We were back at Boss James after the school holiday break, freshened up and ready for the return match against St Peters. The last contest between the two sides had been a close one and we were expecting the same again today against quality opposition. We’d had an interrupted preparation with the holidays and unable to train this week, but everyone was super keen to get back into footy – especially me who tried to get the game going 15mins early! The weather was damp, drizzly and cold – character building footy weather. There were plenty of cold hands from the boys and many of the spectators unsuccessfully trying to fit under the gazebo.
Toby and Liam M were selected to lead the team as Captains today. Toby is loving his footy and developing strongly every week, always having a crack and helping his team mates. Liam M is a great ball getter who reads the play well and always looks dangerous. They went on to lead the team well today.
The boys want to focus on kicking long through the corridor, being first to the ball, use the first option, and getting to 2nd and 3rd efforts.
St Peters got off to a strong start, immediately getting our mids and backs scrambling to defend. George responded well and was able to rebound a number of their inside 50s. He was helped by Charlie H and Cooper who were putting on plenty of tackling pressure and helping to lock it down. Cooper and Harrison K combined well with long kicking and strong efforts in packs which put us into attack, but St Peters were able to rebound giving us limited opportunities up forward. Kieran was also getting to plenty of contests and making an impact on the game.
In the second, we had the advantage with the breeze, and we were starting to be more effective. However, St Peter’s continued to make most of the play and our backline and midfield continued to feature in the play. Jock was playing well and was providing some excellent defensive tackling and multiple efforts. He combined with Darcy who was able to drive us forward with some excellent kicking and found Marlon and Harrison N further up the ground. Thomas put in a super effort in a tight contest and got to Spencer who also put us into attack. Marlon worked himself into game and laid some important tackles to keep the game in balance.
By halftime we were still battling the elements and trying to keep warm enough to get clean hands on the ball. The effort and endeavour from the boys was unrelenting and they were working hard as a team. Freddie had moved on-ball and used his run and skill to make an impact. Elliot was helping Freddie and used some silky skills to move the ball into our forward line. Jock, Lewis and Felix all started finding more of the ball in hard contests and using it effectively. The momentum started to shift and the cobwebs were getting cleared. Xavier, Harrison K and Spencer held down the backline well and kept the St Peter’s scoring to a minimum.
In the last, we were playing with the breeze to the scoring end. Liam H got us off to a good start with a solid clearance helped by Charlie H, we got the help of another and the switch turned on for the boys and they were on. Some strong play from George, Liam H and Marlon enabled Lewis to be well positioned up forward. He fought well and kicked a great goal which was reward for effort all day. Back to the ball up and some more tight footy got to our defense line where Darcy put in an outstanding series of efforts of tackling which resulted in him pushing deep into our attack. Felix, Lachie and Marlon kept the ball in our forward line where Jock attacked hard, got onto his left foot to kick another Rovers goal. An inspiring piece of play saw Felix get a silky pass to Marlon who drove toward goal where Lewis then fought hard and found Marlon following up with 2nd efforts and he kicked a well deserved goal of his own.
A great finish to a tough game and sets the boys up to finish off the season well showing how much they have learnt and united as a team. Bring on East Malvern next week!!
Steve
TEAMWORK PASSION FUN RESPECT
#GoRovers
