In a repeat of last year’s Grand Final the Lions took on the Munich Kangaroos under the TV Tower in Ehrenfeld in Round 4.  The Kangaroos turned up a little late but with a large squad and after a short warm up the game was on in warm conditions and on a very hard ground.

First quarter: Both teams came out ready to play in a tough contest.  I quick goal by Rheinland in the first minute was answered by Munich a few minutes later.  Then the Lions lifted to take control of the first quarter with some great play around the ground and in front of goals. 6 goals to 1 – Goals to Josh (3), Ant, Neal and Matty

Second quarter:  The tough contest continued with both teams trying to get the upper hand.  The Lions defence though was up to the task not letting in a goal and the mid fielders and forwards worked hard to again take advantage of the quarter.  4 goals to 0 – Goals to Pete, Josh, Matty and Michi

Third quarter:  Munich came out hard and got a quick goal to try and get back into the game.  The Lions contested hard and unfortunately Thom Odenthal became the victim of a fair bump that ended up breaking his collar bone.  The game had to be stopped for 30minutes until he was taken away in an ambulance. Once the game got going again it was a very even contest but then the Lions kicked 3 goals and the intensity and speed of the game dropped off. 3 goals to 1 - Goals to Ant (2) and Michi

Fourth quarter: Both teams knew the game was over.  The Lions intensity was however better than Munich’s.  The Lions were able to win the last quarter and got a few more goals on the board before the final siren sounded.  3 goals to 1 – Goals to Michi (2) and Ant

The final score in very physical game saw the Lions defeating the Kangaroos 16.6.102 to 3.4.22 to keep the Lions undefeated in 2011.

Both Teams enjoyed a few drinks and BBQ in the park after the game and in the evening went to the Underground to enjoy the Cologne nightlife.  Munich got a bit of revenge by winning the Boat Race in a very tight contest.

As always a big thank you to all the Lions and Helpers on the day that were either Umpiring, Running Water organising the BBQ etc etc. – The help never goes unnoticed and is appreciated by all the players.

Thank you to all the supporters at the ground.  It was a fantastic atmosphere and all the Lions love the support and love playing in front of a great crowd.

The Lions next game is the top of the table clash against the also undefeated Berlin Crocs on the 18^th June in Berlin.  If you are in Berlin stop by to cheer on the Lions.

Player review:

Lukey– Another great game by the Skipper.  Was real strong at the ball, provided great options and was strong in the air all day. Great stuff.

Gero – Fantastic game, was unstoppable in defence.  Ran the ball out of defence with great plays and controlled the backline.  Kept Jules down to 1 goal for the game.  Brilliant

Ant– The coach had another solid game and is always hard at the ball.  Kicked important goals at the right time and ended up with 4 for the day.  More important he was rapped with the Team performance.

Michi– Playing in the centre he was fantastic. Ran all day, took great marks and made options both forward and back.  Kicked 4 great goals to top off a great match.  Brilliant

Josh– Had a blinder at Centre Half Forward.  His great play in the first half was the difference and the reason the Lions took control of the game. Strong leads, great grabs and ended up booting 4 goals.  Unfortunately tore the ligaments in this ankle late in the 3^rd quarter.  Get well soon Joshy, Fantastic game.

Thom O– The full forward was having a great game until bad luck stepped in.  Going hard at the ball he got hit with a fair bump that ended up breaking his collar bone and sending him off to hospital in an ambulance.  All Lions players and supporters wish Thom a speedy recovery; keep your head up mate.

Chrissy O– His game is getting better and better.  Great options all day and is always full of run.  Unfortunately missed the second half due to the fact he escorted Thom to the hospital.

Pete – Is an absolute work horse in the forward line, always giving his all, hard at the ball, strong leads, great hands, flying into contests, never gives up.  Really great to have him back playing for the Lions. Scored a great goal.  Great stuff.

Kai– Another player that is improving with every game.  Is really starting to read the game a lot better and therefore getting a lot of ball with strong leads and great marks. Great.

Consti– As usual was hard at the ball and strong in defence.  Got a bad knock on the leg early in the game but kept playing in true Lions spirit.  Great.

Andi– Is always dangerous when he plays, fast as a jack rabbit, great leads and marks and is hard at the ball.  Hopefully the ankle injury is fully recovered now and if so will be a big part of the Lions this year. Great stuff.

Rolli – The improvement this year is fantastic and it continued against Munich.  Strong in the air, only eyes for the ball, hard at the ball, always on his opponent and provides options running out of the backline, what more can be said, brilliant

Maxie– Showed what a great player he is by getting the respect of Munich and was tagged all day, but still managed to get the pill.  He never stops running and is always into the action.  In the middle he is fantastic, hard at the ball and provides talk all day.  Great.

Thom – Playing in his normal position in the backline showed he was more at home.  Reading the plays, providing options, hard at the ball, always on a man and repelling the Munich attacks was great to watch.  Great stuff.

Che – The hard training is really paying off and he has now found his home in the back line where he his playing great football.  Great hands and is always hard and straight at the football. Super.

Mick– Again had to play in the ruck but seems to be relishing the challenge.  Was absolutely brilliant in the middle.  Having a great year and another great game.  Fantastic.

Neal– Strong game, getting into contests and always hard at the ball.  Was a great option up forward until moved to the back line where every Munich attack was stopped in its tracks.  Also got on the scoreboard with a goal. Great.

Marcie– The “assassin” continued his great form this year with another great game.  Into every contest, providing options on the wing and in the middle and ran all day.  Fantastic

Bakes– Loves the packs, loves the hard ball and puts in all day, it is great to watch.  Had another great game and was brilliant in the middle.  Fantastic.

Matty– The Mouth is back.  A great game with lots of run and lots of voice.  Great to have him back.  Also showed he is still lethal in front of goals kicking 2.  Great stuff.

ROOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!