EVENT: EAFL 2005 Regular Season Round 3
DATE: June 25, 2005.
LOCATION: Thompson Road Park, Garner, NC
RESULT: New York Magpies 14.17.(101) def. North Carolina Tigers 4.5.(29)

SUMMARY:
The Tigers played host to the New York Magpies, runners up of the 2004 USAFL Division I title, on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon match-up. With the Tigers looking to build on their very solid play in the second half of their last game in Baltimore and the Magpies planning to continue their supreme dominance over other EAFL teams this season, it was sure to a spirited contest in the first meeting between these two teams New York took control of the opening bounce and moved the ball efficiently down the field for a early goal. Unnerved, the Tigers settled and went to work. While on numerous occasions they were able to move the ball into scoring position. As a result of a Magpie defense unwilling to crack and some inaccurate kicking, the Tigers were only able to muster a single behind in the first quarter. New York’s offensive pressure earned them three quick goals before the end of the first term.
1Q: Magpies 4.3.27 to Tigers 0.1.1

The second quarter played much like the proceeding one. Both teams were able to move the ball with skill. The Magpies found themselves with several scoring chances. However, they were only rewarded with kicking three goals. The Tigers built on their first quarter efforts and kept pressure on the Magpies. Just as the horn sounded to signify the end of the 2nd quarter, midfield, Pat Schufelt, found himself with the ball after a successful mark. Although the distance from the center of the square was too far to dream of goaling, the midfielder lined up. Confusing the a Magpie player, he encroached the mark and was penalized. With the mark now moved to the edge of the 40 meter line, Schufelt size up the distance (nearly 50 meters) and launched a towering, booming ball that soared through the goal to give the Tigers a dramatic ending to a hard-fought half of football.
2Q: Magpies 7.9.51 to Tigers 1.2.8

Riding the excitement from the late first half goal, the 3rd quarter began with the Tigers scoring an early goal. New York managed to respond minutes later with a score of their own. However, it was the Tigers drawing first blood that put extra spring in their step. The Tigers played their best football in this premiership quarter and managed to outscore the EAFL juggernaut 3.2 to 2.4 in the third term.
3Q: Magpies 9.13.67 to Tigers 4.4.28

Although the momentum was on their side, the final term did not bode well for the Tigers. The Magpies, perhaps inspired by coach Rob Oliver's words at the break, let loose a scoring volley on the Tigers. Try as they might the Tigers couldn't answer the scoring onslaught of the Magpies. The Tigers managed only a minor score in the final term. At the final horn the Magpies celebrated their deserved win.
Final: Magpies 14.17.(101) def. Tigers 4.5.(29)


GOALS:
Tigers: Jason Heathcote (2), Matt Gordan, Pat Schufelt
Magpies: N/A