Oakleigh Amateurs had the pleasure of hosting the USA Liberty womens team at the Krusherdome at Scammell Reserve on Wednesday night. USA Liberty were in town for the AFL International Cup and came with a squad of one mens team and two womens teams, quite a contingent for a trip down under, and, from all reports, have a had a fantastic time enjoying the local hospitality. The Krushers were more than happy to be a part of that and welcomed our new friends from the US with open arms. Hearing the Star Spangled Banner ring out across Scammell Reserve is not something that happens often.

The match itself was essentially a friendly practice match, on paper at least, but the Liberty are a competitive bunch and had come to play. The Oaks were, sadly, a little under-manned with 10 players missing from their regular line-up and hadn’t played for three weeks since their season finished. But they went out and had a go and although outgunned on the night still gave it their best. Both sides put on a pretty good display of footy although, at times, it was a bit hard to see what was happening due to the lighting at the ground being inadequate. Still, the players didn’t let that get in the way of a contest and went at it like it was a grand final. The umpires did a wonderful job as did the support crews for both teams and the volunteers who helped out on the night.

The BBQ was kept sizzling most of the night, the bar enjoyed a steady stream of customers and, after the game, Krushers merchandise flew off the shelves as the Americans grabbed souvenirs of their visit to Oakleigh. In the end a fun night was had by all concerned and the Liberty have promised to return during the next International Cup…And they’ll be warmly received when they do return.

Oakleigh 0-2-2 v USA Liberty 4-9-33