Archive for March, 2012

Doco Promo Video for 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match released

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 30, 2012

Steve Drummond has just released his promo doco video for the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match which will be held in Vung Tau on 21 April 2012.

In the 17 minute video, Steve Drummond gives a brief background on the Vietnam War (with footage), explores the relationship between footy and ANZAC Day with the annual clash between Essendon and Collingwood which then leads into the Swannies’ ANZAC Friendship Matches.

Along the way, Steve travels joins the Swannies’ Cambodian Cannonball Run (March 2012) and interviews a number of players about who and what the Swans are as well as a sense of the history and culture of the Club.

Many thanks to Steve Drummond for all his work in putting together this video.

Footnote: Today, 30 March, is the official Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day for the United States, as designated by the U.S. Senate.

It marks the anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. combat and combat-support units from Vietnam on 30 March 1973 (for further details, ). (US military advisors remained together with the continuations of equipment and economic support.)

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Every Heart Beats True. The Jim Stynes Story. Video

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 29, 2012

The Demons form a guard of honour for Jim Stynes.

The state funeral for Jim Stynes was held two days ago.

Below is the video link for . The blurb says:

“It’s hard not to be touched by the story of Jim Stynes. From a boy who moved across the world to achieve the highest individual homour in AFLfootball, to the successful businessman, the philanthropist and now Club President of his beloved demons, Jim Stynes has faced many challenges. He now faces his biggest battle as he continues his brave fight against cancer.

“Every Heart Beats True: The Jim Stynes Story” is not a documentary about a footballer. It’s not even a story about someone fighting cancer. This is a rare insight into a gifted and unique mind that is nothing short of extraordinary.”

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A night for Rico

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 28, 2012

Farewell to "Word" photographer, Rico Gonzales.

Rico Gonzales was a photographer for Saigon’s Word magazine and on a number of occasions had taken photographs for the Vietnam Swans.

The Vietnam Swans are very saddened to learn that last week, Rico suffered a fatal stroke in Phnom Penh.

He was only 43.

In memory of Rico, his friends and colleagues are hosting a little party at Alibi on Thursday night, 29 March, from 7pm.

There will be live music, DJ Edge on the decks and happy hour prices all night to help celebrate Rico’s life.

for further information.

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Press release: Swing to Swim raises USD8,250 for Swing to Swim Programs

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 27, 2012

More than 120 golfers attended the 2nd Annual Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day at Montgomerie Links.

The award winning Montgomerie Links Golf Club located on Vietnam’s stunning Central Coast just outside Danang City has successfully hosted it’s second annual Swing to Swim charity golf day on Saturday 17^th March. The event raised much needed funding for Vietnamese swim programs which will be split equally between two beneficiaries, the Danang based Swim Safe program and Hoi An based Swim Vietnam program.

There were over 120 golfers who participated and they represented an array of nationalities. All of them shared a common goal: to get behind the spirit in which the Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day was intended. The Swing to Swim concept is an initiative created by Montgomerie Links and the community spirited Vietnam Swans Australian Football Club to raise critical funding and awareness to support drowning prevention programs in the provinces of Danang and Quang Nam. The event is proudly supported by the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (RLSSA) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Auscham.

“The Montgomerie Links is very proud to be associated with an event that tangibly benefits our surrounding provinces. In Vietnam drowning fatalities are as frequent as road fatalities, so, by creating events like Swing to Swim, with the support of the lcoal provinces and organistations such as the Vietnam Swans, we are able to provide significant contributions to help save lives”, said Jon Tomlinson, General Director of The Montgomerie Links.

The Vietnamese swimming students come to Montgomerie Links.

Phil Johns, President of the Vietnam Swans Australian Rules Football Club added, “This year’s event was another great success in terms of raising money and awareness. We doubled the number of golfers, slightly increased the number of our generous sponsors in a very tough economy and generated significant exposure for the cause we are trying to support. Additionally, we have gained strong interest from a number of schools in Danang, Quang Nam and Ho Chi Minh City which are all very keen to further promote the safe swimming message with appropriate programs.”

Justin Scarr, from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, said that “SwimSafe will put this money to very good use throughout the summer program.” He added that “raising the profile of this issue with the community, Government and potential donors is the only way to get long term, sustainable strategies in place to reduce the number of drownings”.

This year’s Swing to Swim tournament has raised a total of VND 714,000,000 (USD 8,250). Next year’s 3rd Annual Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day has already been confirmed for 23 March 2013 in the Quang Nam province at The Montgomerie Links.

Special mention is required for our Swing to Swim sponsors which contributed to the overall success of the event. Our Gold Sponsors who contributed a minimum cash donation; namely, Diamond World, Glenmoriange and Sport Stuff. At the same level for their support in driving this event forward were the Vietnam Swans and Auscham,

Hole in One Sponsors included Diamond World, Park Hyatt Saigon and Diamond Bay. Each of them again offered incredibly generous support.

Our Silver Sponsors also contributed greatly: Lifestyle Resort Hoi An, Ana Mandara Hue, Heron Lake, The Nam Hai, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, VietStar Resort and Spa Phu Yen, PepsiCo.

Other generous sponsors included the Caravelle Hotel, Sofitel Hotel, Thai Country Club, Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, Titleist, Ocean Dunes, Mai Linh, ELI School, Palm Garden Resort, Handee, Hot Chili, Al Fresco’s, Red Bridge, Danang Golf Club, Waterfront Restaurant Danang, Cham Island Dive Centre, Avana, Tiger Lily, Blue Coral and Dingo Deli.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back again in 2013 for the 3rd Annual Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day to further reduce the number of drownings in this country!

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A Vietnam Veteran returns to Vietnam to return poetry to a Viet Cong soldier’s mother in ANZAC Month

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 26, 2012

Laurens Wildeboer will return to Vietnam next month to return poetry to the mother of Phan Van Ban, a Viet Cong Soldier. Photo: Simon Schluter

On 18 March 2012, the Age published an article by Tom Hyland called, .

The article tells the story of Vietnam Veteran, Laurens Wildebour, who found a poem during the Vietnam War which had been written by a Viet Cong soldier titled Letter in Spring. It was addressed to “my love who is at home”.

”I just looked at it”, says Laurens, and “immediately felt the humanity behind it. It just added to my perspective, looking at the great pen work and the beautiful writing.”

The Vietnamese soldier, Phan Van Ban, died during the War in March 1969. Laurens returned to Australia and for the next four decades kept Ban’s handwritten poetry, another book with details of his life and a scarf which he took from the battlefield where Ban was killed.

Next month, ANZAC month, Laurens will return to Vietnam for the first time. He will return Ban’s personal items to his mother in Hanoi.

When asked him why he was returning to Vietnam, Laurens said, “”It’s very difficult for me to say. It’s just something I have to do, to try to find maybe some peace, if you like, because I haven’t had much peace.”

Laurens’ wife Roni wants him to make the trip, but concedes, ”I’m worried for him. But I’m hoping he’s going to have a huge epiphany. I’m hoping he’s going to get there and go, ‘Oh, it’s beautiful’. I’m hoping it’s going to give him some peace.”

To read the full article, “Poem to go home in spirit of peace”, .

The full article details Laurens’ time over in Vietnam, how Ban, the author of the poem, was identified and his family tracked down.

Letter in Spring, by Phan Van Ban, January 1968.

The Poem – Letter in Spring, by Phan Van Ban, January 1968

I have been away from you for so long.
Spring has come and gone for some times.
To my love who is at home.
Joy must be all around you now.
I am writing to you at the dawn of New Year.
Back at home you are trembling with cold.
Coldness is also what surrounds me now.
Don’t cry but think of me always.
Remember our silent gaze on the day we parted.
You said goodbye with your sad tears.
Yet now I have seen springs come and go.
I miss you so.
I miss our fatherland rising against enemies.
American ships got shot and burnt.
The invaders are buried in black mud.
And here I am standing at the front line.
New Year comes with the battle clarion.
We march all night to celebrate New Year.
Amid apricot scent to replace peach blossom.
The camouflage is trembling on my body.
With Each step on our way to victory.

The Vietnam Swans’ 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match

The Vietnam Swans will host our on 21 April in Vung Tau. The match is designed to respect the fallen on all sides during times of war, celebrate modern day, vibrant 2012 Vietnam – and to welcome all returning veterans.

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4 Weeks yesterday – the 3rd Annual ANZAC Friendship Match, 21 April, Vung Tau

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 25, 2012

What should we name the medal for the best and most courageous player in the ANZAC Friendship Match? Email [email protected] with your suggestion.

National President, Phil Johns, says there’s just 4 weeks to go before the ANZAC Friendship Match. And there’s lots more going on as well.

Dear Swannies, Sponsors and Supporters

4 Weeks from yesterday – the 3^rd Annual ANZAC Friendship Match, 21 April, Vung Tau
Help!! Naming of Medal at ANZAC Friendship Match
Next Weekend: Local Derby, Hanoi
Last Weekend – Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day raises $8,200
Last Weekend – Big crowd at Combined Irish/Aussie Rules football match, Saigon
A few days earlier – Battle of the Codes in Hanoi raised $1,000
Farewell to Cathie Meinrath’s father.
2012 Indochina Cup confirmed for Hanoi
Final Thought

4 Weeks from yesterday – the 3^rd Annual ANZAC Friendship Match, 21 April, Vung Tau

The countdown clock is on for the Swannies’ single biggest day of the year: the Annual ANZAC Friendship Match in Vung Tau which will be held on Saturday, 21 April.

Four weeks today, we will be at the Vung Tau Dog Track to play the China Reds in front of a crowd of up to 1,000 people, including veterans – some of whom played on the same oval during the war.

This is the event that will give all who participate a lifetime memory.

In a cluttered world, that is a big statement to make. But this is the 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match, Vung Tau, Vietnam.

Promotional posters will appear everywhere during the coming week. Bookings ($40) for the after match dinner on the rooftop of the Worldwide Arms Museum in Vung Tau can now be made. If you would like to be a volunteer during the day, please advise! Latest information will be published at vietnamswans.com/anzac-2012/

Help!! Naming of Medal at ANZAC Friendship Match

We currently present an unnamed medal to the best and most courageous player on the day. We need a name for that medal which will stand the test of time. It needs to resonate with a wide audience and not exclude any parties. The platform of the ANZAC Friendship Match is too important to offer something that is only “vanilla” and neutral. The medal needs to be strong and stand for something. It needs to lead. The prestige of this annual medal will continue to grow as the years pass by.

If you have any suggestions, I would very gratefully receive them. !

Next Weekend: Local Derby, Hanoi

Next weekend, a number of players from Saigon will travel to Hanoi for a local derby in the lead up to the ANZAC Friendship Match. Multiple cities; one Club.

Last Weekend – Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day raises $8,200

Last weekend, the 2^nd Annual Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day was held at Montgomeire Links, Danang. Compared with last year, the number of golfers doubled to 110 which was a great result. The increase in numbers was due to a reduction in the registration fee and the increased exposure. Unfortunately, not as many people attended the dinner in the evening which is when the raffle and auction were held. Nevertheless, despite the reduced registration fees and numbers at the auction, a fantastic USD8,200 was raised to support the great work being done by Swim Vietnam and Swim Safe (Royal Life Saving Society of Australia) Danang. That money raised will translate into lives saved in the water which is extremely gratifying.

During the week, Montgomerie Link’s General Director, Jon Tomlinson, confirmed that next year, the 3^rd Annual Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day will be held on 23 March 2013.

Promisingly, a number of schools in Danang, Saigon and Hanoi have pledged to run swimming programs in the same week as Swing to Swim so that we continue to raise awareness during a “Water Safety Week”.

Thank you to all our very generous sponsors who supported this year’s Swing to Swim as well as the people who played in the tournament and joined the dinner. Bring on next year!

Last Weekend – Big crowd at Combined Irish/Aussie Rules football match, Saigon

Last weekend, there were 50 players and 200 spectators at RMIT in Saigon for a combined Aussie Rules/Irish football match. There were alternating quarters of each code. The teams were mixed to ensure a great contest.

It was a hugely successful day and in the process, $450 was raised for the Loreto Foundation.

A few days earlier – Battle of the Codes in Hanoi raised $1,000

The winning Skowronski's Sausages team.

On 15 March, the sporting codes in Hanoi, including the Swannies, combined to host the 2^nd Annual Battle of the Codes Trivia night for charity. The show was won by Skowronski’s Sausages (btw, Skowronski is a Swannie).

During the evening, $1,000 was raised which will be split evenly between Swim Vietnam and Little Tigers Orphanage. A great result and well done by all.

Farewell to Cathie Meinrath’s father.

The Vietnam Swans were greatly saddened to learn of the sudden death of Cathie Meinrath’s father during the week. Our thoughts are with Cathie, her family and friends during this difficult time. Cathie, who now lives back in Australia, has been a great supporter of the Swannies while she was working for the Commonwealth Bank over here. Cathie often attended our matches (home and away) and generously volunteered at our various functions.

As a mark of respect, the Vietnam Swans shall also wear our black armbands at the ANZAC Friendship Match in memory of Cathie’s father.

2012 Indochina Cup confirmed for Hanoi

Confucius reflects on the Swannies.

A week ago, Hanoi President, Dan Hopkins confirmed that Hanoi had secured a venue next to the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, to host this year’s Indochina Cup. So, it’s official. The Vietnam Swans will host the 2012 Indochina Cup in Hanoi on 17 November.

It is expected that the Vietnam Swans will host the Club’s Best and Fairest the following day on Sunday 18 November.

Final Thought

Confucius once say, “He who honk, love Swannie”.

Go you Swannies!

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Farewell to Cathie Meinrath’s father

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 23, 2012

Farewell to Cathie Meinrath's father.

The Vietnam Swans are very saddened to learn of the passing of the father of Swannies’ supporter, Cathie Meinrath.

Cathie’s father passed away unexpectedly yesterday in Sydney.

The Vietnam Swans extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Cathie, who has been such a passionate supporter of the Swannies for a number of years, her family and friends.

The Vietnam Swans will be wearing black armbands in memory of all who have fallen during times of war at our ANZAC Friendship Match on 21 April 2012.

As a mark of respect, we shall also be wearing the black armbands for Cathie’s father.

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USD1,000 raised in Battle of the Codes Trivia Night, Hanoi

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 23, 2012

Michael Johnston reviews last week’s Battle of the Codes Charity Fundraiser held in Hanoi which raised a total of $1,000 for two charities – Swim Vietnam and Little Tigers.

Faced with the sad news that JASPA’s Manager was unavailable due to illness on the night, 75 hardy souls decided to nonetheless press on with the Battle of the Codes Charity Fundraiser. Five Clubs were represented:

The Hanoi Oi’s Netball Club
The Dura Celts Gaelic Football Club
The Hanoi Dragons Rugby Club
The Hanoi Celts Gaelic Club
The Vietnam Swans Australian Rules Football Club

The objective of the evening was to:

Raise funds for ?
Raise funds for ?
Bringe together 4 of Ha Noi’s ball-sports codes?
Have a good time? or
All of the above?

* See Footnote No. 1.

Following a welcome from the Ha Noi Swans Prez, Dan Hopkins, and quick chats about the charities being supported by the evening, MC Simon took over the mic.

Mind-taxing rounds of daunting questions included:

General Knowledge;
Netball;
Rugby;
Australian Rules;
Gaelic Football;
Vietnamese Sport; or
All of the above.

See Footnote No. 2

In between the rounds, a number of raffle prizes were distributed and auctions conducted. A special big thanks has to go to the organisations that donated the prizes, including JASPA’s, Green Mango Restaurant, Pots’n Pans Restaurant and the Intercontinental Hotel Hanoi.

For such a broad spectrum of questions covering many continents, sports and events, there was one popular generic answer of “F…’ed if I know”. However, this was not the correct answer and the eventual winning team, Skowronski’s Sausages, established an early lead and was never headed.

See Footnote No. 3

At the end of the questions, the adjoining-table teams of Celts and Dragons were tied for 2^nd (who was copying whose answers?), so a time honoured Boat Race was held to decide who took home the valuable 2nd-place handshake from Prez, cDan. In a close fought race, the team that won had:

The only female Boat Race crew member?
The only shaven head male crew member?
No Irish accents?
Oval balls (including (1) above)?
All of the above?

See Footnote No. 4.

After a great evening, Swim Vietnam and Little Tigers Orphanage will each receive $500 towards their programmes. Anyone who wants to learn more about these wonderful organisations can contact them via their web sites:

Swim Vietnam –
Little Tigers –

Special thanks must go to the staff at JASPA’s who did a great job without Jamie to keep the food, drinks and energy coming all night.

Thanks also to our anonymous Question-Meister, Matt Townsend, who kept everyone scratching their heads for 3 hours.

Footnote No. 5

Footnotes:

No. 1 = (5) All of the above.
No. 2 = (7) All of the above.
No. 3 = Protest Dismissed against winning team having more than 6 on their table: No provision in rules for maximum numbers on a team, and there is no guarantee that an extra embassy staff will raise the total IQ of a team.
No. 4 = (5) All of the above.
No. 5 = Protest Dismissed against Question-Meister for dubious round of rugby questions being NZ-centric rather than sports-focussed: No Formal Agreement signed regarding strict question content, but QM will be under the microscope and BofTheC’s Management Committee may vet future offerings.

Photos

To view more photos of the evening taken by Michael Johnston, .

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Supercoach and footy tipping for Swannies in 2012

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 22, 2012

The Swannies' 2012 AFL Supercoach and Footy Tipping Competitions are now open!

Ah McRae, what are you up to this time?? Ross McRae tells us all about the Swannies’ 2012 AFL Supercoach and Footy Tipping Competitions.

Will Timmay's GWS investment skyrocket??

Dear all Tippers and Fantasy Coaches,

This is it. This weekend has the kick-off with the opening match of Sheedy’s teenagers taking on the other great Swans club in what will be a momentous occasion for Australian sport. And, perhaps Timmy’s sly auction purchasing last year (of a GWS jumper at the Grand Final Party) will see his investment sky rocketing.

Supercoach 2012

We already have our first Supercoach league full and what a great league it looks to be! Ryan ‘dark horse’ Evans looks to be the man to cause quite a stir this year and Shagger is looking to come back from a disappointing showing in the Grand Final (perhaps he needs another whistle).

You can join up in the Vietnam Swans’ Magoos league by searching for 965281. 10 spots remaining. No cash – just a whole lot of Glory!!

It’s even bigger with it’s very own Twitter account –

Footy tipping 2012

As part of tradition, we are also running a Swannies’ Footy Tipping league. Same entry fee as last year of 250k or 13AUD direct debit. Entry fee is optional although, if you want the cash prize, that you intend to pay or have paid. Only those who pay will be be eligible for the prize money, even if you come first!!

Just follow this link to join – .

So bring on the AFL season, bring on the Swannies and bring on the HOOTs!!

Supercoach out!!
Coach of the Reigning Premiers, the Ahs.

Ed’s note: Ah McRae, will you win it again??

Ah McRae's been designing again. The logos for all the Supercoach teams. Yes, the Muppet's team is Timmay's.

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2012 Swing to Swim “a great success”

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 21, 2012

2012 Swing to Swim “a great success”. Photo, Mick Johnston from last year’s STS.

Jon Tomlinson, General Director of Montgomerie Links has described the 2012 Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day as “a great success”.

Jon stated that the Swannies’ Mick Francis did an “awesome job as auctioneer despite some recent ‘Delhi belly’ and the feedback from all participants was excellent”.

The amount of money raised is expected to fall between 12 and 14 millionVND (USD6-7,000).

Going forward, Jon added that “Montgomerie Links Vietnam would love to continue this event”.

It was also announced that next year in 2013, teh 3rd Annual Swing to Swim will be held on Saturday, 23 March.

More to follow.

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Jim Stynes finally accepts a well deserved rest

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 20, 2012

Jim Stynes finally rests. Photo, "The Age" newspaper.

Just days after St Patrick’s Day and the Swannies hit out with the Gaels in Saigon, Irish Inspiration and Adopted Australian Icon, Jim Stynes has lost his extraordinarily tenacious and public battle with cancer.

Jim was a footballer, philanthropist, youth worker and administrator.

Martin Flanagan in an article in today’s Age newspaper, , writes that “Stynes would point out that the word education comes from the Latin word ‘educo’ meaning to draw out from within, to express what is otherwise dormant.”

While that may be true, Jim’s knack was to draw out in others what otherwise would have remained dormant.

The night before the 2010 Asian Champs in Shanghai, the AFL put on a function for the Melbourne and Brisbane football clubs which were going to play the Shanghai Showdown on the Sunday.

Representatives of the Asian footy clubs also attended. One of the speakers spoke of Melbourne Club President Jim Stynes who was unable to attend due to his ongoing battle with cancer.

“And Jim sends his apologies that he cannot be with us all tonight here in Shanghai”, said the speaker.

At the time, it seemed like a measure of the man’s humility. It still does.

To read Martin Flanagan’s obituary, .
To read Henrietta Cook’s “Jim Stynes dead at 45″, .

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Report on Swannies and Gaels on St Paddy’s Day

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 19, 2012

Nat Payne takes a screamer in Saturday's clash between Gaels and Swannies on St Patrick's Day in Saigon. Photo, Asha Phillips.

The New Willy, Dave “Wotcha” O’Shea, from Binh Duong, reports on the latest Swannies’ function: the Inaugural Combined Aussie Rules and Geaelic Football Match that was held on Saturday – St Patrick’s Day – in Saigon.

Is it just me or do the Swannies functions seem to get bigger and better each week?

To celebrate St Patrick’s day, the Vietnam Swans combined forces with the Irish Gaels to take part in a football match. This was no ordinary Swannies’ Football Match. Well, half of it was; the other half was some strange game played in Ireland called “Gaelic Football”. What a way to celebrate St Patty’s Day.

With a large number of Swannies and Gaels turning up to RMIT in Saigon, the teams were split up evenly before the match. We had the Australian-Irish Swans against the Irish-Australian Gaels. With a huge crowd of about 200 at RMIT, we were set for a blockbuster.

Before the Bounce

The warm up consisted of a quick stretch with a debrief from one of the Irish boys about the rules of Gaelic (no tackling and you must solo or bounce the ball every four steps); and then a debrief on the rules of Aussie Rules from one of the Swannies and we were ready for the first bounce.

First Quarter – Gaelic

Some of the action! Photo, Asha Phillips.

The first quarter was with the round ball and the standard was quite good considering it was a new game to the usual brand of Aussie Rules that the Swannies are used to. From the Aus-Irish Swans team, Damo Judd and Phil Jordan were getting a lot of the pill and were using it effectively. From the Irish-Aus Gaels team, Nick Moger was controlling the goal square and not letting anything through. He has obviously been a “goaly” before in a previous life before the Swans. By the end of the quarter, the teams had worked out the rules and strategy of the game known as Gaelic Football.

Second Quarter – Aussie Rules

The second quarter was played with the egg shaped ball. The Swans’ team was getting a lot of the pill early but not making the most of their opportunities. The Gaels’ team finished off the quarter a bit stronger with the likes of Dukesy and Nick Shiells finding targets up forward. By the end of the quarter and the first half, the scores were locked at 15-15. The crowd was certainly getting their money’s worth, with an exciting evenly matched contest.

Third quarter – Gaelic

The third quarter was played with a lot less confusion than the first quarter as we all had a better understanding of Gaelic Football. The game was free flowing from one end to the other and the score continued to be close. Again The Gaels finished the quarter a little stronger and nosed ahead by kicking a “super goal” late in the quarter. Nick “Goaly” Moger continued to dominate in the goal square not allowing one goal through all match.

Fourth Quarter – Aussie Rules

The Gaels went into the final quarter with a 1 goal lead. The Swans’ team was getting a lot of possession at the start of the quarter and clawed their way back into the lead with a few behinds and a great goal from “New” Josh, who came to Vietnam to study University, however, has since found the Swans and has been on a constant high from Swannies’ Functions ever since stepping foot in this country. He has learnt nothing at university but has learnt a lot about the Vietnam Swans. Again, it was the back end of the quarter that saw the Gaels finish better, with late goals from Timmay and Nick (I can do it at both ends) Moger. The gaels edged in front and never looked back.

Well done to the Irish-Australian Gaels who ended up winning the match by a couple of goals.

Post Match

Perhaps due to the hot weather, all the water ran out by half time and therefore we had no water to drink after the match. But that doesn’t matter on St Paddy’s day, because Murph, the president of the Irish Gaels brought an esky full of Guinness. So we drank that instead.

At the presentations, Billy Cranger cleaned up winning two prizes in the raffle. Phil Jordan was awarded Best on Ground for the Swannies. If Phil continues to win BOGs he will need to work on his skulling. He needs to realize that the beer needs to go into your mouth and not all over your face.

Bring on the next Swannies’ Function…

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Archive for March, 2012

Doco Promo Video for 2012 ANZAC Friendship Match released

Every Heart Beats True. The Jim Stynes Story. Video

A night for Rico

Press release: Swing to Swim raises USD8,250 for Swing to Swim Programs

A Vietnam Veteran returns to Vietnam to return poetry to a Viet Cong soldier’s mother in ANZAC Month

4 Weeks yesterday – the 3rd Annual ANZAC Friendship Match, 21 April, Vung Tau

Farewell to Cathie Meinrath’s father

USD1,000 raised in Battle of the Codes Trivia Night, Hanoi

Supercoach and footy tipping for Swannies in 2012

2012 Swing to Swim “a great success”

Jim Stynes finally accepts a well deserved rest

Report on Swannies and Gaels on St Paddy’s Day

Follow “Vietnam Swans”