World Footy News

In the tenth anniversary year of the Scottish Australian Rules Football League (SARFL) the Grand Final saw reigning champions Edinburgh Bloods take on minor premiers Glasgow Sharks on the afternoon of 31st August. Each side had won on the other’s home ground during the regular season so this game at Linlithgow Rugby Club promised to provide a fitting climax.

Edinburgh began the game in impressive style, their experienced midfield dominating the first quarter as they quickly moved into a strong lead, kicking eight goals to lead 53-1 at the opening break. Glasgow came out much more strongly after the break, tightening up in the back line and midfield to take the second quarter by four goals to three and promise that a comeback could be on its way. Half time score: Edinburgh 11.7.73 Glasgow 4.3.27.

Glasgow’s momentum continued with two further goals in the third quarter but Edinburgh continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over in what had become an absorbing contest for the vocal crowd – hundreds enjoying the unusual Scottish summer sunshine. Edinburgh maintained their leading margin as both teams continued to play quality football into the final quarter, kicking five goals to three in that term to secure the match.

Final score: Edinburgh 17.19.123 Glasgow 9.6.60

Goals:

Edinburgh: Thomas (3), Beaton (2), Coller (2), Hildebrandt (2), Goodall, McGarry, McGookin, McNicholas, McSparron, Stevens, Townsend, Vahey.

Glasgow: Jack (3), Thompson (3), Douglas (2), Ross Thomson.

This highly entertaining encounter delivered a fitting end to the SARFL season. Scottish footy is by no means over for the year though. The Clansmen host England and Wales in the Tri Nations on the 7th September and the Caledonian Australian Football League (CAFL) finals take place next month, with the Grand Final in Glasgow on 19th October.

Pictures of the game available at http://duncolm.smugmug.com/Australian...SARFL-2013

Story courtesy of AFL Europe: http://www.afleurope.org/