Author: Sam Weller

President for 5 years, VP for 2. Did some good things, did some bad things. The league got bigger & better.

Gridiron Victoria Week 4 – 26 / 27 May


Photos courtesy of barendphotos.photomerchant.net

Week 4 of Gridiron Victoria saw the first of our divisional cross-over games for 2012.

On Saturday the Northern Raiders hosted the Western Crusaders in Reservoir. The Crusaders have been on a roll lately and maintained momentum with a 44-0 win.

On Sunday we headed down to Monash University Clayton Campus for the first time this season. The Monash Barbarians hosted the reigning champion Bay City Buccaneers in difficult conditions and the Buccaneers won handily 60-0.

The Gippsland Gladiators forfeited their afternoon match against the Monash Warriors. The Warriors were awarded the 2 match points and a 7-0 scoreline.

Gridiron Victoria Week 3 – Sunday 20th May

Photo taken from gippslandgladiators.com.au

Another big weekend of Gridiron Victoria 2012!

In Reservoir the reigning division one champion Bay City Buccaneers faced the Berwick Miners. The Miners returned the opening kick off to the house and an early lead but from there the Buccaneers took control, running out winners 47-7.

In the afternoon the home town Northern Raiders welcomed the Croydon Stars to town. Mirroring the early game the Stars returned the opening kick off for a touchdown but from there it was all Raiders who cruised to an easy win 32-6.

Over in Parkville the Western Crusaders went up against the Croydon Rangers. Both teams committed a lot of turnovers as the Crusaders got home 20-14 in a very tough match.

In the afternoon game the home town Melbourne Uni Royals hosted the Gippsland Gladiators. Both sides fought hard all day but the Royals got the win 35-20 and head to the bye week on top of division 2 at 3-0.

Gridiron Victoria Week 2 – Saturday 12th May


Gridiron Victoria headed into week 2 with all four matches played on Saturday 12th May so we can take time out to pay our respects to Mums everywhere on Sunday.

In Reservoir, the home town Northern Raiders hosted the Monash Barbarians in the morning game. The feisty Barbarians lead 8-6 at half time but couldn’t hold back the home team who overpowered them for an 18-8 win.

In the afternoon the Monash Warriors, fresh from knocking off the Buccs in week 1 hosted the Western Crusaders in the battle of undefeated teams. Both teams were strong on defense but the Warriors won 18-2.

To the East in Croydon and the freshly minted Croydon Stars hosted the Melbourne Uni Royals up first. The Stars drew first blood and lead 6-3 at halftime before the Royals ran riot in the second half to win 36-12.

The afternoon game saw the Croydon Rangers and the Berwick Miners. The Miners scored early on a nice touchdown pass before the Rangers got going for a 21-7 lead at the main break. Final score was 27-9.

Gridiron Victoria Week 1 – 5th & 6th May

Another season of Gridiron Victoria is upon us!

The new season kicked off Saturday where division two runners-up the Gippsland Gladiators hosted the Monash Barbarians in Morwell. The Barbarians bolted out of the gates and lead at half time 14-8. The home side got their act together and lead 21-14 before the Barbarians worked it deep into the red zone and had a chance to score a TD but ran out of time. Gladiators win 21-14.

On Sunday the  Berwick Miners hosted the Western Crusaders in Endeavour Hills and the home side drew first blood with a tipped pass caught for a touchdown. The Crusaders scored two touchdowns to lead 15-7 at half time and the scores never changed.

In Parkville at one of the league’s new facilities, the reigning Vic Bowl champion Bay City Buccaneers faced the Monash Warriors but it was the Warriors who established themselves early and lead 22-0 at half time. A touchdown each meant little in the 2nd half as the Warriors won 28-6.

Later the home side Melbourne Uni Royals hosted the reigning division two champion Northern Raiders and it was the Raiders who lead for much of the day before a spirited  rally that saw the Royals win 35-30.

Australian Gridiron League wrap-up

The Victorian Eagles have finished their 2012 campaign in 4th place, losing the playoff for 3rd to the Queensland Sundevils 27-14.

The Eagles lost their 2nd match of the round robin tournament 51-22 to the reigning champion NSW Wolfpack.

In the final of the inaugural AGL championship, the WA Raiders defeated NSW 42-35 to win the inaugural Australian Gridiron League Championship. The Raiders won their first National Championship in 2001.

Congratulations to all the players from across Victoria who represented their state with pride!