Chippenham Redbacks 99, Bournemouth Demons 57
at Hove

RFC Local football star Kauppinen, and Tom Ingall, have taken to Aussie Rules Football like ducks to water and dominated the midfield.

Both players ran hard and out competed Bournemouth at all the hard ball gets on the floor and in the air. Man of the match Kauppinen, kicked 4 goals, with Ingall 2, but it was their energy that was the difference.

Captain Tom Case and Johnny Hope-Smith followed their lead. Case, was inspired in defence, punching away so many attacking kicks. Hope-Smith shoulder barged so many opponents that the Demons were trying to get away from him.

The first quarter began with fire as both teams are known for their physicality. Plenty of shepherds and barges were flying in from all directions.

Kauppinen provided the impetus with two cracking goals from tough angles. Aaron Gale also got on the scoreboard with a goal from a snap shot. Hope-Smith already had the Demons midfield concerned as to when they were next going to be hit. As a result of this, the Demons gave away some needless free kicks.

Redbacks 20, Demons 11

The Redbacks defence of Case, Paul Conway and Nick Hardick broke up some inventive play by the Demons in the 2nd quarter. However, the Redbacks rushed a number of opportunities and didn’t convert the dominance on the scoreboard. The exception was Kauppinen who kicked his third major.

Redbacks 33, Demons 20

The third quarter started at a furious pace, Ingall, Phil Moulton and Dan Horscroft linked well to give Ingall the space to slot his first goal. The clearances were edged by the Redbacks, with Lee Tarn, who also kicked a goal, working hard at ruck time.

Some inventive play by Pete O’Neill on his return to the colours, bagged him a couple of goals to stretch the lead. Still the Demons wouldn’t lie down, with 2 goals to star aussie Chris.

Redbacks 61, Demons 37

With the game still evenly poised in the final quarter, the Redbacks started to use the ball more wisely, creating opportunities for the forward line. Rob Kerr, Gale 2, Ingall and Tarn all kicked goals to relieve the frustrations of assistant coach Stu McKay on the sideline.

Moment of the day went to new recruit 6’7” 19 stone Scott Barlow whose huge tackle on Demons Coach Lockie Kerr will long be remembered. The final word of the day fittingly went to Kauppinen who goaled from long distance again, to start the celebrations.

Redbacks 99, Demons 57

Umpire: David Gayford