17th June, 2006
The Best of British come to Reading
by Adam Bennett

The Brit Cup was hosted by the IX Europe Reading Kangaroos this year, hoping to improve on their semi-final finish last year. Joining the Roos were the Sussex Swans, Swindon Devils, Wandsworth Demons, West London Wildcats, Putney Magpies, North London Lions and the Scottish Puffins. Playing only British players, it gave all the teams a more level playing field without any Aussies in the mix.

It was a fine day for the event thankfully, as a lot of extra preparation had gone into getting the ground and details ready. The Roos squad on the day was missing a few regulars, but had a very solid line-up, including a couple of guys taking part in their first games, as well as being joined by a couple of the Dockers' players.. Drawn in the same group as the Lions, Magpies and Puffins, it would be an intersting route through to the knock-out stages.

First up were the Puffins, who braved the longest trip of any of the teams, only to find out that a third of the squad hadn't made it. Borrowing players and playing 10-a-side meant that the show could go on, and the Roos got off to a solid start, defeating the Puffins by about 40. With only 10 minute halves, great play out of the middle by Ian and Paul provided a solid platform for Wayne and Andy up front to slot a few goals and get the Roos off to a good start.

Up next were the Lions, a team that the Roos had enjoyed success against in the previous Brit Cup. This year was no exception, and the Roos once again came out victorius, with Blackie and Mike at the back smothering most of the Lion's attacks before they really got going. Jules was monstrous again in the ruck and is cementing his position as probably the best EU ruckman in the British game.

The last group game was against the Magpies, which would always be a tough fixture. As one of the London sides with fewer Aussies than the other clubs, the Magpies naturally develop their EU players to a better standard, with 4 of the current GB squad in their ranks. The game was hard fought and very fast, and despite some great battle from the whole side, the Roos were pipped by just two points at the siren.

A second place finish in the group meant that the Roos would play the winners of group 1 - the Wildcats. As the biggest club in the UK, and with several GB players as well as a host of other well-drilled EUs, the Wildcats are a team to be respected no matter what the size of the teams. The Roos fought hard, but hampered by a smaller squad and with the Wildcats able to bring in fresh legs, the difference at the siren was roughly 20 points. With the Wildcats going on to beat the Magpies in the final, the day was done and the beer could flow!

The Roos performed well all day and several players caught the eye of the current national coach. Ads was solid at the back and getting marks as a full-forward is getting more difficult by the game. Jules had wings for most of the day in the ruck, but the rest of his play is great as well, and with a howitzer for a right foot, can attack from almost anywhere on the pitch. Ian ran all day and cleared up well behind the pack to provide a solid platform for the forwards. Madness caught the eye and has come on leaps and bounds from the last season, and Andy Whits up top is developing into a fine attacker, with a great hands and his goal-kicking improving all the time. We're hoping to see a large Roos contingent in the upcoming City vs Country game in late September.