By Matt Barton
Following on from the opening weekend’s success in the Elitserien, Södermalm Blues looked to extend their winning form to the SAFF against none other than the Solna Axemen who they fell to in the Grand Final last year.
Both sides began the first quarter tentatively exchanging early blows with Söder taking time to settle into the new formation deployed by Head Coach Daniel ‘Jordo’ Jordansson (right).
After a few changes at quarter time and tweaking of playing positions the blues started to settle into more of a rhythm, with strong play from the back and canny movement by the forward line Södermalm started to assert themselves over the nine Vikings of Solna.
Throughout the third period the Blues defense continued stoutly and with the midfield provided the foil for many Söder attacks however on occasion rushed shots on goal and lack of composure ensured that points remained on the field, something that will have to be remedied if Södermalm are to wrestle the crown away from Solna this year.
The Axemen continuously fought against the Blues especially through the hard running of Oscar Magnusson and the forward running of Adam Cubbage though with a lack of depth on the bench the Axemen’s legs gradually grew weary. This allowed Södermalm to turn the screw and find their goal kicking boots to put on a bit of a show for the final quarter.
Final score was a victory of 76pts, Söder 15.18.108 vs Solna 5.2.32.On the whole a good performance again from the boys in blue however definitely room for improvement if they are to progress in all competitions this year and put some silverware in the trophy cabinet!
The win puts Söder top of both the SAFF, and the Swedish National “Elitserien” League ladders.
In the early SAFF game last Sunday, the two upcoming teams in the SAFF, Årsta and Norrtälje, fought out a good game with Årsta winning by 44pts: 15.11.101 vs 9.3.57
Söder will now play Årsta Swans in SAFF Round 2 this coming Saturday to decide an early league leader. The game is the 1st of a SAFF double-header and kicks off on Saturday morning at the JCG (Skarpnäck IP) at 11.00am. Söder is running the BBQ, so you know it’s gonna be a good one. See you there!
#AFLSweden #SodermalmBlues #AFLEurope