Hawks blow finals race wide open while Wildcats and Dees march on

AFL LONDON: The title race has been blown wide upon thanks to a big win over the Swans by the Hawks. Wandsworth also won and the Wildcats defeated the Lions in the match of the round!

Hawks clip the Swans

The 14.9 (93) win over the Swans 11.10 (76) means the Hawks keep their chances of returning to the finals for the first time since 2006 open with now only one game the difference between three clubs vying for fourth spot at the end of the season. Best on ground for Hawkers was boom recruit Jason Elliot, whilst George Marshall was also impressive and the old war horse Nick Katsivelos booted four goals for the victors. Justin Mahoney and Luke Crosby battled hard for the Swans, who now must win two of their last three games to be assured of a spot in the finals.

In the conference game the London Swans reserves had a massive win over the Dragons with Brad Thompson and Ross Deacon both unstoppable, with Deacon booting a whopping 10 goals. The Reading Roos continued their dominance of the social league with a big victory over the Balham Hawks.

Dees pump the Pies

Played in baking hot temps of over 30 degrees, the Wandsworth Demons proved too strong for the Putney Magpies, beating them 20.10 (130) to 11.8 (74). The Pies have hit a bit of a mid season slump and are potentially looking shaky if they are to hold on to their fourth spot on the ladder, whilst the Dees are continuing their great run of form. Kyle Sleep and Craig Otters were great contributors for the winners as well as Sam Bates who slotted through four majors for the day.

In the earlier game the Wandsworth club rounded off a great day when Clapham easily accounted for Putneys conference side with Tim Edmunds and Liam Baker best players for Clapham.

Wildcats maul the Lions

After a barnstorming last quarter finish last week over league leaders Wandsworth, the Lions had a tough follow up game against the Wildcats.  On a hot London summers day, the Wildcats recorded a strong victory over the Lions beating them 15.10 (100) to 10.9 (69). Best for the Wildcats were the dynamic sauce duo of Aaron Kempe and Marc Lonergan whilst Chris Fortnum was also a strong performer.

In the earlier games the Ealing Emus defeated Bounds Green to keep within striking distance of the top of the table Demons, with Joel Siwak who booted five goals and Matt Hiddlestone also one of the Emus best.

To round off a great day for the West London club the undefeated Shepherds Bush Raiders continued on their merry way with a win over a strong Regents Park outfit, with Steve Dinnell and Luke Kenelly best for the Raiders and coach Craig Marshall who booted four majors.

Round 8 preview – Cats v Hawks Super Thursday!

In yet another cracking round of AFL London fixtures, this week sees some more great games.

On Thursday night the Wimbledon Hawks host the Wildcats at Motspur Park in a pre Pamps game. For the Wildcats this could represent a real danger game as they will be coming off a four day break, whilst the Hawks will be keen to continue their strong form from last week. In a very close one the Wildcats should just prevail.

The London Swans host the Wandsworth Demons and will need to ensure they notch up a win to keep the chasing pack vying for that fourth spot on the ladder at bay, whilst the Demons will also be hungry for a win to try consolidate that all important douible chance. In a close game the Demons should have a few too many tricks up their sleeve.

In the last game of the round the Putney Magpies will be desperate for a win to stay in touch with fourth spot which is starting to slip away from their grasp. In a close one, the Lions should be a little too strong for the Pies.