Round 6 – U12 Division 6 – Hampton Rove
The D6’s situation this week was aptly described by the great New York Yankee catcher, Yogi Berra, who once said “it’s like deja vu all over again”. After playing the Waverly Park Hawks in a competitive game 2 weeks ago, we were back at the same ground, same time, same opponent! The Rovers team welcomed-back Louie L as well as a gun D11 player who had played for us last year, Jay T. This week’s captain was Will S, who was rewarded for a break-out game against Mordi-Brae.
At the first bounce, Max R tapped to advantage, with Billy M at the bottom of the pack, but the Hawks crumbers moved the ball quickly out of the centre. The Rovers’ backline was under pressure, but Jake M applied a few bone-crunching tackles to slow their progress. Louie L took a tough mark in pressure, Christian B was as-always stout in defense and Ben D harassed his opposition out of the ball. Unfortunately the Hawks were able to kick truly a couple of times, and were out to a handy lead by the first break.
The Rovers were keen to put more man-on-man pressure in the second quarter, and Oli A personified this with a momentum-changing tackle. The Rovers pushed the ball forward inside their 50, and captain Will S picked-up on the run and kicked long and true for the Rover’s first goal. The Rovers pressure continued, with James M running and tackling across the wing, Ben F smoothing to contain the ball in the forward line and Lucas C rebounding off half-back. At the half, the Rovers had shown that they could match it with the Hawks when they ran and pressured.
Although there was not much wind in either direction, the Hawks seemed to enjoy kicking to the “Cornerstone” end of Castlefield, and they applied plenty pressure of their own in the third quarter. The Rovers’ backline was again under duress, but each player demonstrated 100% dedication to their team. Such endeavour was typified by Chevi O, who laid a perfect tackle on the back pocket, and Jay T who bottled-up three Hawks on his own. Christian S and Josh E stretched their legs down the wings, and Oli A demonstrated his vision and skill with an well placed handball out of pressure. Zac B followed his man into the defense to support his mates and laid a tackle.
By the final break, the Hawks were well clear on the scoreboard, but the Rovers didn’t give up. Oscar G competed tirelessly and dished multiple handballs under pressure, Eddie L was busy around the forward packs and Stanley H ran hard to contest the footy. Jack Cgave the Dusty Martin “don’t argue” as he roamed the halfback line, taking timely marks. The opposition were unable to penetrate the Rovers defenses for much of the quarter, which was the Rovers best for the game.
Although the Rovers were not successful on the scoreboard, the effort and discipline from each player was clearly evident for all four quarters. As the team works hard at training to develop their skills, they continue to improve their individual and collective games.
At the first bounce, Max R tapped to advantage, with Billy M at the bottom of the pack, but the Hawks crumbers moved the ball quickly out of the centre. The Rovers’ backline was under pressure, but Jake M applied a few bone-crunching tackles to slow their progress. Louie L took a tough mark in pressure, Christian B was as-always stout in defense and Ben D harassed his opposition out of the ball. Unfortunately the Hawks were able to kick truly a couple of times, and were out to a handy lead by the first break.
The Rovers were keen to put more man-on-man pressure in the second quarter, and Oli A personified this with a momentum-changing tackle. The Rovers pushed the ball forward inside their 50, and captain Will S picked-up on the run and kicked long and true for the Rover’s first goal. The Rovers pressure continued, with James M running and tackling across the wing, Ben F smoothing to contain the ball in the forward line and Lucas C rebounding off half-back. At the half, the Rovers had shown that they could match it with the Hawks when they ran and pressured.
Although there was not much wind in either direction, the Hawks seemed to enjoy kicking to the “Cornerstone” end of Castlefield, and they applied plenty pressure of their own in the third quarter. The Rovers’ backline was again under duress, but each player demonstrated 100% dedication to their team. Such endeavour was typified by Chevi O, who laid a perfect tackle on the back pocket, and Jay T who bottled-up three Hawks on his own. Christian S and Josh E stretched their legs down the wings, and Oli A demonstrated his vision and skill with an well placed handball out of pressure. Zac B followed his man into the defense to support his mates and laid a tackle.
By the final break, the Hawks were well clear on the scoreboard, but the Rovers didn’t give up. Oscar G competed tirelessly and dished multiple handballs under pressure, Eddie L was busy around the forward packs and Stanley H ran hard to contest the footy. Jack Cgave the Dusty Martin “don’t argue” as he roamed the halfback line, taking timely marks. The opposition were unable to penetrate the Rovers defenses for much of the quarter, which was the Rovers best for the game.
Although the Rovers were not successful on the scoreboard, the effort and discipline from each player was clearly evident for all four quarters. As the team works hard at training to develop their skills, they continue to improve their individual and collective games.
Coach Mike & Coach Dave
