The Warriors' 100 gamer, Jason Flanagan and another veteran, Scott McDonough
At last weekend’s Asian Championships in Shanghai, the Swannies played Singapore first up. We lost the game and our gun player, Lucas Skelton who received a cut to the eyelid which required 5 stitches. Malaysia were up next and Matty Natalotto tells us what happened.
Game 2 in Vietnam’s 2010 Asian Championships campaign saw the Swannies come up against the Malaysian Warriors. Having drawn what some labeled the ‘group of death’, the Swannies always had their work cut out with both Singapore and Malaysia fielding very strong sides for the Championships.
Vietnam’s task was not made any easier after losing star midfielder Lucas Skelton to a nasty cut to the eyelid late in Game 1 against Singapore.
Malaysia on the other hand was coming off a strong performance in their first game and were lifted further by the massive achievement of Jason “Flana” Flanagan in reaching his 100 game milestone for the Warriors for this match.
It was indeed the Warriors who charged out of the blocks putting huge pressure on the Swannies all over the ground. The Warriors were getting better use of the ball at the centre bounces and it was only due to some wayward Warrior kicking and the countless efforts from Swans defender Nat Payne that they failed to put the Swans away early.
Vietnam Captain and on baller Luke Creamer tried hard, as did several Swans defenders including Sam Stevens, Richie Quinn and some strong efforts by Asian Championship stalwart and veteran player, Kev Hornblower.
However, the tide was too strong and in the second half the flood gates opened. Malaysia dominated around the ground and was able to stack on 4 straight goals to put the rattled Swannies away.
Now, faced with two straight defeats in the Championships, it would be the ultimate test for the Swans to re-group and muster our first win in the Asian Championships. History was against us…
More match reports, photos, interviews, ’round the grounds and much, much more to follow about the Swannies 2010 assault on the Champs.
Don’t touch the dial! And honk yer horn if you loved the footy in Shanghai last weekend.