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	<title>North London Lions BARFC</title>
	<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk</link>
	<description>The Home of the North London Lions - Aussie Rules in London</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:12 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Fixtures for Season 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The 2012 AFL London fixtures have been realeased. 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&#8217;s in there, and obviously we&#8217;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]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/fixtures-for-season-2012/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=fixtures-for-season-2012</link>
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		<title>The Lions are going to Cambridge</title>
		<description><![CDATA[This coming Saturday, 11th February, the North London Lions are venturing out of town to lovely Cambridge, for our first game of 2012. 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&#8217;s been a tad chilly of late, however we&#8217;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&#8217;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 11th 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&#8217;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&#8217;d like you on is the 10.15am out of King Cross (arriving at 11.01). The game will be played at Saint John&#8217;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. &#160;]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/the-lions-are-going-to-cambridge/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-lions-are-going-to-cambridge</link>
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		<title>Cambridge Game</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Did you know that Cambridge was first developed in AD 40, when the Roman invasion of England used it as a Military outpost? 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 11th 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.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/cambridge-game/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cambridge-game</link>
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		<title>Wednesday evening: Open fitness training</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Lions coaches are running a Wednesday evening session for those looking to get some extra run in their legs early in 2012. 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]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/wednesday-evening-open-fitness-training/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=wednesday-evening-open-fitness-training</link>
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		<title>1st Training Session Down</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Season 2012 is underway, and the Lions hosted a very successful 1st training session of the year this Sunday just gone by. 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.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/1st-training-session-for-2012/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=1st-training-session-for-2012</link>
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		<title>1st training session for 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The North London Lions will begin our assault on Season 2012 will begin on Sunday 8th January. Once again we will gather in Regents Park, ready to embark upon another heavy and intense Lions pre season program.  Or we&#8217;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&#8217;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&#8217;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&#8217;s early January, recommended attire is basically to wear lots.  There&#8217;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&#8217;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&#8217;ll see you there.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/lions-training-in-2012/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=lions-training-in-2012</link>
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		<title>Meet the Coaches</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We put ourselves in the firing line by spending a few minutes each with the new Lions coaching team over over Christmas.  Here&#8217;s what we learnt, just to give you a hint of what to expect on the track in 2012: Club &#38; Premiership Coach: Adam &#8216;Didsy&#8217; 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 &#8220;Woody&#8221;. 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&#8217;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&#8217;s fluro yellow boots. Three Lions players you look forward to seeing on the field in 2011, and the reasons why: 1. Mark Hawkins &#8211; A seriously good ruck man that we all need to look up to. 2. Damian O&#8217;Connor &#8211; His smile is golden and can carry a team. 3. Gary Ablett &#8211; Can the great man produce&#8230; 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&#8217;s with his toughness. 3. Pluga.. apparently he &#8220;floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee&#8221;; let&#8217;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&#8217;t tackle the opposition on field like he nails his teammates at training. Your coaching ethos regarding&#8230;: &#8230; push ups? Hate them. &#8230; the lake run? Mandatory. &#8230; 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. &#8230; no shows at training (or &#8230; gasp&#8230; games) for excuses like &#8216;i had to go clothes shopping with my Mrs&#8217;? Apart from missing the next game, they will be roasted like a Bunny in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/meet-the-coaches-for-season-2012/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=meet-the-coaches-for-season-2012</link>
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		<title>Coaches announced for 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Season 2012 isn&#8217;t that far off, and the Lions are gearing up to go one better this year, and &#8230; well&#8230; win something. With that in mind, we&#8217;ve got some important announcements to make. The Coaching staff for Season 2012 have been confirmed and so without further ado: Coaching 1st grade and leading us into 2012 as &#8216;Club Coach&#8217; will be ADAM &#8216;DIDSY&#8217; LITTLECHILD. The reigning AFL London leading goal scorer, full forward specialist, winner of many dubious free kicks, and a top bloke to boot, Didsy will be sharing his footballing wisdom with us all, and shaping the lives and footballing aspirations of many young Lions in the Season to come. We&#8217;ve not had a chance to pin the big man down on his game plan as yet, but throw a few cheeky quid on a fast game with plenty of short passes to the hot spot and the big mitts of a certain goal kicker&#8230;. Supporting Didsy in the 1st grade coaching duties from the sideline will be BRENTON &#8216;PLUGGER&#8217; RUSSO. While we&#8217;ve not been lucky enough to witness Plugger on the field (as yet), we did see him in action on the end of season footy trip, and on that basis he was appointed without question. We found out afterwards that he has a long track record in footy and also experience in coaching, which was an excellent bonus. Taking charge of 2nd grade this year will be Club stalwart BRENDAN &#8216;IRISH&#8217; McGEEVER. Fresh off a year as joint-coach of 1st grade, and now with his Level 1 coaching accreditation safely framed in the Pool Room, Irish will be taking on the challenge of turning 2nd grade into a Grand Final winning team. The man appointed to Coach the thirsty 3rds this year is a club favourite, and someone central to that teams enormous improvements in Season 2011. JAY &#8216;THE DOG&#8217; TRELOAR has put up his hand to take on the fine group of gentlemen that front up each Saturday at 10am (or 10:30am if late&#8230; or 10.55am if really, really late) and turn them into a winning outfit. Working closely with the EU&#8217;s and new players to the game in 2012 will be ROB &#8216;McFEARLESS&#8217; REYNOLDS. A man who made a big impact in Season 2011 (including the Downlow award for best off the field at Presentation Night), he&#8217;s put his hand up to get more involved in the coaching side of the game, and will be spending time with new Lions to make sure they feel right at home with the Sherrin in hand next year. Finally, and because we can&#8217;t talk about coaching with mentioning him, TRAV &#8216;FERNEE&#8217; FERNEE will be getting involved in pre-season, because even though he&#8217;s going home at the start of May, he can&#8217;t help himself and loves pre-season more than anything else in the entire world. Particularly the footy trips. It wouldn&#8217;t be a pre-season at North London without Fernee making us do push ups, and so we&#8217;ll get plenty of it in before he&#8217;s done. As a Club we couldn&#8217;t be keener to get into Season 2012. So enjoy December while it lasts, because January onwards is all about the Lions&#8230;]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/coaches-announced-for-2012/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=coaches-announced-for-2012</link>
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		<title>Lions Committee for 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We wrapped up the North London Lions AGM a week or so ago, and are pleased to announce it was a resounding success. 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&#8217;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&#8217;t be joining us for the remainder of the meeting.  It was an open and shut case of &#8216;ho&#8217;s before bro&#8217;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&#8217;s going home anyway we couldn&#8217;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&#8230; 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&#8217;s date.  Or cut his grass.  Unfortunately they&#8217;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]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/lions-agm/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=lions-agm</link>
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		<title>Join the Lions in Season 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The North London Lions are now recruiting for Season 2012 Everyone is welcome, from those who have played for years back in Australia right through to those completely new to the game.  We&#8217;re  looking for Aussies, Brits, Irish, and other EU&#8217;s.  In fact it doesn&#8217;t really matter where you are from, as long as you are interested in playing Aussie Rules!   We&#8217;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&#8217;t be the most serious sport you&#8217;ve ever played.  Most of our players juggle work, travel, the missus, and (regular) hangovers.  It&#8217;s not always possible to make training, and you&#8217;ll probably miss a few games along the way too.  We get it, and we&#8217;ll all work it out as we go along.  So don&#8217;t let that be the reason that you don&#8217;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&#8217;t hesitate to get in touch and sign up, or even if you just want to ask a few questions. info@aussierules.co.uk]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/join-the-lions-in-2011/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=join-the-lions-in-2011</link>
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		<title>It&#8217;s the off season, so stop looking to see if you made the team</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Season 2011 has finished.  We&#8217;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&#8217;t what it used to be, so easy on the pies and try to fit in jog or two between now and then&#8230;]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/squads-for-elimination-final/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=squads-for-elimination-final</link>
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		<title>2011 Presentation Night</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Presentation Night 2011 has been and gone, as last Friday evening a big crowd of Lions and friends witnessed various awards being announced and handed out.  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&#38;F:  Chris &#8216;Cappa&#8217; Capsalis -          Runner up B&#38;F:  Danny &#8216;Keysey&#8217; Morland -          Best EU:  Flynn Sager -          Leading Goal Kicker:  Adam &#8216;Didsy&#8217; Littlechild -          Best in Finals (Aus):  Mark &#8216;Hawker&#8217; Hawkins -          Best in Finals (EU):  Marty Plews Conference: -          B&#38;F:  Rob &#8216;McFearless&#8217; Reynolds -          Runner up B&#38;F:  Chris Brennan -          Leading Goal Kicker:  Rob &#8216;McFearless&#8217; Reynolds -          Best in Finals (Aus):  Mark &#8216;Dicky&#8217; Hambley Social: -          B&#38;F:  Leigh &#8216;Hasbeen&#8217; Haslem -          Runner up B&#38;F:  Brad Firth -          Leading Goal Kicker:  Leigh &#8216;Hasbeen&#8217; Haslem -          Best in Finals (Aus):  Chris Armstrong Clubman of the Year:  Adam &#8216;Didsy&#8217; Littlechild The ‘Downlow’ Medal (best off field):  Rob &#8216;McFearless&#8217; Reynolds Life Member:  Chris Rea]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/2011-presentation-night/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=2011-presentation-night</link>
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		<title>Ways for Lions to avoid going to fat during winter</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Various Lions actually spend winter keeping active and fit in a variety of different sports.   For those who hadn&#8217;t considered such a novel idea, below are a few Lions that will happily welcome along a few extra&#8217;s for their respective teams and sports: 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&#8217;t that good) is Thursday nights at 6:30 and beer flows until you can&#8217;t stand post-Saturday matches.  Friendlies have already started and the season starts mid-September. Even if you&#8217;ve never played before, won&#8217;t take long to get you up to scratch whilst the Lions immense fitness and physical prowess will scare the sh&#8217;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 &#38; 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 &#8211; Jonny Drennan&#8217;s team are looking for a few extra&#8217;s: &#8216;Lads, my rugby team needs players. Really friendly, beginners welcomed and it&#8217;s near the Lions home ground. We have a few AFL players and it&#8217;s good way to keep fit. There&#8217;s no obligation to train and you can just turn up for games here&#8217;s the website.&#8217; http://sodamrugby.com/ RUGBY &#8211; 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.]]></description>
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		<title>Presentation Night 2011</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The North London Lions Presentation night is approaching.  It&#8217;s your chance to celebrate all that was good and great (and at times a little stupid) about Season 2011.  We&#8217;ll be counting B&#38;F votes, to reveal who comes out on top in all three grades this year.  We&#8217;ll also figure out who narrowly missed out, and who didn&#8217;t get any votes in games where they really rated themselves&#8230; Along with B&#38;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]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/presentation-night-2011/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=presentation-night-2011</link>
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		<title>Lions rock League B&amp;F</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In a huge turnup for the North London Lions, the AFL London League Best &#38; Fairest has been an absolute stormer, with various Lions walking away with 4 of the 5 major award on show (and runner up in the one we didn&#8217;t quite win)! 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): Chris Capsalis Lions 8 Dan Nankivell Wildcats 7 Danny Morland Lions 7 Andy Ryan Lions 6 Mark Hawkins Lions 6 Jason Elliott Hawks 6 Ben Jansen Demons 6 Bryce Bunny Lions 5 Markham Johnson Demons 5 Dean Janssen Swans 5 Russ Douglas Wildcats 5 Quentin Keeble Lions 4 Andrew Stevison Pies 4 Simon Hayes Swans 4 Mark Bresacin Demons 4   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 1st grade for the last 4 games of the season, he may well have won the League B&#38;F award.  Huge congratulations Levi on another brilliant Season of football, and hopefully many to come.  Final votes were: Chris Angus Swans 12 Levi Fernandez Lions 9 Ross Deacon Swans 8 Lachlan Rose Dragons 8 Chris Brennan Lions 7 Rob Reynolds Lions 6 Matt Gill Dragons 6 Luke Kenelley Raiders 6 Tim Edmunds Demons 6 Frank Vacirca Lions 5   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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/lions-rock-league-bf/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=lions-rock-league-bf</link>
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		<title>Oh dear&#8230;.</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Clarence is speechless. Or was for a while, hence the slow update. 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&#8217;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&#8217;t to be this time &#8217;round. On a positive note however, it was great to see an old Lions saying put into practice again: &#8216;We may not always win, but we&#8217;ll party like we did&#8217; was the theme for the night, and if Rob Reynolds&#8217; house party shows anything, it&#8217;s that we do know how to party. Rest assured. Clarence isn&#8217;t taking it lying down. He&#8217;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&#8217;s, more skulling, and more fun. &#8216;Cos that&#8217;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 3rd 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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/oh-dear/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=oh-dear</link>
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		<title>Finals football</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Week 1 of the finals has gone by, and all 3 Lions sides are still in with a shot! 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&#8217;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&#8217;re outplayed by the Raiders.  The lads showed enough to suggest they&#8217;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&#8217;s for a spot in the Grand Final. Three teams, and three chances to see the Lions book spots in the big one.  It&#8217;s going to be a HUGE week on the track this week in Lion-land.   See you there.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/finals-football/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=finals-football</link>
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		<title>Goal kicking for Season 2011</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In a huge piece of news, the Lions have managed to win the league goalkicking awards in all 3 grades this year! 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 &#8216;Didsy&#8217; Littlechild in Premiership - Rob &#8216;McFearless&#8217; Reynolds in Conference - Leigh &#8216;Wonderknee&#8217; Haslem in Social Final lists are: Premiership Division &#8211; 2011 Leading Goalkicker Player Team Goals Adam Littlechild North London Lions 32 Andrew Slevision  Putney Magpies 31 Quentin Keeble North London Lions 29 Pete McGettigan Putney Magpies 23 Anthony Raso London Swans 19 Mark Brescacin Wandsworth Demons 17 Adam Broadbent West London Wildcats 16 Christopher Cant Wandsworth Demons 15 Steven Puhar West London Wildcats 13 Simon Hayes London Swans 13       OTHER LIONS     Rob Glavas North London Lions 11 Daniel Morland North London Lions 10 Chris Capsalis North London Lions 9 Flynn Sager North London Lions 8    Conference Division &#8211; 2011 Leading Goalkicker Player Team Goals Rob Reynolds Regents Park Lions 27 Ross Deacon London Swans 19 Craig Marshall Shepherds Bush Raiders 13 Tom Parsons Regents Park Lions 13 Ryan Curry Clapham Demons 11 David Strugnall Regents Park Lions 11 Stephen Freeling Clapham Demons 11 Justin Mazur London Swans 10 Brad Lloyd Clapham Demons 10 Evan Scicluna Shepherds Bush Raiders 8   Social Division &#8211; 2011 Leading Goalkicker Player Team Goals Leigh Haslem Bounds Green Lions 24 Dave Furletti Ealing Emus 14 Shane Donovan Bounds Green Lions 11 Brent Barton Reading Roos 7 Gareth Long Ealing Emus 7 Mick Hambley Bounds Green Lions 7 Joel Siwak Ealing Emus 7 Travis White Reading Roos 7 Raa Newcombe Ealing Emus 6 Ed Ellis South London Demons 6]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/goal-kicking-for-season-2011/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=goal-kicking-for-season-2011</link>
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		<title>Final tables for Season 2011</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Lions, 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&#8217;s been a successful season all &#8217;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. # Team P W L D FF For Ag. % Pts 1 Wildcats 10 8 2 0 0 912 562 162.28 32 2 Demons 10 7 3 0 0 735 600 122.5 28 3 Lions 10 6 4 0 0 869 685 126.86 24 4 Magpies 10 4 6 0 0 793 909 87.24 16                       5 Swans 10 3 7 0 0 637 743 85.73 12 6 Hawks 10 2 8 0 0 510 957 53.29 8    # Team P W L D FF For Ag. % Pts 1 Raiders 10 9 1 0 0 969 325 298.15 36 2 Lions 10 8 2 0 0 837 518 161.58 32 3 Demons 10 7 3 0 0 617 381 161.94 28 4 Swans 10 4 6 0 0 581 586 99.15 16                       5 Magpies 10 1 9 0 0 387 788 49.11 4 6 Dragons 10 1 7 0 2 237 830 28.55 4   # Team P W L D Ff For Ag. % Pts 1 Emus 10 8 2 0 0 518 322 160.87 32 2 Demons 10 7 3 0 0 452 220 205.45 28 3 Reading 10 7 3 0 0 510 383 133.16 28 4 Lions 10 5 5 0 0 571 469 121.75 20                       5 Hawks 10 2 8 0 0 303 465 65.16 8 6 Magpies 10 1 6 0 3 155 650 23.85 4]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/final-tables-for-season-2011/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=final-tables-for-season-2011</link>
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		<title>Round 10 wrap</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The regular season has come to an end, and Clarence is very happy to report that the Lions delivered on all fronts on the weekend.  We won games, we won the boat race, we won raffles, and we survived the Disaster on the Routemaster (which is about as close to a win as you can get with something like that)   Special mention to the rain, which bucketed down in tropical proportions for most of the day.  Players and the few spectators that were brave enough to turn out were at risk of drowning during the early games, however full credit to everyone that fronted up and complained their way through it, to finally enjoy a spot of sunshine later in the day.    Read on for a quick report on all games:     2ND GRADE (VERSUS DRAGONS):   Due to a change in game times, 2nd grade kicked off the day versus Dulwich.  The Lions needed to win to confirm second spot on the ladder, and so it was a steely eyed and purposeful bunch that took the field at 11am.  They were shortly a drenched and miserable bunch also, as the rain started belting down and didn&#8217;t let up for the entire game.   The slippery ball made a mockery of the wonderful skills and footballing ability on show, and frankly the game turned into what could be called a crapfight.  Luckily the Lions midfield are right at home in crap, and so Kurt, Patty, Dicky, Occa and Chrissy Armstrong put their heads over the ball and started driving the Lions forward.   The ball spent most of the game in our forward line, to the extent that the Dragons didn’t actually score a goal for the game.  While our forwards didn’t exactly thrive in the wet, they did enough to kick eight goals, and achieve our target of a top 2 spot for the season.   Final scores were Lions 8.15.63 defeated Dragons 0.4.4 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.   [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.aussierules.co.uk/round-10-wrap/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=round-10-wrap</link>
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