Jakarta Bintangs score historic win
JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Bintangs beat the Malaysia Tigers by 50 points Saturday in an Australian Rules Football match at the Cibubur Scout Complex.
The Bintangs claimed the inaugural Indonesia/Malaysia Challenge Cup after its 15. 9. - 99 to 7. 7. - 49 win.
The Tigers were hot favorites to beat the host side and after winning the toss and electing to kick with a two goal breeze they quickly went into attack.
Captain coach Bryan Hammond kicked the Tigers' opening goal before the Bintangs registered their first major through the trusty left boot of Steve Ludwig.
Julian Clarke was providing a target up forward and after bursting through three tackles he kicked truly from the 50 meter line to bring up the Bitangs' second goal of the term.
The Tigers hit back with two quick goals before Ludwig marked strongly and converted on the siren to level the score.
Kicking with the wind in the second quarter the Bintangs defense, led by captain coach Tim Harkfoort, held firm against a determined attack.
Paul 'bajaj' Dugmore was negotiating some heavy traffic in the middle of the ground and started the move which ended with Ludwig kicking his third.
By half time the home side had built a handy 26 point lead.
The third term was a dour struggle as both sides tried to get the ascendancy.
The competitive spirit and will to win of both teams became evident as tempers frayed after some heavy clashes. The umpires quickly stepped in to settle the players.
The Bintangs went to the three-quarter-time break holding a four goal lead and with a fresh interchange bench looked to have the match in control.
The final term belonged to the home side as it banged on six goals to the Tigers two to run out 50 point winners.
For Malaysian national, Bruce Teh, it was his first taste of international competition.
"I'm a soccer player but really enjoy Aussie Rules," he said.
Although small, Teh stands tall in the courage department.
"It's a tough game and you have to run all day," Teh said.
The win was the Jakarta side's first in international competition and augurs well for the much awaited clash with Singapore.
The winner of that match can rightfully lay claim to the title of ASEAN champion.
The Jakarta Bintangs (All Stars) Australian Football Club was formed in 1995 and since inception has played international matches against both Singapore and Malaysia.
It will hold its inaugural Annual General Meeting this Friday at the Sheraton (airport) to elect office bearers. Nationals and ex-pats interested in Australian Rules Football are welcome to attend.
Scores: Jakarta Bintangs 15. 9. - 99 Malaysia Tigers 7. 7. - 49
Best players: Jakarta: Chad Paull, Paul Dugmore, Julian Clarke, Steve Ludwig Malaysia: Bryan Hammond, Greg Carpenter, Peter Coomer, Michael Payne, Bruce Teh.