The Ottawa Swans emerged victorious in the ECAFL's inaugural 'ECAFL PRE-SEASON CUP' securing the victory with a series of come from behind victories.
The Round 1 match was billed as the marquee match-up as the Swans took on the Montreal Saints. The Saints were hampered by the unavailablity of key ruckman Ronan Rouxell, 2008 leading goal kicker Anthony Williams, the restricted game time to injured 2008 Best and Fairest runner-up Sam Heath and the absence of captain and key forward Vincent Pottier. Up against it the Saints welcomed versatile ruckman Mick Lacy, Dave Wilson and Canadian first gamer Nick Switzer into their squad. The Swans took a hold of the game from the outset. Despite the efforts of Lacy, Gabriel Leiva and Luc Bertrand at full-back, the Swans were able to control the play, Luke Walsh's men kicking what was to be the tournaments highest score (39) and highest winning margin - 35 points. The second game pitted the new look Laval Bombers up against the Shamrocks who were playing their first ever match of Aussie Rules. The Bombers looked sharp early led by classy midfielder Cam Stark and a fleet of new rookies. However the Shamrocks after looking shaky early quickly showed that their Gaelic background and tremendous team work would hold them in good stead, and to everyone's surprise as the whistle for half-time blew the Irish boys had earnt themselves a 4 point lead. The Bombers rallied in the second half, Rookie James-Robert Theis was finding his feet dominating in the air and the Bombers clawed their way back in front, the siren sounding as the ball was heading into the Shamrocks attacking zone.
ROUND 1
Swans 3.2 6.3 (39) def
Saints 0.2 0.4 (4)
Bombers 1.2 3.2 (20) def
Shamrocks 2.0 3.1 (19)
Round 2 started with traditional rivals the Saints and the Bombers squaring off. The Saints were looking for some redemption after their round 1 collapse and Mick Lacy and PJ Devine were leading the way. As the match kicked off, the Bombers kept pace with their new brigade including the likes of Shane Blight, David Zelniker, Max Sigler and David Krief. With some accurate kicking the Red and Black had muscled their way to a 5 point lead over the undermanned Saints. With some excellent work from one of the tournaments best players Cam Stark the Bombers were able to keep the Saints scoreless in the second half. Luc Bertrand worked tirelessy in his unfamiliar backline position but was unable to hold the fort as the Saints crashed to a 17 point loss. The Shamrocks who surprised in the first round went into game 2 against the Swans supreme underdogs. The classy Swans outfit were in for a shock as the Gaelic boys used their fantastic teamwork and some rather unorthodox methods to carve themselves a 3 point lead at half time. The joy was to be short lived as Swans coach Corey Bowen suited up and led a Swans second half revival, Ottawa slamming through 4.2 to no score cruising to a 23 point victory after their early scare.
ROUND 2
Saints 1.1 1.1 (7) lost to
Bombers 2.0 3.6 (24)
Swans 1.0 5.2 (32) def
Shamrocks 1.3 1.3 (9)
Round 3 had set the stage for two thrilling finals like match, The undefeated Swans would take on the undefeated Bombers to decide the winner of the Hooters Cup, but before that the two winless teams, the Saints and the Shamrocks would fight for an elusive victory and the chance to finish the tournament on a high.
The Shamrocks who had been growing in confidence all day jumped out to an early lead, The Saints who now had captain Vincent Pottier back in the line-up finally had a target up forward but struggled to captilise, going in at half time 4 points down. In a low scoring second half the Saints were again held scoreless, finishing in 4th place after an 11 point upset at the hands of the Shamrocks.
A huge blow for the Bombers heading into their 'final' as they lost the services of slick on-baller Emlyn Vivian. The Bombers were still confident that with a solid performance they could compete with the dominant Swans. The Bombers again led by Stark, Blight and the outstanding debutant James-Robert Theis jumped out of the blocks, completely controlling the play. With ferocious attack on the ball and some iron-clad defense the Swans were held goaless in a half for the first time in the tournament, the Bombers wasteful kicking only netting them a 5 point lead at the half. With the game delicately poised the Bombers again threatened to break it open at the start of the second half. The Swans however called upon their big guns in Luke Walsh and Corey Bowen coupled with superior fitness Ottawa shifted into their top gear and took complete control of the game. 4 unanswered goals had the gallant Bombers all but floored, still refusing to lie down, the Red and Black surged forward slotting through a late goal but all too late as the Swans ran out 13 point victors and HOOTERS CUP champions.
The HOOTERS CUP MVP tournament award went to Swans captain Australian Luke Walsh while Bombers debutant ruckman James-Robert Theis claimed the tournament 'Rookie Standout' award.
ROUND 3
Saints 1.2 1.2 (8) lost to
Shamrocks 2.0 3.1 (19)
Swans 0.3 4.3 (27) def
Bombers 1.2 2.2 (14)
