World Footy News

In a good result for South African footy, the Inland Lions squad has pushed the youthful Australian Indigenous Boomerangs team all the way before narrowly losing their match by 10 points at Mohadin Cricket Ground, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

After several days of rain a wet ground awaited the players despite sunny conditions on the day. In a see-sawing affair the lead changed hands several times before the Boomerangs saw off the challenge from the Inland component of AFL South Africa's elite training program, which represents the best of the senior and youth talent in North West and Gauteng Provinces. The Flying Boomerangs are a selection of Indigenous Australian talent, this year lead by recently retired Sydney Swans star Michael O'Loughlin. It usually features youth from a range of backgrounds and footballing ability, including some potential future AFL stars.

Details and photos follow, and updated with comments from Micky O and Chris Johnson. Pictured at left is South African Mazizi Sifanelo as he evades a Boomerangs opponent in the wet.

Former Sydney Swans AFL legend Michael O’Loughlin and fellow Boomerangs coach Chris Johnson (ex Brisbane Lions Premiership player) rallied their troops in the second quarter to kick 5 goals on the burst, going in at half-time with a narrow lead.

The second half saw the lead change several times before the Boomerangs steadied to eventually scrape home by 10 points in a thrilling finish.

A veteran of 303 AFL games for the Swans, Michael O’Loughlin was impressed by what he saw from the home team.

“The skill level was much better than what I was expecting and the Lions' ability to use the ball in the wet was terrific,” said O’Loughlin. “They weighted their kicks well giving their team-mates every opportunity to mark the ball downfield under difficult conditions”, said O’Loughlin during his first trip to South Africa.

Brisbane Lions Premiership player Chris Johnson was just as impressed, “I’ve no doubt that a South African will be playing at an AFL Club within the next 5 years,” he said.

Mohadin Cricket Ground, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Wednesday 27th January 2010

Flying Boomerangs 9.13 (67)
South African Lions Inland Squad 8.9 (57)

Best Players:

Flying Boomerangs – Jack Martin, Elijah Edwards, Chris Warrell, Terrence Curley, Lonnie Hampton

SA Lions Inland – Steven Matshane, Mazizi Sifanelo, Thabiso Phakedi, Benjamin Motuba, Samuel Sethibe

The Boomerangs now travel to Cape Town to play the Lions Coastal Squad (Cape Town and Durban players) from 3pm on Sunday January 31st in Nyanga township.

Boomerangs coach Michael O'Loughlin

Players from both sides embrace post-match