Demons, Wildcats and Magpies win opening round of the 2011 AFL London season

Image: Adrian Craddock

The season opening AFL London matches were all close enough to suggest that this year’s competition will be keenly contested.

Fresh from their pre season premiership at the Anzac Challenge, the West London Wildcats had to come from behind to defeat the North London Lions who look to be one of the big improvers for 2011. The Wildcats finished 79-46 against the Lions. In the earlier games, the Shepherds Bush Raiders incredible record of nine premierships from the first 10 years of competition, look to once again have a very strong outfit with a big 100 point win over the Regents Park Lions. The Emus also had a good solid first up win.

The Putney Magpies defeated a much improved Wimbledon Hawks outfit who look to have recruited well in the off season and may well surprise a few opponents in 2011 with their tenacious brand of footy under new coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams. Putney secured a 68-47 point win. The Magpies also defeated Dulwich in the reserves and the Hawks in the social game.

On Sunday at Clapham Common, the Wandsworth Demons also started with three wins for the day. However in the senior game they didn’t have it all their own way against the London Swans, until the final stages where they ran out winners by 21 points (61-40). Earlier in the day the Clapham Demons defeated the City Swans in a nail biter by just one point, whilst the Demons social team ran out comfortable winners over the Reading Roos.

All eyes now turn to round two of the season where some fast and furious AFL London action is guaranteed.

Check out www.afllondon.com for all your latest news and email afllondongm@gmail.com if you wish to get involved and find your nearest local club.

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