ANZAC Sports Challenge

28th April - Twford Sports Ground, Acton, London

The annual competition generally marks the start of the London footy season, and the Bulldogs were out in force to test their mettle against the best that the country had to offer. Matching up against teams consisting almost entirely of Aussie players, a mixed bag of results included a great victory over the Swans, a very close tussle with the strong Lions and a lesson in footy from the eventual winners, the Demons. There were notable performances all over the pitch, and altogether a good indicator of what to work on, as well as what is working.

Squad
J.Boyle (Capt). A.Bennett (V.Capt), A.Grubb, A.Ruinoff, A.Swift, A.Whiteaker, B.Rees, B.Malone, D.Mitchell, E.O'Connor, H.Zalk, J.Conradi, J.Ford, K.Farr, L.Ocsko, P.Harris, P.Manley, R.Chamberlain, S.Wood, T.Keany
Charlie Kielty (Coach), James Booth (Physio)

Scorers
Doe, O'Connor, Wood

Best on Ground
Ruinoff, Grubb, Doe

GB vs ARUK Dragons/Dragonslayers

13th October - Kings Meadow, Reading

With the squad still buzzing after the fantastic victory over the Irish, the next test would be a combined England/Wales team from the ARUK leagues. Reduced sides and on a smaller oval meant that the Bulldogs would be adapting to new conditions, and also gave coach Charlie Kielty a chance to cast his eye over some of the best players from the leagues springing up around the UK

Ireland vs GB

29th September 2007 - Dublin, Ireland

Even with some encouraging build-up, the squad knew that to be serious contenders in the next International Cup, they would have to test themselves against the best. The Irish Warriors have been consistent powerhouses in the global game - International Champions in 2002, and semi-finalists in 2005. Added to this, they were victorious in the two annual fixtures at the Oval in London. What happened in the game was beyond all of the GB lads' expectations, but it appeared that the hard work was now paying off - and in emphatic style!

Squad
J.Boyle (Capt). A.Bennett (V.Capt), A.Grubb, A.Holt, A.Ruinoff, A.Swift, A.Whiteaker, B.Rees, B.Malone, D.Holland, D.Mitchell, E.O’Connor, H.Zalk, J.Conradi, J.Ford, K.Farr, L.Ocsko, P.Harris, P.Manly, P.Holtam, R.Lucas, R.Chamberlain, S.Wood, T.Keany
Charlie Kielty (Coach), Donal Mullen (Runner)

Scorers
3 R.Lucas, 2 B.Malone, 1 H.Zalk, D.Holland, A.Whiteaker, P.Harris, T.Keany, S.Wood

Best on Ground
R.Chamberlain, A.Grubb, P.Manly, B.Malone, J.Ford

Practice Match vs Manchester Mosquitoes

2nd June 2007
Turn Moss, Manchester

As a warm-up and opportunity to get the squad together before the planned interenationals later this year, a friendly against the Manchester Mosquitoes was organised. On the day, with many clubs having full fixture loads, the squad consisted of players from only the Kangaroos and Scorpions, but it did give Coach Charlie Kielty a chance to see the guys working together and evaluate performances from several new players.

Squad
Nottingham Scorpions: Ashley Swift, Vincent Carey (Capt), Tony Keany, Rob Goliath, Jamie Swift, Dominic Mitchell, Keith Farr, Ollie James
Reading Kangaroos: Adam Bennett (VC), Paul Whitney, Andy Grubb, Andy Whiteaker

Scorers
A.Swift 3, A.Whiteaker 2, O.James 1, R.Goliath 1, V.Carey 1

Best on Ground
Andy Grubb, Ollie James

ANZAC Cup

2007
Acton, London

The annual ANZAC Cup competition gives the chance to get the squad together, but this year many more British players were either unavailable or pulled into club squads for the day.

Squad
Reading Kangaroos: Andy Craig (capt), Ian Gladman, Andy Whiteaker
Glasgow Sharks: Ross Thomson (vice capt)
Nottingham Scorpions: Dominic Mitchell, Ashley Swift, Ian Swift, Sam Wood, Ben Child
West London Wildcats: Rory McNally, Barry Malone, Eoin O'Connor, Jarek Kleiber
Putney Magpies: Paul Harris, Amo Holt
Sussex Swans: Paul Hodge, Ben Rees, Scott Rymer
Swindon Devils: Rob Fielder, Rob Kerr, Nigel Swan
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Best on Ground
R.Thomson, Crazy, B.Malone, D.Mitchell, A.Swift, R.McNally, Hodgey, Ammo, B.Rees

Oval Exhibition Match

Saturday, 21st October 2006
The Oval, Surrey County Cricket Club, London

Once again, in advance of the pro exhibition game, the Bulldogs welcomed their Irish rivals to the Oval, this time under the watchful eye of new coach Charlie Kielty. The squad was much changed from the previous year, with many new and younger faces, but unfortunately even the more youthful approach did not allow the Bulldogs to keep up with their fast running and experienced opponents.

Squad
West London Wildcats: Johnny Boyle (c), Chris Donnellan, Paul Lavelle, Barry Malone, Rory McNally, Eoin O'Connor
Wandsworth Demons: Conor Lynch, James Quick, Conor Walsh
Putney Magpies: Chris Dickson, Jon Dickson, Chris Glen, Paul Harris, Paul Manley, Nick Stevens
Reading Kangaroos: Adam Bennett (vc), Andy Craig, Julian Ford, Andy Whiteaker
North London Lions: Robert Cockburn
Nottingham Scorpions: Keith Farr, Richard Lucas, Sam Wood, Ashley Swift, Vincent Carey
Glasgow Sharks: Ross Thompson
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Scorers
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City vs Country

October 2006
Bounds Green, London

For the first time, the best of London's Brits took on their counterparts from outside the capital, giving coaches and selectors the chance to gauge potential before the selection of the squad to face the Irish at the Oval later this month. The differences between the format played would be a factor, as the Country Brits were mainly used to playing a 12-a-side game, but they competed hard and the observers were full of praise for both sides, after a tremendous final quarter fight back by the Country team.

Squad - City
Putney Magpies: Paul Harris, Chris Glenn, Jon Dickson, Chris Dickson
West London Wildcats: Johnny Boyle, Cieran Merrigan, Chris Donnellan, Eoin O’Connor
Wandsworth Demons: Jimmy Sullivan, Connor Walsh
North London Lions: Rob Cockburn
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Squad - Country
Reading Kangaroos: Adam Bennett, Julian Ford, Andy Craig, Ian Gladman, Paul Whitney, Sam Hedges, Andy Whiteaker, Tony Keany
Nottingham Scorpions: Ashley Swift, Vincent Carey, Keith Farr, Rich Lucas, Sam Wood
Swindon Devils: Rob Fielder
Glasgow Sharks: Ross Thompson
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Scorers
City - Cieran Merrigan, Jimmy Sullivan
Country - Ian Gladman, Sam Hedges, Rich Lucas
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A report of the day can be found on World Footy News.

ANZAC Cup

April 2006
Acton, London

The first opportunity of the year to get the lads together and dust off the pre-season cobwebs, and the day would provide a good test for the mix of new and previous players in the Bulldog's squad. With four other teams in the group stage, the boys distinguished themselves well against quality opposition, and only missed out on a finals spot on points scored.

Results
vs Putney Magpies (loss)
vs Scotland Puffins (win)
vs West London Wildcats (loss)
vs Wimbledon Hawks (win

Squad
Reading Kangaroos: Adam Bennett (vc), Julian Ford, Ian Gladman
Nottingham Scorpions: Jamie Swift, Ash Swift, Vincent Carey
West London Wildcats: Gary Dutton
North London Lions: Rob Cockburn (capt)
Wandsworth Demons: Connor Walsh, Martin Anderson, Henry Simpson
Putney Magpies: Chris Glen, Phil Holby
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Scorers
Julian Ford
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Best on Ground
Player Names

Oval Exhibition Match

8th October 2005
The Oval, Surrey County Cricket Club, London

After the performance of the guys at the International Cup, the squad were eager to carry on the more encouraging form from the second half of the tournament. Welcoming their nearest European rivals, the Irish, to the magnificent venue of the Oval in London was a breathtaking experience, and one which hopefully many more players will experience in years to come. Unable to keep up with a lightening fast start from the Gaelic lads, the Bulldogs fought back in the second half, but could not close the gap enough to claim the victory.

Squad
North London Lions: Rob Burgess
Reading Kangaroos: Adam Bennett, Julian Ford, Andy Craig
Nottingham Scorpions: Vincent Carey, Ashley Swift
West London Wildcats: Johnny Boyle (capt), Cieran Merrigan, Donnie Mullen, Gary Dutton
Wandsworth Demons: Jimmy Sullivan, Henry Simpson, Dan Chambers, Ian Mobbs, Martin Anderson
Putney Magpies: Phil Holby, John Dickson, Chris Dickson
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Scorers
Rob Burgess (2), Julian Ford, Vincent Carey, Ciaren Merrigan

Best on Ground
John Dickson, Andy Craig, Vinny Carey

2005 International Cup

August 2005
Melbourne/Wangaratta, Australia

This was it, a test of the Bulldogs against international opposition, with new faces and experienced veterans from 2002 alike. A unique opportunity for the lucky few named in the 35-strong squad, and an experience that most would never forget. Coached by formar AFL Premiership Best and Fairest Matt Connell and brimming with enthusiasm, the lads battled hard against some of the tournament favourites and came away with heads held high after an incredible 2 weeks.

Squad
Reading Kangaroos: Jules Ford, Andy Craig, Adam Bennett
Sussex Swans: Ben Rees, Ty Hallam
Bristol Dockers: Wayne Cockran, Justin Silverthorne, Joe Swift
Nottingham Scorpions: Vincent Carey, Ash Swift, Luke Matias (VC)
Wandsworth Demons: Jimmy Sullivan (VC), Dan Chambers, Magic, Ian Mobbs, Mick Whiles, Henry Simpson, Martin Anderson
North London Lions: Rob Cockburn (VC), Joe Murphy, Rob Burgess, Tim Dillon
West London Wildcats: Johnny Boyle (JB) (Capt), Donnie Mullen, Tony Bell, Gary Dutton, Jay Sinclair
Putney Magpies: Jon Dickson, Chris Dickson, Chris Glen, Phil Holby, Paul Harris
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ANZAC Cup

April 2005
Clapham Common, London

The first chance after the squad was announced following the 2004 Brit Cup for the boys to get together under new coach, AFL Premiership best and Fairest Matt Connell. Coming together for the first time, and playing teams mainly consisting of Australians taken from the league's clubs, expectations of victory weren't high, but it was a great opportunity for the coaches to get a view of what they had to work with, leading up to the International Cup in 4 month's time.

Squad
Reading Kangaroos: Adam Bennett, Julian Ford
Wansworth Demons: Jimmy Sullivan, Henry Simpson, Ian Mobbs, Dan Chambers, Martin Anderson
West London Wildcats: Johnny Boyle, Donnie Mullen, Tony Bell
Putney Magpies: Phil Holby, Victor (...), Paul Harris
North London Lions: Rob Cockburn, Joe Murphy, Tim Dillon
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Scorers
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International Cup

August 2002
Location

A fantastic opportunity for the lads to test their mettle against the best from the other footy playing nations from around the world. A travelling squad of 30 plus coaches met some bruising ancounters along the way, but ultimately did themselves and Britain proud with a staunch performance against some quality opposition.

Squad
North London Lions: Terry Lovekin, Alessandro Attanasio, Phil Norton, Robert Cockburn, Tim Dillon, Miles Westbrook (vce cpt), Clyde Murray
Sussex Swans: Sam Dixon, Ben Rees, Paul Chaplin, Andy Purcel (dero), Ty Hallam
l Bristol Dockers: Allan Burchell, Dale Claridge, Shane Claridge, Justin Silvethorne
Wandsworth Demons: Martin Smith, Ron Wilkinson, James Sullivan (cpt), Ian Mobbs, Henry Simpson, Mick Whiles, Midas Maynard
West London Wildcats: Mark Hoffman, Andrew Norton, Adrian Gerolemou, John Boyle (vice cpt), Derek Shaw, Tony Bell, Padriac Mckeever