What a cracker of a day at Castlefield. The ground was immaculate and the sun was shining, setting the scene for a very eager Rovers team.
We lined up with a full team and had the luxury of one on the bench allowing a few of the boys to play in different positions and helping fresh legs in the last quarter. Joe Ramsden took the honours as Captain for the week and played a genuine captains game with some brilliant marking and second efforts on display all day. After playing brilliantly last week and not singing the song the boys were very keen to ensure we had a reason to do so on our home turf.
This week we worked on the Rovers principles of Passion, Teamwork, Fun and Respect. The boys lived up to every element with distinction. Our attacking trademark was again on display and continued for 4 quarters. All the players embraced their roles for the team and did a fantastic job supporting each other in and around the contest. After a big week last week Harry Lewis was again spurred on and finished the day with some brilliant clearance work and 4 goals! Josh Cameron was again in everything and was continually showing great poise and driving the ball down the ground through congestion. Fletch was great again and put the pressure on right from the first bounce. At Centre Half Back Harry Gibbins wasn’t letting anything past him no matter how hot the pressure was and Arthur Evans along with Dan Bevan have become tackling machines. Nick White continues to do great team things in the backline and it was brilliant to see him continually leave his man at the last minute to do the defensive work for the team.
Back from injury & illness were Zain and Tom both scoring majors however a team favourite was our first goal as Liam launched a kick looking to the top of the square from 40m and the ball going through!
Pat McConville also had a great game and was in the thick of the action most of the day working off the backline and pushing up to the half forward line to help keep the pressure on.
The boys kept their structure well in the forward line after the first quarter where Josh Haines provided a strong target while also scoring a couple of full pointers. Angus was also very good and made sure he also got in the scorers book with a goal.
Again the boys received credit after the match from the opposition coach calling out the excellent fast Rover ball movement and teamwork.
Our boys were deservingly pleased with the result that came from an amazing even team effort. The song was sung with gusto celebrating our first win on home turf in 2017.
It is sensational to be part of a group of young guys that are keen to improve their own game while helping their mates.
Well done Rovers!
David
