Check below to see whom the mightly Lions will be taking on during the season, starting with a showdown versus the West London Wildcats at home in Round 1! Do check the dates below as you book holidays and trips over summer. There are a couple of bye’s in there, and obviously we’d like to have you all around for finals.

Round 1:   Sat 12th May, Lions versus West London (HOME)
Round 2:   Sat 19th May, Lions versus Putney (AWAY)
Round 3:   Sat 26th May, Lions versus Swans (AWAY)
BYE:   Sat 2nd June
Round 4:   Sat 9th June, Lions versus Wimbledon (HOME)
Round 5:   Sat 16th June, Lions versus Wandsworth (AWAY)
Round 6:   Sat 23rd June, Lions versus West London (AWAY)
Round 7:   Sat 30th June, Lions versus Putney (HOME)
BYE:   Sat 7th July
Round 8:   Sat 14th July, Lions versus Wimbledon (AWAY)
Round 9:   Sat 21st July, Lions versus Swans (HOME)
Round 10:   Sat 28th July,  Lions versus Demons (HOME)
Finals:   Sat 4th Aug / Sun 5th Aug
Finals:   Sat 11th Aug
Grand Finals:   Sat 18th Aug

The fine folk at the University of Cambridge football team have invited us to visit their lovely town for a practice match and a night out.  The lads at the University are carrying on the tradition of an annual varsity match against Oxford University, and we’re going out there to help them prepare, to provide some match practice, and generally have a cracking day out.

To be fair it’s been a tad chilly of late, however we’re scheduled for a 1pm kick off and so will be keeping fingers crossed for a little balmy weather between now and then.  Either way, a select group of Lions will be taking the field and enjoying a little extra pre season match practice.

We’re making it something of a family day out, so friends, family, girlfriends, wives, and everyone else is invited along.  As well as a game of footy in the February gloom, there is plenty going on if Cambridge for those that haven’t been there before, and with last trains back to London around midnight we’re sure to fit in a pretty social night out as well.

It’s all happening on next Saturday 11^th February.  We’ll travel out by train, and half price tickets are available on a Groupsave 4 ticket to be purchased in advance or at the ticket office before travelling.  The catch is that you need to be in groups of 4 to take advantage of the deal, so we’ll try to meet as a group at the station.  Trains leave every ten or fifteen minutes, and the fastest take 45 mins to Cambridge.   For people aiming to PLAY, the latest train we’d like you on is the 10.15am out of King Cross (arriving at 11.01).

The game will be played at Saint John’s College Playing Fields in Cambridge, and afterwards the lads from Cambridge have us booked into a suitable pub for post game drinks and dinner.

Please email or let the coaches know if you are keen for a game.

Did you know that in 1209, students escaping from hostile townspeople in Oxford fled to Cambridge and formed a University?

Did you know that one of the most notable building in Cambridge, Kings College Chapel, was begun in 1446?

Did you know that Cambridge University is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 Universities in the world?

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE NORTH LONDON LIONS ARE HEADING TO CAMBRIDGE IN FEBRUARY FOR A GAME OF AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL?

The fine folk at the University of Cambridge football team have invited us to visit their lovely town for a practice match and night out.  The lads at the University are carrying on the tradition of an annual varsity match against Oxford University, and we’re going out there to help them prepare, to provide some match practice, and generally have a cracking day out.

The Lions are planning to make this something of a family day out.  Friends, family, girlfriends, wives, everyone is invited and encouraged to come along.  As well as a game of footy in the February gloom, there is plenty going on if Cambridge for those that haven’t been there before, and with last trains back to London around midnight we’re sure to fit in a pretty social night out as well.

It’s all happening on Saturday 11^th February.  We’ll meet as a group and take the train out to Cambridge (half price off peak tickets can be bought in groups of 4 to save moolah for drinks later on).  The game itself will start around 1pm or 2pm, to be followed by various Cambridge-related social and cultural activities.

Stay tuned for more details, but keep the date free.

This session is open to everyone, new and old Lions players, friends, girlfriends, wives etc. It will be based on boxing and running, so you don’t need to know about Aussie Rules to join in. Ideally this will become a regular event involving lots of different people, guys and girls, Lions and beyond. So do encourage others to attend.

The session will start at 6:30pm sharp every Weds from now on. It’s being held at the running track at the northern edge of Regents Park, and an easy walk from Great Portland Street, Baker Street, Camden and St John’s Wood tube stations.

We’ll be set up and boxing next to the track, and using the track for running. Do come directly from work if you’d prefer, as those boxing will be able to keep one eye on bags.

Spread the good word

35 or so Lions made their way to the Hub at Regents Park, where they were treated to a high quality training session by new coaches Diddles and Plugger. The boxing gloves were out, as were the sherrins, and by 1pm we’d all run ourselves to a standstill.
Clarence led the way to the pub, where the crowd witnessed new Coach Diddles skull the virgin pint of 2012, having foolishly left it unattended while demonstrating his goal kicking run up to the masses. The big fellow got it down in one go (a big improvement on his boat racing performance in 2011 where he spat it out all over the crowd mid boat race)
It was great to see so many new faces on the track this early in the year, and several showed some solid boat racing potential when faced with downing a full pint also.
Training will continue every Sunday from here on in, starting 11am sharp at the Hub in Regents Park. Bring boots and also runners with you, and always invite friends along as well. We’re always hunting new Lions, and it’s a care of the more the merrier this early in pre – season.

Once again we will gather in Regents Park, ready to embark upon another heavy and intense Lions pre season program.  Or we’ll kick the footy about for a bit, meet the Coaches and welcome new players, then all head off to the pub to talk about how good we feel given that the only running we’ve done since late 2011 was the midnight dash to catch the kebab shop before it closes.

Our 1st training session (followed by our 1st pub sesshwah) in 2012 will take place on Sunday 8th January.  We’ll all meet at 11am SHARP at The Hub in Regents Park.

For those looking forward to their first training session with the Lions, you can see exactly where The Hub is here:
View Larger Map of Regent Park and the Hub here

If you find yourself at Regents Park but unable to recall the helpful map above, you’ll find it on all the maps at the entrances to Regents Park.   It’s in the middle of the playing fields at the Northern (Zoo) end of the park, and it’s a large round building on a hill.  It kind of stands out, and so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding it.   If you do get lost, look for the large group of guys kicking Australian rules footballs around.  That also stands out.

Given it’s early January, recommended attire is basically to wear lots.  There’s always one or two that rock the footy shorts + sleeveless footy jumper combo, and they typically freeze.   Leggings and long sleeves are acceptable.  Boots advisable as the ground will be soft, and you’ll be falling over a lot if you wear runners.

Training after that will continue each Sunday at 11am (same location) until the clocks change in April and we switch to Tues / Thurs evenings.

Make sure you all get along, the first training of the year is always a cracking day out, and the more the merrier.  So mark the date in your diary, do a couple of push ups post Xmas to give the guns a boost, and we’ll see you there.

Club & Premiership Coach: Adam ‘Didsy’ Littlechild

Your life story in less than 25 words:
Born in 1984 to Laz and Jules, I dominated the sporting arena from childhood to my teenage years. By 16 i stopped growing and my freakish height advantage brought me back to the pack and below!

Why are you living in London?
I heard the Lions were looking to win a flag this year and wanted to be part of the journey.

Why the North London Lions?
I was referred by “Woody”. It was a massive call trusting his judgement as normally 90% of what he says is bull shit!

Previous clubs (football or other sporting)?
Stingrays to Frankston Dolphins to Mounties to Old Melburnians.

What to expect from the Lions in 2012:
We are going to be a relentless, uncompromising side that will play to each others strengths.

Your best moment on a sporting field:
Receiving a goal assist from Keebsy that put a nail in the coffin for me to defeat him in the London league goal kicking, 2012!

Your most embarrassing moment on a sporting field:
Being carried of by Mick and Ralphy (Garry Lyon style) after injuring my ankle in the final!

Most inspirational thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
James Hird’s inspirational leadership to be able to will his team to victory on numerous occasions.

Stupidest thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
Woody’s fluro yellow boots.

Three Lions players you look forward to seeing on the field in 2011, and the reasons why:
1. Mark Hawkins – A seriously good ruck man that we all need to look up to.
2. Damian O’Connor – His smile is golden and can carry a team.
3. Gary Ablett – Can the great man produce… this time?!

Lion most likely to make a big impact in pre-season 2012 (on or off the track):
1. Trav Fernee in his final swan song after 57 years in London.
2. Marty as he continues to inspire our Aussie and EU’s with his toughness.
3. Pluga.. apparently he “floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee”; let’s see how fit the lads end up. Oh yeah, and he loves a frothy!

Lion you are most looking forward to dragging in 2012, and why?
1. Mad Franky if he tunes chicks and drinks beer at half time again.
2. Gary Ablett if he starts to celebrate kicking goals as if he really is God.
3. Morgs if he doesn’t tackle the opposition on field like he nails his teammates at training.

Your coaching ethos regarding…:

… push ups?
Hate them.

… the lake run?
Mandatory.

… particularly cold and dreary days early in the Season, when the pub is literally calling our names so loudly we can hear it across Regents Park?
Push through you weak pricks.

… no shows at training (or … gasp… games) for excuses like ‘i had to go clothes shopping with my Mrs’?
Apart from missing the next game, they will be roasted like a Bunny in the oven.

Play footy with your jumper tucked in, or jumper out?
Out.

Socks up or socks down?
Trial it until I have a good game, then stick with that for the season. Generally up.

Mouthguard or hard as nails (ie. no mouthguard)?
Mouth guard.

Have you ever kept a pair of Lions shorts or socks after a game… and can we please have them back?
Shorts and they are back. The socks are shit so get your own.

One sentence to everyone considering playing with the Lions in 2012:
Expect to have not only a terrific training, and game day experience but enjoy the best social calendar a footy club has to offer. The free Pimms for the chicks and supportive WAGS network gives any spoken for lad a great outlet – USE it!

Premiership Assistant Coach: Brenton ‘Pluga’ Russel

Your life story in less than 25 words:
Earmarked as a #1 draft pick as a youngster until a shock injury [obesity] ruined my career in under 14′s. Once the dream of AFL was shattered i took the path of School and University

Why are you living in London?
Diddles paid for me to come over as he knows Pluga only wins flags when he coaches

Why the North London Lions?
I find it easier to pick up when standing next to Brian Chisholm

Previous clubs (football or other sporting)?
Mt Eliza FC, Main Ridge Cricket Club, Ranelagh Tennis Club, Padua Seahawks

What to expect from the Lions in 2012:
Constant relentless pressure, and a flag

Your best moment on a sporting field:
I once took an overhead mark whilst off the ground, and assistant coaching back to back flags.

Your most embarrassing moment on a sporting field:
Pluga doesn’t get embarrassed he embarrass’s others when he sells candy and dances around them

Most inspirational thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
Pluga kicking 4 in the first 12mins of the game in under 13′s then getting double teamed and not touching for the rest of the game…still kicked 4 though

Stupidest thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
Woody’s ears

Three Lions players you look forward to seeing on the field in 2011, and the reasons why:
– Courtney ‘Shutdown’ Shergold to make a comeback to his true post at CHB and dominate the comp
- Irish, i like the amount of times he says the work ‘fuck’
- Pluga…he kicks goals for a living

Lion most likely to make a big impact in pre-season 2012 (on or off the track):
– The senior cock roach [Diddles] will be a massive inspiration getting back down to his under 18 Vic Metro playing weight
- Gary Ablett Jr Jr to leave no stone unturned in Stockholm and be the first bloke to take out a grand slam of downlows; Pre-Season Footy Trip, Reverse Raffle, Boat Cruise and end of season Footy Trip

Lion you are most looking forward to dragging in 2012, and why?
– ‘Angry’ Adam Spicer to be forcibly removed from the ground for starting a fight…as the runner
Your coaching ethos regarding…:

… push ups?

Love them

… the lake run?

Pluga will hold the stop watch

… particularly cold and dreary days early in the Season, when the pub is literally calling our names so loudly we can hear it across Regents Park?

They’re the best ones…you know the blokes there are serious about winning

… no shows at training (or … gasp… games) for excuses like ‘i had to go clothes shopping with my Mrs’?
Insert the Wildcats Coaches number here

Play footy with your jumper tucked in, or jumper out?
Tucked in…if you can’t play you may as well look like you can

Socks up or socks down?
Up as above

Mouthguard or hard as nails (ie. no mouthguard)?
Mouthguard…Pluga is way to pretty to loose teeth

Have you ever kept a pair of Lions shorts or socks after a game… and can we please have them back?
Haven’t pulled the great jumper on yet, but will probably steal it

One sentence to everyone considering playing with the Lions in 2012:
If you enjoy winning flags…get on board

Conference Coach: Brendan ‘Irish’ McGeever

Your life story in less than 25 words:
A combination of the best that Australia and Ireland had to offer which obviously is the reason behind my freakish boat-racing skills

Why are you living in London?
Everyone in Australia and Ireland wanted to get rid of me!

Why the North London Lions?
Lucky enough to meet some great blokes who told me about the club and the sticking point about the being the best social group in London.

Previous clubs (football or other sporting)?
Was an egg-chasing rugby player all my life before getting stuck into real footy with the Lions

What to expect from the Lions in 2012:
After some great on-field 2011 performances from all grades, looking for each grade to push on and win grand finals in 2012. Off-field, anything goes is the norm!

Your best moment on a sporting field:
Everytime I get away with doing something illegal on a full forward

Your most embarrassing moment on a sporting field:
Last season, when the ginger monster from Putney snapped a goal off his bad side on me.

Most inspirational thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
The great man, Paul Kelly, leading the Swans especially during some lean years in the 90’s!

Stupidest thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
When opposition team like Putney use to try and tag Keysey

Three Lions players you look forward to seeing on the field in 2011, and the reasons why:
Adam Littlechild charging out in front on the lead;  Levi carving it up through the middle and Lee Harte decked in sweatband and/or bandana cos that’s rock and roll.

Lion most likely to make a big impact in pre-season 2012 (on or off the track):
Rob ‘Gaz Ablett’ Reynolds could be in for hatful in Stockholm after learning and copying all of Asian Rob’s moves in Mykanos

Lion you are most looking forward to dragging in 2012, and why?
Adam Spicer as he loves a breather and a quick yarn on the sideline

Your coaching ethos regarding…:

… push ups?
The perfect warm up for doing some long planks

… the lake run?
No better way to see one of London’s scenic gems

… particularly cold and dreary days early in the Season, when the pub is literally calling our names so loudly we can hear it across Regents Park?
Best way to earn your beers boys!

… no shows at training (or … gasp… games) for excuses like ‘i had to go clothes shopping with my Mrs’
Not possible for any other bloke than Brice Bunny to pull out something like that

Play footy with your jumper tucked in, or jumper out?
Backline should be jumpers out whilst those soft forward line usually go for a tucked in look

Socks up or socks down?
Fat legs so got to go with socks up

Mouthguard or hard as nails (ie. no mouthguard)?
Definitely mouthguard in… Don’t want to look like one of those blokes from Putney

Have you ever kept a pair of Lions shorts or socks after a game… and can we please have them back?
None of those, but have ended up with the odd pair of footy boots lying around

One sentence to everyone considering playing with the Lions in 2012:
New Mates, London Sunshine, Too Many Beers, Hangovers and some Great Footy… Couldn’t ask for anything more!!!

Social Coach: Jay ‘The Dog’ Treloar

Your life story in less than 25 words:
A late-comer to the great game, yet to fulfil the ‘potential’ my mum says I have…

Why are you living in London?
London is awesome! Sadly Gympie and Brisbane both do not fall into this category…

Why the North London Lions?

Because they are a much better bunch of blokes than the other clubs in London

Previous clubs (football or other sporting)?
Gympie Cats, Moorooka Roosters, North Mackay Saints

What to expect from the Lions in 2012:
A new bunch of players looking to deliver a long-deserved flag

Your best moment on a sporting field:
Leading the 2010 3rd grade to a memorable win against Reading in the first round of the finals

Your most embarrassing moment on a sporting field:
Split between 2:

1 – Doing my best in the afore-mentioned final to lose the game by twice kicking to the opposition CHF only to have him kick it back over my head for a goal on both occasions

&

2 – Deciding to duck then attempt play the slowest bouncer ever bowled only to wear it on the chin, thankfully there were only 6 other guys from the Lions there…

Most inspirational thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
NLL great Aaron ‘Slug’ Turner dishing out some retribution to a naughty Wimbledon Hawk who had earlier kneed poor old Spud right in the scone.

Stupidest thing you’ve ever seen on a sporting field:
West London

Three Lions players you look forward to seeing on the field in 2011, and the reasons why:
– Luke ‘Hammer’ Hamilton delivering his own version of hammer time
- The great pigeon being let loose in the thirds
- Irish hitting 1000 swear words all in a days work!

Lion most likely to make a big impact in pre-season 2012 (on or off the track):
– Off the field, hands down Gaz!
- On the field, dare I say it as the french call him ‘le poulet’ unleashing the beast from within?!

Lion you are most looking forward to dragging in 2012, and why?
– The pigeon on the verge of kicking a bag!

Your coaching ethos regarding…:

… push ups?
Get involved!

… the lake run?
Love it!

… particularly cold and dreary days early in the Season, when the pub is literally calling our names so loudly we can hear it across Regents Park?
My favourite days because you work harder, get more out of it and best of all, the beer tastes so much better after!

… no shows at training (or … gasp… games) for excuses like ‘i had to go clothes shopping with my Mrs’?
Primrose Hill runs

Play footy with your jumper tucked in, or jumper out?
I’m with Plugga, if my football doesn’t look good, I may as well have my NLL clobber looking good

Socks up or socks down?
Up

Mouthguard or hard as nails (ie. no mouthguard)?
Have been too lazy to get one, besides, chicks dig scars!

Have you ever kept a pair of Lions shorts or socks after a game… and can we please have them back?
I’ve always returned it because if you don’t you end up loaning out a pair of your own socks to go missing…

One sentence to everyone considering playing with the Lions in 2012:
Why not! While we are the best club for social occasions we are also working bloody hard to build on our successes from last year which can only mean one thing, three flags!

A success not only in that a few people actually bothered to turn up, but in fact we broke all records for the number of Lions in attendance.  So many in fact, that we had to abandon plans to hold the meeting in the Porterhouse and move to a more suitable location that wasn’t filled with drunk people trying to get laid.

Special mention to one of those (the drunk people trying to get laid), as Cappa turned up to the AGM, only to announce that he actually had a date at the Porterhouse that night and wouldn’t be joining us for the remainder of the meeting.  It was an open and shut case of ‘ho’s before bro’s', and the newly elected Committee were forced to dock him two weeks wages (just like Carlos Tevez).  Also like Tevez, we thought about flogging him off to another Club, just to cash in, but given that he says he’s going home anyway we couldn’t really be bothered.

Amongst other business for the evening, we were lucky enough to appoint a full committee and then some, to share the load for the Season ahead.  Details are:

President – Chris Rea

Vice Pres – Brendan McGeever

Treasurer – Craig Stevens

League Representative – Brendan McGeever

Sponsorship – Andrew Wood and Rob Reynolds

In addition, we took several applications for coaching positions next year, and the new Committee will be announcing the new coaching line up in the next week or two.  So stay tuned.

Various other plans are underway to ensure that 2012 is (at last) the year of the Lions.  Or at least the year that we win something…

Having made our way through all the boring stuff, we were finally able to return to the Porterhouse, and as a group attempt to crash  and completely ruin Cappa’s date.  Or cut his grass.  Unfortunately they’d left already, which is either a very good sign (in which case, well done Cappa) or a very bad sign (in which case, pick yourself up son, and get back on that horse)

Go Lions

Everyone is welcome, from those who have played for years back in Australia right through to those completely new to the game.  We’re  looking for Aussies, Brits, Irish, and other EU’s.  In fact it doesn’t really matter where you are from, as long as you are interested in playing Aussie Rules!

We’re proud of our reputation as one of the most social aussie rules clubs in London,  and also one of the most competitive.  While we are based in North London, we draw players each year from all over town.  We train all Season in Regents Park, right in the centre of London, on several tube lines, and so very accessible.

Each week we field 3 teams, meaning there are definite spots available for players of all standards.  If you want to play, we can guarantee you a game.

We take our footy seriously on the field, and last year all 3 sides made the Preliminary finals, unfortunately it all went ar$e up in the sunshine at Wimbledon and all 3 narrowly missed out on playing in grand finals.

However we also aim to have a seriously good time off the field.  In 2011 we managed a couple of international football trips (to Copenhagen and Mykonos), we also did a Pre Season Boot Camp, the Routemaster Bus Pub Crawl, the  £1000 Reverse Raffle, and others.

Obviously Aussie Rules footy in London won’t be the most serious sport you’ve ever played.  Most of our players juggle work, travel, the missus, and (regular) hangovers.  It’s not always possible to make training, and you’ll probably miss a few games along the way too.  We get it, and we’ll all work it out as we go along.  So don’t let that be the reason that you don’t give it a go.

Aussie Rules is a great way to keep fit, to meet new people, to get out in the sun, and generally to have a great time in London during the Summer.  So don’t hesitate to get in touch and sign up, or even if you just want to ask a few questions.

info@aussierules.co.uk

We’re not planning on picking any more squads until next year.  So be patient.

Although, before I forget, you were looking a little tubby last year, and your turning circle wasn’t what it used to be, so easy on the pies and try to fit in jog or two between now and then…

The vote count was tense, but no one could argue with the eventual winners.  Our hosts at The Ship on New Cavendish street were on fine form, as were various members of the Lions community.  We regrouped on Saturday at the farewell for Buckets, Keysey and Hasbeen, and manage to piece together the list of winners below. 

Congrats to all on a big and very successful year:

Premiership:

-          B&F:  Chris ‘Cappa’ Capsalis

-          Runner up B&F:  Danny ‘Keysey’ Morland

-          Best EU:  Flynn Sager

-          Leading Goal Kicker:  Adam ‘Didsy’ Littlechild

-          Best in Finals (Aus):  Mark ‘Hawker’ Hawkins

-          Best in Finals (EU):  Marty Plews

Conference:

-          B&F:  Rob ‘McFearless’ Reynolds

-          Runner up B&F:  Chris Brennan

-          Leading Goal Kicker:  Rob ‘McFearless’ Reynolds

-          Best in Finals (Aus):  Mark ‘Dicky’ Hambley

Social:

-          B&F:  Leigh ‘Hasbeen’ Haslem

-          Runner up B&F:  Brad Firth

-          Leading Goal Kicker:  Leigh ‘Hasbeen’ Haslem

-          Best in Finals (Aus):  Chris Armstrong

Clubman of the Year:  Adam ‘Didsy’ Littlechild

The ‘Downlow’ Medal (best off field):  Rob ‘McFearless’ Reynolds

Life Member:  Chris Rea

FOOTBALL – check in with Andy Burwell, who says:

‘Alexandra Park FC has 8 teams, playing around north London and cater for all standards of football.
An opportunity to not get fat in the Aussie Rules off-season, bully some soft English chavs and meet some new people who are also keen on sport and beer.

Matches start at 3 on a Saturday, training (isn’t that good) is Thursday nights at 6:30 and beer flows until you can’t stand post-Saturday matches.  Friendlies have already started and the season starts mid-September.

Even if you’ve never played before, won’t take long to get you up to scratch whilst the Lions immense fitness and physical prowess will scare the sh’t out of those that were out looting the night before anyway.

Give me (Bear) a call/text on 07764 490063 if interested or f/book me or email me on andy.burwell@bis.gsi.gov.uk

http://alexandraparkfc.co.uk/

BOXING – Mick Gallacher is organising this via facebook.  His note says:

‘There was a lot of interest so this free outdoor boxing group was born. The idea is around Thurs/Fri if the weather looks good on the weekend you just post a suggested time to meet over the weekend at Regents Park & make up your own boxing circuit, maybe some sit ups / push ups / running etc. Its BYO boxing pads/gloves, I have 2 sets of both so when I go Ill bring both with me.

Lets hope for some cloud free Sept / Oct weekends.

Add yourself (or anyone else) to the group on Facebook.

TOUCH RUGBY – Tommy Parsons is sorting various teams in competitions around London.

Hit him up of Facebook for more detail

RUGBY – Jonny Drennan’s team are looking for a few extra’s:

‘Lads, my rugby team needs players. Really friendly, beginners welcomed and it’s near the Lions home ground. We have a few AFL players and it’s good way to keep fit. There’s no obligation to train and you can just turn up for games here’s the website.’

http://sodamrugby.com/

RUGBY – Several lads, including Mad Franky, Colm, Dougy and others are playing at East London RFC:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/eastlondonrfc/

Any others?  Get in touch and let us know, and we’ll put it out there.

It’s your chance to celebrate all that was good and great (and at times a little stupid) about Season 2011.  We’ll be counting B&F votes, to reveal who comes out on top in all three grades this year.  We’ll also figure out who narrowly missed out, and who didn’t get any votes in games where they really rated themselves…

Along with B&F awards, there will be a couple of other playing awards (including Best EU), plus Clubman of the Year, and Life Memberships.

Make sure you get along for the evening.  We’ll keep it short and sharp, and make sure there are plenty of drinks and other bits of entertainment to keep it going.  With a big Lions farewell party the following day there should be plenty of use about, so make sure you set the evening aside in your diary now.

WHEN?   Friday 23rd September

WHERE?  Still figuring that part out, likely a pub in Soho

WHAT TIME?  From 6:30pm

In the Premiership vote count, Lions star and proud owner of an excellent mullet, Chris ‘Cappa’ Capsalis, bought home the bacon with a huge win.

The unassuming crowd favourite had been talking up his mate, and last years winner, Keysey in advance, but in the wash up the umpires felt that Cappa was about 1 vote better than Keysey this year!  It was a close vote that went down to the final round, and when Capsalis was announced as the winner by one solitary vote, the small but vocal crowd went wild.

Cappa managed to poll votes in more games than any other player this year, a sign of his consistency across the season.  In his three years in AFL London he’s built a reputation with opposition sides as one of the hardest players to match up on, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him recognised as the premier player in the competition this year.   Congratulations Cappa. 

Final votes were (do note how many Lions polled strongly):

In the conference vote count, the Lions took out second spot courtesy of young gun Levi Fernandez.

Amazingly, Levi is only 17, and officially the youngest Aussie playing in the competition here in London.  However he’s as fast as lightening, loves a bit of grunt work through the middle, and can kick a decent ball when he’s not trying to do a fifty metre stab pass. 

Obviously he also catches the umpires eye as well, because if we hadn’t stole him for 1^st grade for the last 4 games of the season, he may well have won the League B&F award. 

Huge congratulations Levi on another brilliant Season of football, and hopefully many to come.  Final votes were:

The Lions also took out League Goal kicking awards across all three grades of competition.  We’re not going to say anything about the record number of handballs not given off, nor the insistence on trying to snap goals from deep in the pocket about fourty metres out.  Rather, and in all seriousness, we’d like to say a huge congratulations to all three lads, for excellent efforts in front of the big sticks:

Premiership:  Adam ‘Didsy’ Littlechild, 31 goals

Conference:  Rob ‘McFearless’ Reynolds, 26 goals

Social:  Leigh ‘my knees are shot’ Haslem, 24 goals

Finally, there was also some strange award given, based on the players names that appeared most in the results page of the Australian Times.  The award actually went to some guy from Wimbledon, but again the Lions weren’t far off, with Cappa in second spot, and Keysey third.

It all came crashing this Saturday just gone, as all 3 Lions teams were knocked out at the final hurdle. Needless to say, it’s a disappointing way to wrap up what has been a huge year. From that first Sunday training back in January when everyone got so boozed most didn’t make it to work the next day, this year felt like it could be a big one. And it has been.

A grand final or two would have been a nice way to wrap it all up, but it wasn’t to be this time ’round. On a positive note however, it was great to see an old Lions saying put into practice again: ‘We may not always win, but we’ll party like we did’ was the theme for the night, and if Rob Reynolds’ house party shows anything, it’s that we do know how to party.

Rest assured. Clarence isn’t taking it lying down. He’s plotting and planning already, and will be back next year, bigger and better than ever. More Lions, more wins, more footy trips, more celebrations, more t shirts, more Kiwi’s, more skulling, and more fun. ‘Cos that’s how we do it.

Clarence did try to wipe any recollection of the weekend from his memory (much like Mad Franky did at the house party on Saturday night), but he’s managed to drag together a few notes on each game, just so those that weren’t present can feel our pain also.

SOCIAL:

The Lions were facing up to the Ealing Emu’s, who have featured in every Social grand final since the beginning of time.  As such they thought they would win just by turning, but when Robby the Furious Mexican banged through the first goal of the day, everyone sat up and took notice.

Despite missing every single key position player, the Lions scrapped hard and made life pretty difficult for the Emu’s.  Snowman prepped for the Triathlon on Sunday by collecting about 85 possessions, while Chris Armstrong, Kiwi Jimmy, Chissy and  Dan Maynard were all finding plenty of the pill.  Brad Firth and Rich Oakes finished the season the way they started by hitting packs hard (but not the way they started in that they’ve worked out how not to give away free kicks every time they go near a contest)

In fact, all the Lions deserve a special mention, as while they eventually went down, the lads put up a huge fight and more than lived up to expectations in a year where our 3^rd grade team really came of age, which also had a lot to do with actually having enough players to be competitive.

Best for the Lions were Richard Oakes, James Masemann, Chris Armstrong, Robbie Grasso, Brian Chisholm

Final scores saw the Lions 3.5 (23) going down down to the Emu’s 9.11 (65)

CONFERENCE:

With a spot in the grand final on the line, the Lions were feeling good.  The Demons had improved markedly in the latter parts of the year, however having bent them over a couple of times already this year, there was no reason why we couldn’t make it a three-peat.

Unfortunately the Demons had other plans, and managed to sneak a few early goals.  Their large selection of bald or balding players seemed to be handling the heat better than our full heads of hair, and this was reflected on the scoreboard early in the game.

Coach Irish tried to rev up the team by saying ‘f*ck’ a record number of times in his half time speech, and while some players responded, others seemed to spend the second half trying to decifer what a sentence with 8 words of which 5 were ‘f*ck’ really meant.  Rob Reynolds pushed up the ground and made a real impact before slipping on some hair gel and hurting his knee.  Dicky went forward and snagged a few free kicks and goals by hysterically throwing himself to the ground in every contest.  Duncan Biscuits continued his slow-but-elusive good work down back.

The game was in the balance and the margin about 3 goals at the start of the last quarter, but it all went to pot shortly afterwards and the Demons kicked a bag of late goals.

Final scores were Demons 19.12 (126) defeated the Lions 10.2 (62)

PREMIERHIP

With 2 Lions sides now out of action, it was time for the Big Cats to step up and sort things out.

From the first bounce the Demons got a bit of a jump on us, banging through the first 4 or 5 goals.  It was frantic footy and we were caught slightly off the pace, however a few Lions started to impose themselves on the contest (and the opposition) before A-Rod celebrated his return by snagging two late goals.

Irish the walking ‘f’ word pushed back to full back on the Demons danger man, while the lads lifted the intensity and started to claw their way back into the game.  It was slow going, but by half way through the 3^rd quarter we were back to within 2 points and looking the goods.  The atmosphere around the ground was electric (or perhaps a bit boozed up) and the heckling had reached a whole new level.

Unfortunately a bit of push and shove on the boundary line marked the turning point, as one poor Lion was picked out for having a terrible haircut, and sent from the field.  Shortly afterwards the Demons coach made the mistake of giving Marty Plews a cheeky tap on the noggin, and found himself back peddling frantically before Marty’s best Ricky Hatton impression.  Both were sent to the boundary to cool off, and the sting seemed to go out of the game.

The Lions kept fighting, but unfortunately couldn’t quite keep up the intensity as the Demons snuck home for the win

Final scores were Demons 14.13 (97) Defeated Lions 12.2 (74)

As the final siren sounded, the fat lady was singing her heart out, and the Lions knew that Season 2011 had come to a close.  It’s been an absolute cracker,  and we’ll sneak another night or two out before all is said and done (starting this coming Saturday night with 100+ Lions and friends on board Clarence’s pleasure boat for a cruise along the Thames)

In the Premiership, the Lions were little up and down during the game, but did enough to run away with a 4 goal win.  We’ve booked a place this week playing Wandsworth for a spot in the Grand Final.

In the Conference, and playing for a spot in the Grand Final, the Lions we’re outplayed by the Raiders.  The lads showed enough to suggest they’ll give it a shake if they get another go, and to do so all they need to do is get over the Demons this week.

In Social, everyone had all but written off the Lions.  However the boys put the foot down and ran away with a win in the final quarter, securing a spot next week to play the Emu’s for a spot in the Grand Final.

Three teams, and three chances to see the Lions book spots in the big one.  It’s going to be a HUGE week on the track this week in Lion-land.   See you there.

In a clear sign of our strength across all 3 grades this year, the Lions have kicked plenty of big scores, and several players have really stepped up their performances.  Great to see both new and old players on the lists below, and of course a special congratulations to our 3 winners:

- Adam ‘Didsy’ Littlechild in Premiership

- Rob ‘McFearless’ Reynolds in Conference

- Leigh ‘Wonderknee’ Haslem in Social

Final lists are:

Premiership Division – 2011 Leading Goalkicker

 Conference Division – 2011 Leading Goalkicker

Social Division – 2011 Leading Goalkicker

The final league tables for Season 2011 are now available.  Take a peek below to see where the Lions wrapped up in each grade.  It’s been a successful season all ’round, and brilliant to see all 3 Lions teams confirming a spot in the finals this year.

Special mention to 2nd grade who have finally broken the Raiders and Demons hold on the top 2, and will now be chasing a spot in the grand final this weekend.

Special mentions:

• Everyone, for just being willing to stand out in the rain and play a game of footy.  Real dedication.  Or stupidity.  Who knows.
• Tommy Dip at Centre Half Forward was the only one that seemed to have the conditions figured out, as he managed to pull in a few marks, and even kick the ball relatively strait. 
• Rob R at full forward who was a few goals clear in the league goal kicking and managed 3 more for the day, enough to make him the leading goal kicker in the League for 2011.
• Patty, who arrived back from his holiday in Aus only to break his finger the first time he touched the ball, then had to stay on the ground ‘cos we had no bench, then had to play in the ruck for the second half of the game, and finally got punched on the button in the last few minutes of the game.  Welcome back! 
 
 
1ST GRADE (VERSUS HAWKS)
 
Next up was the Lions vs Hawks in the big game of the day.  The Lions had safely secured third spot on the ladder for finals, but were keen for a boost heading into the elimination final next week. 
 
The rain was still bucketing down, and so everyone was expecting a slog.   They forgot to tell the Lions however, who quickly banged through 6 goals.  Didsy was back at full forward, and relishing the conditions.  He was also relishing that him main competition for the League goal kicking, Coach Keebs, hadn’t realised the game started early and was still on track for a 3pm start.  The rain eventually eased off, and to their credit the Hawks piled on the pressure.   However in a promising sign for finals, the Lions took it in their stride and continued to kick goals.   Ryno was dominant in the ruck (in his own arrogant style), while Rob Glavas was playing the centre of the ground perfectly.  The Boot was in everything on the wing, and our EU’s once again proved themselves more than up to the task.
 
The final score saw a big Lions victory (as well as the sun starting to shine), with final scores of 23.19 to 5.4
 
Highlights:

• Keysey, who did, well, what Keysey does every week, and gathered about fourty kicks, plus four goals, to be the standout player on the field.
• Didsy who managed to kick 8 goals for the day, creeping past Keebs and the other competition to win the league goalkicking
• Coach Keebs, who managed 3 goals in a half of football, proving how close it would have been had he got a full game in (unfortunately his first touch for the game set up a Didsy goal).  The best news however is the promise our two key goal kickers showed playing together.  Just think what it will be like when they are not trying to stop each other getting the ball!
• The return of several EU’s from injury, including Ze German, Ads Kaldor, and Colm, just in time for finals.
 
 
3rd GRADE (VERSUS HAWKS)
 
Finally thirsty 3rd grade took the field, with a big crowd and a goal to hit the finals with a win under their belts.  The Hawks numbers were boosted by several of their first graders, and it showed in the first quarter as the ball moved back and forth quickly, and the game shaped up to be a close one.
 
However from quarter time onwards the Lions took control, and with Haslem, Donovan and Statsy up forward, it was only a matter of time until the scoreboard started ticking over.  With the Dog and Chissy holding the backline together, and Kiwi Jimmy and Clarkey giving the Lions first use of the ball in the middle, the Lions ran on to a comfortable win.

Final scores were: Lions 10.9.69 to 1.5.11 
 
Highlights:

• Haslem, having been the dominant forward in this grade for the season, carrying on his form with another 3 goals.
• Big bad bustling Billy Hall, back in town for one day only and so making his 2011 debut in the final game of the season
• The ageless Kiwi Chissy, who is hitting his straps at the right end of the Season and perhaps smells a virgin grand final
• The Franky V and Dan Maynard debacle in the goal square during the third quarter, as they each had about 3 attempts to kick a goal, including back heels, snaps, a soccer off the ground, and a couple of handballs.  It eventually dribbled through for a point.

With the footy for the day done with, the real fun started.  A big boat race win was followed by the annual Disaster on the Routemaster pub crawl, as about 60 Lions + friends toured some delightful parts of North London on their very own big red bus. 

If everyone is honest, and you may have seen the evidence of this on Facebook, no one is quite sure what happened.  We made it safely back to Belushi’s, and it seems that from that point on everyone just threw their belongings away, with no thought to collecting any of them before leaving.  Most dribbled their way homewards at some point over the next 12 – 24 hours.  The good news is that all 3 sets of kit have turned up.  The bad news is that we still haven’t heard from 3 Lions who we think were on the bus, and may have been at Belushi’s, but if we’re all honest with ourselves we can’t really remember nor be 100% certain…

Finals football is next, and all 3 Lions squads will be involved.  Stay tuned!