Elephants Gallant in Defeat to Bintangs 19/4/08
25 Jun 2008, 03:43pm Posted by Marty
Click to enlarge photo.*** Check out the photo gallery of the game at the bottom of the full article!! ***
Match Report
The first ever game of International Australian Rules Football has been played in the Lao PDR on a very hot Saturday afternoon with the Jakarta Bintangs triumphing by 48 points over a brave Lao Elephants side at the National University of Laos Stadium in Vientiane. The Bintangs depth proved too strong for the young Elephants in front of between 100 - 1000 fans who were treated to a sporting carnival with a pre-match soccer game between the National University of Laos and Vientiane College, a better sausage sizzle than any bunnings car park, and a live band playing all the latest Laotian hits.
In the tradition of all Lao Elephants games 3 Irish lads were recruited from a bar the night before the game in a bid to fill some of the gaping holes in the Elephants midfield, defence, and attack. Local hero Souk led the side out through a magnificent banner prepar ed by the Phants cheer squad and from the beginning (perhaps inspired by the evocative 'lamvong' rendition of the Lao National Anthem played by the band) it was frenetic. The Sepo Chris was giving the midfielders every opportunity with his expert ruck work and thuggery, and the Elephants were holding their own in contests all over the park but the Bintangs are a quality side and snuck a couple of goals in front before the first home goal on Laotian soil through Phil Jordan. Coach Hollywood Hassett broke free of a contest on the wing before finding Souk who took a magnificent mark before 'handpassing' to Jordan who made history.
The Bintangs class showed in the second quarter as they slammed through goal after goal with the Elephants looking tired and shot. With an 8 goal lead at the main break it looked ugly. The third quarter will however go down in Pachyderm folklore as the greatest quarter in the proud history of Laotian Football. Goals from Hassett, Fenner, Fitzpatrick, and Sharples brought the margin back to five goals at three quarter time and the excited crowd was lifting the pink and grey to new heights. The midfield were winning every contest with Elephants BOG Henry in everything and the backline performing magnificently. Lepricorn inspired Eamon Fitzpatrick kicked the goal of the day following a michael flattleyesque run from half back up the wing. At the break murmors were heard around the ground...."could the phants do it?"
In short the answer to that question was no. The last quarter was proof that playing football in this climate is a little bit silly as the fatigue began to set in for both. After a few more goals to the Bintangs and another one to Hassett the siren was blown much to the relief of all. Credit must go to the Bintangs for playing out the game with only 3 players on the bench for rotation - a tough ask in the heat, and are a quality team. The game was played in great spirit and the Elephants would like to thank the Bintangs for visiting and making it such a great day.
The Elephants can however hold their heads high and be very proud of their efforts in the last half of the game. There are some very positive signs to build on for the Asian Champs in September. There is a possibility of another home game before then...stay tuned!
We would like to thank the magnificent all-girl umpiring team of Kate, Em, and Leda for their wonderful efforts. They let the game flow very well and didnt put up with any lip from any of us.
Final Score: Jakarta Bintangs - 13.12.90 defeated the Lao Elephants 5.12.42
Goalkickers:
Lao Elephants: Hassett 2, Fenner, Fitzpatrick, Sharples, Jordan
Jakarta Bintangs: Alex 5, Gracey 3
The Lao Elephants would like to thank our generous sponsors for the game on Saturday. We are extremely grateful to the following:
Argonaut Resources Laos - www.argonautresources.com
Vientiane College - www.vientianecollege.com
Travel Indochina - www.travelindochina.com
We would also like to thank all of the volunteers and spectators who helped to make the afternoon and night so memorable of whom there are many. We are greatly indebted to you all - thank you!
Subscribe via RSS
