the posts. Finding himself in acres of space he ran on before guiding one straight through the posts to give the 'Dogs the lead. The Wildcats pulled one back quickly, and the rest of the half was pretty even, the 'Cats going in a couple of points up. Unfortunately despite the effort and commitment, the 'Cats had a bit too much know how in the second half, especially at the ruck where despite Jules winning his share of knock downs the Cats always seemed to emerge with the ball. The back line kept "Bomber" quiet for most of the game but he eventually took a couple of grabs and the Cats took the game by 3 goals. Not bad considering the Wildcats beat most of the other teams by much bigger scores.

The final game against Wimbledon Hawks gave the Bulldogs another chance to grab a win. The Hawks had lost to both Putney and the Wildcats and we definitely thought they were there for the taking. The Bulldogs threw everything at them and dominated almost the entire game, with the Hawks unable to get out of their own half, but were unable to register a major on the scoreboard. Jules continued his dominance in the ruck, easily having the better of his Hawks opposite number. Andy had a quiet game on the half-back line as the ball spent most of the time in the Hawks 50. It was left to Ian and Ads to grab the headlines: Ads with a mazy 30 yard run from the half back line including two "Bennett-Bounces" to set up a score, and Ian to kick one of only four points in the whole game (which had the post covers been a regular size would have flown through the goal rather than clipping the padding for a behind).

Two victories against ex-pat teams was a great return for the Dogs, and it was good to see the Roos in the squad put in a strong showing.

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