Round 1 and the boys first ever competitive REAL game of football – a historic milestone in their young lives!
I was so proud of the boys in their first game and the way they acquitted themselves and from hearing the feedback, they had lots of fun.
We learned so much during this first game about everything – how little time we have between quarters; what the kids know and what we need to teach them; how to best organise ourselves as a coaching group!
The first quarter was played at a frenetic pace! The backline zone withstood multiple forward entries from the opposition and through the resilience of Caelan M, Lucas and Louis where able to clear the danger zone before any damage could be done – Edward’s strong mark a highlight in defence. Good strong tackles and relentless pressure from mids Charlie, Caelan Kelly-Foran and Kit saw the Rovers push into our forward zone and create some nail-biting scoring opportunities. With the skilful Cruzy lurking deep in the forward line and Ashton crumbing the loose ball, it was a matter of time before we troubled the scorers!
The second quarter started with the same intensity as the first and it wasn’t long before we settled into the rhythm of the game. Cooper found confidence with some great ‘run and carry’ across the half forward line and Joshy’s clean hands on the pick up was pleasing to see. Sebastian, on several occasions, grabbed the ball and strode away from his opponents while Kai’s intensity at the ball and the tackle was becoming a headache for East Malvern. Ethan ran and bounced through the middle, Freddie controlled traffic and Jack was strong in defence. The Rovers had been threatening all game and then midway through the second, the breakthrough – every Batman needs a Robin and on this occasion Cruzy unselfishly was able to get the ball to Harry in a remarkable act of team work. Harry, the magician. Harry pounced on the opportunity like a Jungle Cat! In a scene that Cyril would have been proud of, Harry slotted through the Rovers Under 8 Yellows first major and we were on the board.
The third quarter was a sea sawing affair with the opposition creating their own opportunities. The game was a close and competitive encounter with both teams trying their hearts out. Angus was prominent, Will patrolled the wings and Archie lurked dangerously up forward. Jackson N hit his straps and provided pivotal dash through the middle, even taking the opportunity to bounce the footy. Jackson B used as a swingman up forward and then back had his eye in taking nice marks and using the ball well.
The last quarter seemed to fly by. Our defence was tested but did a tremendous job under pressure. We ran and supported our team mates and when the siren blew, we were spent but had very large smiles on our faces. The first game. A taste of what’s to come and by all accounts we liked it; we want more!
Such a great thrill to see the kids enjoy their first game and thank you to all the helpers on the day.
Rovers awards, in no order, for the day were as follows:
Harry Jones
Jackson Nelson
Jackson Block
Ethan Fix
Sebastian Lynch
Congratulations to those boys.
Julian Sill
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