World Footy News

Great Britain finally brought up their first win of the tournament, snatching victory from Canada by two points in a tight match at Wangaratta Showgrounds.

The Brits kicked with a varying breeze in the opening quarter and both sides got numbers to the ball, making for a physical scrappy game. Number 12 Stefan Leyhane for Canada dished out some rough treatment off the ball which fired some of the Bulldogs up although surprisingly there was no immediate retribution. The British lead at the first break 1.3 (9) to no score.

Canada's Mark van Gelder marked and goaled to narrow the margin, and then the Northwind peppered the goals for behinds as the breeze strengthened. Aaroon Falcioni was strong all day for the Canadians but a goal to Luke Matias put Britain clear again at three quarter time. Canada soon scored a major to bring them close, and big number 30 van Gelder again marked and goaled to put them clear by 5 points.

After a winless tournament of near misses, the Northwind could taste victory. But the Bulldogs would not be denied and Luke Matias scored again and then in the mad scramble at the end Britain hung on to win by 2 points. A well deserved first win in 2005, but the Canadians most certainly have done enough to have finished higher than they probably will.

Final scores

Great Britain 3.7 (25)

Canada 3.5 (23)