After much work in the pre-season by a group of very dedicated volunteers, our new look Under 13’s Division 2 side finally took to the field for our much anticipated away clash against Prahran – and it was a day set to be filled with much excitement, drama and mixed emotion.
After an awesome start by our team, where we kicked the opening two goals, the opposition answered in the same fashion heading into the quarter time break with oe point separating the two teams.
Our new gun recruit Jasper, who was in sizzalating form, went down with a big hit to the shoulder and took no further part in the game. Prahran came out of the blocks in the second to kick the next three goals. Our young men dug deep and withheld the onslaught, kicking a late couple of goals to go into the half-time break down by only eight points.
Both teams then took it up a notch in the third with Hampton holding sway by only one goal heading into the last.
The final quarter could only be described as chaotic, as we witnessed one of the most intense quarters of football that I’ve ever been involved in. With both teams attacking the ball with so much ferocity, and with eight minutes, left on the clock there wasn’t much separating the two teams.
Angus Gill then attacked the ball with incredible courage but unfortunately suffered a broken collarbone as he collided with an opposition player. As he was carried off the field, and applauded for such bravery, we were all left in despair as to what had just happened.
However, in true Rover’s spirit, and with Prahran bearing down on us, we weren’t going to let this game slip. We hung on to win by one point, dedicating the win to both Angus and Jasper.
We wish both Angus and Jasper a speedy recovery and look forward to both of them returning to the team when they’re fit and able.
I’d like to thank Justine Tuffley for all the incredible help and support she showed as our team trainer, as well as Di Thomas for assisting with everything, and to everyone else who helped out on the day.
We would also like to thank the opposition team and the head coach of the Prahran U13’s for their incredible support and follow up during the event and post-game.
Chris Gleeson – U13 Div 2 Coach
