Dingos Win Tight Battle In The Capital

The Toronto Dingos made their return car trip from Ottawa a happy one, overcoming a slow start to notch another come-from-behind victory against the Swans 7.10 (52) vs. 6.8 (44).

The Dingos drew first blood when young gun Zach Shaw kicked truly from a set shot after some nice play from the Dingos midfield to clear a stoppage on the wing. However, Ottawa were able to find the quick reply, grabbing a goal over the back of the Dingos defense.

With the Ottawa sun beaming down on Manotick Oval, and the temperatures well into the thirties, neither team could quite grab the ascendancy on the scoreboard in the first half. The Swans made the most of their forward thrusts, able to convert their chances at goal, whilst the Dingos would come rue their inaccuracy as the half came to a close and they trailed by a little over three goals at the major break.

Hydrated and ready to make amends, the Dingos midfield of James Talbot, Harry Shelton, Justin Moore & Zenon Sirko got to work and lifted the intensity around the ball, getting first possession and ensuring the Swans players felt more heat than the sun was offering when they didn't have the ball.

After a bit of an arm wrestle to start the half, the Dingos ended their goal drought when Vice-Captain's Chris Jepsen and James Talbot converted their set shots and provided the reward for effort required to continue the momentum.

With the blue collar backline of Arman Malekjani, Brad Wooten and Captain Mike Bocian locking down on the Swans forwards, half backs Harry Moore & Lachlan Barazza became damaging as they exited the defensive 50 and sent the Dingos into attack.

Three second half goals from veteran forward Rob McNaughton all but sealed the game for the Dingos, who fought off one final counter strike from the Swans late in the game to walk away with the 8-point victory.

Goals: R. McNaughton (3), C. Jepsen, Z. Shaw, Z. Sirko, J. Talbot

Best: Z. Sirko, L. Barazza, H. Moore, J. Talbot, R. McNaughton