The 2022 SAFL season dawned with plenty of new talent, plenty of old rivalries and as always in Saigon blistering heat!
First Quarter Crocs/Tigers 4.1:25 leading Bears/Vipers 3.2:20
In a fast and furious first quarter the Crocs and Tigers made the most of their opportunities. Richie, a gaelic recruit was damaging while Rusty picked up where he left off last season in the middle. For the Bears/Vipers new recruit Cam Pirret was dangerous up forward hitting the score board in his first quarter in the SAFL.
Ryan Tishler battled hard all game but just didn’t have the support cattle on the day.
Second Quarter Crocs/Tigers 9.3:57 leading Bears/Vipers 5.3:33
The Second quarter saw the Crocs and Tigers pull away and take charge of the game. They did it through the middle of the field getting on top in clearances with big Ryano Glynn winning tap outs but also popping up all over the ground. The Bears/Vipers wasted the limited opportunities they had with some execution errors seeing them lose touch in the match.
Josh Pike taking a long shot on goal under the watchful gaze of Uncle Ho Chi MInh.
Third Quarter Crocs/Tigers 13.3:81 leading Bears/Vipers 7.4:46
The Crocs/Tigers maintained their dominance in the third quarter as the sapping heat started to set in. Norma O’Sullivan and Clare O’Gorman in their first game since making the move from Hanoi to Saigon had a great battle across the middle of the field with some epic one on ones.
Dinh Anh sticking a great tackle on Aaron Clerkin. The pressure was high across all 4 quarters.
The Bears and Vipers to their credit kept pushing deep into the last quarter and managed to win the last quarter. A streak of goals through the middle of the quarter had the most optimistic thinking a grandstand finish could be on the cards before the Crocs/Tigers settled to maintain their lead. Tim Kilminster was dangerous getting forward and kicking a few goals while Steve Diep was smooth across half back turning defensive turnovers into deep attacks with great ball use and switching. In the end though the Crocs and Tigers too far in front and ran out comfortble winnersby 31 points.
Final Result Crocs/Tigers 15.8:98 leading Bears/Vipers 10.7:67
A great game by all and a great start to the 2022 season. The numbers were great and point to great things coming throughout the season. Well done to all in the tough conditions!
Goalkickers
In the goal kickers Richie showed incredible power and accuracy. Despite not having a traditional AFL ball drop he was able to kick goals from all parts of the field. Similarly Tim Kilminster a regular Gaelic player (albeit with an Aussie upbringing) was able to find range for 3 majors and 2021 League Leading Goalkicker Wayne McMahon popped up with 3 despite some close attention.
Tim Kilminster hit the scoreboard late in the game threatening to drag the Bears/Vipers back into the contest.
Best Players
Crocs/Tigers
3 – Ryan Glynn
2 – Norma O’Sullivan
1 – Billy Crang
Bears/Vipers
3 – Nath Milner
2 – Tim Kilminster
1 – Ryan Tishler
Ryan Glynn was powerful in the middle and also across the field. His drive was a big part of the difference between the 2 teams on the day.
