Today was a day of firsts. It was coach Rob’s first time steering the ship and I’m sure all will agree he did fine job! Congratulations to Scarlett, Lily, Jasmyn and Sachi who all played their first game for Hampton Rovers – welcome girls! It was also the first time our U12 Div 4 Girls Green team played together. If their improvement over the past couple of weeks is anything to go by, this team will be real contenders by the end of the season!
Rob’s instructions for the game were simple – have fun, encourage each other and try and score. The latter remains a work-in-progress but the girls certainly showed great team spirit! Led by our captain Chloe the girls put in an excellent effort in the first quarter. Charli won several tap outs and tackled hard all quarter. It was great to see new recruits Sachi, Jasmyn and Scarlett get their hands on the ball early in the game. Ruby T was reliable in the ruck and produced some excellent kicks. Tamara fought hard whenever the ball came near, and similar efforts were made by Willow, Stella and Chloe. Overall it was a solid quarter of footy.
An early goal by East Malvern in the second didn’t discourage our girls and they went on to spoil their next attempt at goal. Lucy stood up to the challenge with an excellent quarter of footy, laying tackles, contesting the ruck and playing some all-round inspiring footy. Stella seemed to be in everything, laying several effective tackles. Looking confident and capable, Ruby P put in some excellent efforts including smothering an East Malvern attempt at goal. Willow stepped it up a notch in the second term and Phoebe worked hard throughout. Georgia and Agatha were solid whenever the ball came near.
Chloe was excellent in the third quarter with a great mark and a free kick when her opponent couldn’t shrug her strong tackle. Charli played another great quarter that included a beautiful mark from an opposition kick. Georgia’s big kicking out from full back could see some NFL recruiters knocking on her door! Her Auskick buddy Jasmyn followed up with an amazing spin around and kick out of defence! Overall it was another tough quarter of footy from our girls and it was great to see Scarlett team up with Chloe and lay a strong double tackle late in the quarter.
Rob praised the girl’s work in the midfield at three-quarter time and reminded them to tackle around the hips. It seemed they were listening, laying some excellent tackles early in the last led by Captain Chloe. Audrey tried hard and even had a go at a ball-up and Lily got herself into the contest a couple of times. With her shiny new mouthguard, Tiani tried hard, as did Ava. It was another fabulous effort from all of our girls who keep getting better every week!
This week the awards went to four deserving recipients. The fearless Willow was awarded for her consistent effort and Lucy for an outstanding first half. Charli listened to Rob’s instructions and played an awesome game of footy and Chloe led her team from the front to be a fitting recipient of the final award. Well done girls!! Thank you to our new coaching team Rob and Michael, Team Manager Mark and Trainer Dave. Clint worked hard umpiring and teaching the girls as he went, and unfortunately East Malvern kept goal umpire Ciro busy. Thanks to all of the other parent volunteers. Looking forward to our next game at home against East Bentleigh! Go Rovers!
Written by Olivia Cook (Audrey Hanson’s mum)
