Round 1 of the Groote Eylandt Football League got underway at Angurugu on the weekend, with the Umbakumba Lions and Angurugu Tigers taking away respective victories.
Round one of the newly formed GEFL was played last Sunday 5th July. Angurugu hosted the opening round in front of an excited crowd of close to three hundred spectators.
Games kicked off at 2 pm with the Umbakumba Lions going head to head with the Angurugu Crocs in what was a nail bitting game of football to open the season.
The Crocs converted four goals in the opening quarter to the Lions two goals. Robbie Murrungun who returned last week from the mainland proved to be valuable, kicking three of the four goals in the first quarter.
Coming into the second the Lions lifted a gear after a stern talk from local coach, Basil Mamarika. More support for team mates was evident, while usage of the footy being a lot better. The Lions took full advantage of the prevailing south easterly breeze to kick long into the forward line. Prior to the major break the Lions converted four straight goals to put them in front by five points.
In the third the Lions continued to outscore the Crocs, kicking four goals to the Crocs two.
The Crocs made a last ditch effort in the final quarter with a later comeback when Frankie Mirniyowan kicked two goals, putting the Crocs within ten points at the ten minute mark of the last quarter. Unfortunately Frankie’s effort was not enough, with the Lions holding on and kicking five points to take out the match. Final score; Lions 12.12 -84 defeated Crocs 12. 3 - 75
In the late game, the Umbakumba Roo’s and the reigning pre season cup premiers, the Angurugu Tigers battled it out. Coming in as favourites, the Tigers were caught sleeping at the opening bounce while the Roo’s kicked the first two goals showing the young Tigers that they had the depth of players to mean business. When the tigers finally woke up they managed to kick six goals though through the silky skills of Nevil Nunggumajbarr who was converting them from all angles.
The Roo’s came out in the second quarter showing real determination kicking three goals to the Tiger’s two and making the statement that they should be a tough side to beat. Trailing at half time, the determination looked as if it may pay off with only nine points between them.
The last quarter however saw the Tigers come out exceptionally strong. They didn’t allow the Roo’s any room to score and converted every time they had the ball inside 50. The Tigers ran away with it kicking seven goals one in the last quarter to win the game 17.3 – 105 to 8.5 – 53.
Next week’s games will be played in Alyangula on Saturday 11th July:
5:00pm - Umbakumba Roo’s V’s Angurugu Crocs
7:00pm - Alyangula Swans V’s Angurugu Tigers