The Bartercard Gold Coast Blue Tongues hosted the Sydney Ice Dogs at Bundall Iceland in the first of the two home game double header on Saturday night. The clash was expected to be a physical battle, with the 5th placed Blue Tongues only 2 points on the ladder behind the Dogs in 4th, and determined to extract revenge for the 5-0 slaying the Dogs had dished out on their own home ice in Sydney last weekend. The Ice Dogs, for their part, wanted to break their losing streak on the Gold Coast - not having won a game at Bundall since July 12, 2008. Goaltender Luke Fiveash was given his second start of the season between the pipes for the Tongues since his return from injury, having started for the win against the Bears last weekend in Sydney.

The Blue Tongues came out hard and fast, answering back to the Ice Dogs' physical play and remaining strong on the forecheck. The Blue Tongues went to an early lead on the powerplay when Mike McRae scored just 1 minute 20 into the game. Halfway through the first period, the most beautiful play occurred when Bob Sannemo passed across the rink to Matt Amado, who passed directly on tape to Tobias Falk's stick. Toby lifted it past Jimmy Herbert for his first goal of the game to give the Blue Tongues a 2-0 lead. A mere 7 seconds later, Tobias Falk combined with Bob Sannemo again to extend the lead to 3-0 in a goal that was scored so fast, Herbert probably didn't even see it fly past him.

In the second period, Mike McRae scored his second goal of the night 33 seconds in, combining with Amado and Falk. Matt Amado scored 12 minutes later, again combining with Falk and Sannemo. Tobias Falk scored his hatrick 24 seconds after Amado's goal, assisted by Amado and Sannemo to take the score to 6-0. The Blue Tongues went to a 7-0 lead with 1 minute and 13 seconds left in the second period when Matt Amado scored, assisted by Falk and Cam Trew.

In the third period, the lone goal was scored by Sydney's Brook Robson, assisted by Anthony Wilson on the powerplay for a slashing penalty called on Mike McRae, giving the final score of 7-1.

The Blue Tongues played as a cohesive team, and controlled the play making it difficult for the Ice Dogs to gain any momentum in the first two period of the game. The Blue Tongues were unable to convert any of the 4 powerplay opportunities presented to them, and only conceded 1 of the 4 given to the Ice Dogs. Twice in the game, defenseman Bob Sannemo gave goaltender Fiveash his stick when Fiveash's goaltender's stick was knocked from his hand so as not to leave his goaltender defenseless in goal. The Blue Tongues worked tirelessly to shut down the Ice Dogs' shooting and passing lanes in the offensive zone and continued to play a tough, physical game throughout the three periods.

The win moves the Blue Tongues into the 4th spot on the AIHL ladder.

The two teams face off again on Sunday at Bundall Iceland, in the second of the double header weekend in what is expected to be another grueling and firey match up. Puck drop is at 4pm and tickets are available at the door.