A different start to game day was thrust upon the group with the Under 11s having to be at Boss James for 7.30am photos. (Didn’t we all love that!)
It is fair to say a few concerns were present when the team arrived at Duncan street to take on our local rivals East Sandringham. The dreaded winter cough and cold claimed a few players and a twisted ankle another, the boys knew we were going to need to be at our best as we were starting two players short. Rovers Captain for the day was Nick White and our boys knew Sandringham were keen to follow up their win last week on the home turf.
The Rovers were switched on from the first bounce as the desire to win the contest was made very clear. Teamwork and attack on the ball was ferocious and the Sandy boys knew they were in for a challenging day. As is becoming customary Dan and Joe opened the game with fierce attack on the ball leading with a succession of tackles and second efforts, constantly moving the ball forward. Our ball movement was very good seeing the boys kicking long at every opportunity.
The fast Rover ball movement was a credit to the team, an early highlight was a clearing kick from Josh Cameron (one of his many for the day) resulting in Jonty taking a fantastic overhead mark with the flight of the ball on the forward flank and getting the ball in forward for a goal. Our Rovers boys were confident going into the second half and again moved the ball very well. Harry Gibbins was determined not to let anything get past him as he continued to repel the ball and move it forward giving our boys first opportunity.
Josh Haines had a terrific game and displayed excellent attack on the ball being rewarded with 3 goals. Harry Lewis gave some renewed energy to the midfield after half time, Arthur Evans played a great role in some forward line packs ensuring the Rovers kept up the pressure and continued to tick the scoreboard over.
At three quarter time the boys were urging each other on for a four quarter effort and that is what we got. Joe & Fletch were relentless all day and the fourth quarter was no different. All the boys played a brilliant team game and they should all be very pleased with their consistent effort. We talked a lot about the importance of defending as a team and everyone stepped up their work rate this week. I asked Oscar, Refe & Darcy to stay in the backline all day and make sure their man did not many kicks, they all did a fantastic 4 quarter defensive job, evident keeping the Zebbies to only 3 goals for the game.
We do love to be beside the seaside and it suited us to be in Bayside to record our first win which was the result of a most pleasing team effort where all players lifted the defensive side of their game.
Round 3 was our best group effort of the year and as I said after the game anyone could have received an award for effort this week. The sportsmanship of the team should also be acknowledged it is a great blend the boys have to be fierce in the contest but respect their opponents.
Our fabulous team deserved to sing the song and it was done VERY LOUDLY (see below!) as it should be! Have a great week everyone.
Go Rovers!
David
Rovers 6.7.43 East Sandringham 3.6.24
