An early start had Fi running around and our girls yawning and some of them mouthguard-less. Maddie managed to borrow one from Tayla Jones early, then Mitch’s and then finally got her own. No mouth guard, no play; they’re the rules unfortunately. Poor Leni had to head home. But more’s the point, what does it say about Tayla and Mitch? – bloody legends. Sharing your mouthguard is like sharing your toothbrush with a friend who stays over. That’s Rovers’ love right there.
The girls started well, and everyone seemed up for the challenge. A possible place in the finals is at stake so every girl had a job to do. And don’t we look like a champion team now rather than just a team of champions? Talking of champions though, it was fantastic to have Lottie back after so long. Straight up she’s breaking through the packs and a well-placed kick to Daisy secures our first goal in the first quarter.
However, the Malvern Knights came charging out in the second quarter and kicked a goal early. But our strength and determination in defence outshone their forwards. Tough tackling from Maddie, Lizzie and Mika, persistence from all the girls, and a goal each from Mia K and Aliah showed them what we’re made of, down here in Bayside.
Callum had rousing words for the girls at half time and clear direction to back yourself, not to hesitate, run with the ball and to keep up the physical footy.
The third quarter saw most of the ball down our half. The girls getting cold up the other end, but Wade, our trustworthy goal umpire, was loving the attention. A beautiful handball from Elicia to Emily saw her Dad waving the two white flags and then another from Emily had his heart singing too. A ripper goal from Maddie had Wade running out to Bluff Road to pick up the ball. Some nice marks from Aliah and Mika this quarter too.
Great work again from Maddie, Mia K and Lily this quarter: going in for the ball and following up with second efforts, all paying off. The last quarter had us racking up the points with a goal umpire from the other end keeping us in suspense about the results. Mighty goals from Batman and Lizzie saw us win resolutely, 61-12.
Callum loved the effort from the girls, particularly in the last quarter, and made note of the genuine fun they were having on the field. And that’s the bottom line from him: when you’re having fun the footy takes care of itself.
Best on ground to Lottie and awards to Emily the quiet achiever and to Lily too for her tackling and dogged defensive play. Can you almost smell the finals? Another win next week just might get us there.
