The West Australia Raiders pulled off an upset with a 42-35 win in the final game of the Australian Gridiron League against the NSW Wolfpack. The Raiders win saw them remain unbeaten in the tournament and secured the 2012 National Championship title. It was a tough and bruising encounter and every bit deserving of a National title decider with the better team ultimately winning on the night.
The Wolfpack were not disgraced though and can be proud of their effort in the tournament and in previous years as well.
Our congratulations go to the following Pirate players who were selected for the team –
Ash Best (Wide Receiver), Nathan D Cunha (Offensive Lineman), Hany Georgy (Offensive Lineman), Josh Kaivaha (Offensive Lineman), Shannon Lynch (Defensive Lineman), Marlou Tacugue (Running Back), Dean Toskoski (Defensive Back), and Dean Valesini (Defensive Lineman)
Pirates
A Coaching Milestone
The Pirates Week 6 game against the Sydney University Lions marked a milestone in the coaching career of Head Coach, Ian Taylor. Coach Taylor became the first person in NSW League history to have coached 200 Division 1 games, but the occasion and the pre-game ceremony came as a complete surprise as he explains –
I was totally unaware that I was about to reach 200 games as a coach so the guard of honour by both teams and the ceremony before the game to mark the occasion was a shock. To be honoured in such a way was really appreciated and for the 200th to be a game against an opponent who I greatly respect made it even more special.
My thanks go to Coach Stephen Dunne of the Sydney University Lions who initiated the proceedings, League President (and long-time friend) Darrin Mitchell for his kind words, and from the Pirates David Ward, Mike Sea, and Kim King, amongst others, for going to the effort of bringing the whole thing together.
My first coach at the Pirates, Dan Cole, always said that if you are good to football then football will be good to you, and how right he was. I have been very fortunate to have been with a Club and a sport that has enabled me to have so much fun over a long period of time.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.