Hard work getting out of bed Sunday when the alarm went off. Another day of Rovers footy lay ahead, no doubt with plenty of highlights to be witnessed, more opportunity for learning and development, but this morning was like no other so far this season. When I jumped into the car at 7.45 to head to Boss James the gauge on the dashboard told me the temperature was 3 degrees. I could feel it was so when I sat on the leather seat and placed my hands on the steering wheel. Alas off we went down Wickham Rd; we got our first sight of Boss James and it was white, frozen solid, grass snapped off as you walked over it.
Joey Giblin handed me a coffee as we walked around to the scoreboard to try and work out why the feed was not filtering through when my phone went ‘DING’. It was a Facebook message to advise me that my sister was in Bali and was about to have breakfast in 27 degrees overlooking Legion beach at the Padma resort. I thought to myself, I would give up my youngest child to be with my sister now. (Just kidding Kai…)
The Under 12 D1 team played the Mighty Zebs. We have had some great games against these lads in the last 3 years and today was no different. The Zebs lads got home by a kick in a fantastic arm wrestle.
Several lads as seen below then backed up and played Under 13 D1, well done lads, 2 games, 2 tight finishes.
I must say that the Bubble was like a ghost town yesterday. The Team Managers were working overtime on Saturday trying to get numbers to fill teams. Boss James witnessed 5 games and in each the opportunity to run with the older pack was met with enthusiasm, commitment & FUN. All these bloody families that chase the sun this time of year, I just don’t understand why you would do this when you can freeze your butt off whilst chasing a Sherrin. 😉
The Under 14 lads had a scrap against Oakleigh and did well with many strong passages of play witnessed.
As the day progressed Boss James turned into the MCG of the South, perfect weather and the ground dried out to be pristine. The 2 Under 15 Div 1 teams went head to head in Mate V Mate Mark 2. Blue smashed Gold in a great TEAM performance, very proud of all lads who just keep playing footy in great spirit.
Under 15 D4 team had a stirring victory over Ajax. Daniel’s guys were hard at the contest all day. Charlie Conroy got amongst the goals with 3 as Oscar Paige and Will Laverty racked up possessions.
I drove around to Castlefield to see the Under 12 Girls play Port Melbourne. Our girls were all over the Colts and handled the damp ball like 100 game AFLW players, great to see and well done to all.
The Mighty Under 12 Girls overpowered the Port Melbourne Colts.
Whilst I was at Castlefield I bumped into these three lads – sorry boys the photo does not do you all justice – Dan, Harry and Fletcher. They play for Under 9 Orange. Dan kicked a goal and all agree that winning yesterday and being coached by Michael is great fun. Al reported that his chargers had a close fought out game where the lads went to the shed and sang “By the Seaside, By the Sea”.
All three Under 16 teams won: Ladies by several goals over Highett, D1 boys over Northvale by plenty – Ralph would have been ‘EXCITED’ but I was told he was on a plane to you know where?? That’s right, Bali. No doubt the legend, Stuart ‘EGG’ Murray, stepped in and steered the lads through the gates of hell.
D2, U16 had a great win at the Boss over the Jaccas in a fast-paced game.
The Under 17 lads went down and lost top spot. Glen Waverley Hawks, in the battle for bragging rights, took the candy.
Dave’s team had a great win in Under 11 Div 5 whilst Tim’s Div 1 team scored a few goals and looked competitive in a loss at Castlefield.
D6 Under 12 had a bye and several lads filled in for Marty’s U13 Div 3 side on the big Waverley Rd ground against East Malvern. The scoreline suggests we chased tail all game.
Chris advised that his U10 Silver team had a good game and all the lads sang a song against a team that had beaten some good opposition. Daryl reported his U10 White lads went down late in the game after leading early.
Under 8 Purple had a bye. Julian reported a strong game against the Sharks who beat us earlier in the year. Julian said his U8 Yellow team have experienced great steps forward this year. Andrew said his Under 8 Orange lad’s cold fingers just couldn’t get into the game and the lads witnessed the pain of defeat. For the first time.
A Little learning from yesterday
With one of our games in the balance at 3 quarter time with only point separating the teams, our players spoke with an opposition player that was not at his usual best. They reminded him that he had made a few mistakes during the game. This lad is a JET and in the best 2-3 players in the league. The result was he had a huge last quarter and helped his team win. NEVER POKE THE BEAR. You woke him up yesterday boys. Let’s make sure our SPORTSMANSHIP AND HARD WORK IS DOING THE TALKING.
RESPECT FOR OUR OPPOSITION IS AS IMPORTANT AS RESPECT FOR SELF, TEAMMATE, COACH OR UMPIRE.
No footy this weekend and my wife has a list longer than an elephant’s trunk that needs doing. I hate this time of year: cold, wet and no footy. If you’re going away be safe. If you are not going away come over to my house and give me a chop out.
Go Rovers
Caggs
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