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Next stop Belgrade; Austrians get second place

Walter H. Reiterer

Walter H. Reiterer

Impressive debut for Widner

The ASVÖ Gladiators won the playoff spot deciding game against the Ljubljana Silverhawks 34-0, advancing to the SELAF semifinals.

The team from Rudersdorf presented an improved squad that was fitted with new players. There has been some turmoil around the team, when they struggled to get their new players on board. After they had joined SELAF in fall 2006, the team became interesting for players all over Austria. With the off-season currently in the Austrian league, meaning players are transferring from one team to another, seven new players joined the Glads and among them is Joe Widner. The multiple Austrian-Bowl, EFAF-Cup and Eurobowl champion, proved to be vital for the Gladiators’ playoff clinching win.

The receiver, who also played cornerback intercepting one pass, caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Bernhard Kamber. Kamber and Widner played together in Carinthia years ago and connected immediately like they never parted.

It was running back Martin Bauer who gave the Gladiators the lead with a touchdown run, and soon Widner caught his first from Kamber for the early 14-0 lead. In the second quarter the Austrian offense struggled – Kamber was intercepted once, but the Gladiators defense had a big day, eventually stopping the Silverhawks after two long drives.

In the second half Ljubljana was overpowered by the home team – the second touchdown pass to Widner for 20-0 was followed by a 1 yard run from Kamber. His main target this year, Manuel Houtz, wasn’t forgotten either as he set the final score with a touchdown reception.

With that, the Gladiators are in the playoffs and will play the Vukovi in Belgrade.