UNDER 14 GIRLS VIOLET v SOUTH MELBOURNE (R8)
JUNE 23, 2019
Looking out at the mud patch that is the Castlefield oval, those South Melbourne girls were optimistic in their bright white and red stripes. Tall and talented, they had us going from the get-go. Our girls in green and gold looked strong too; it was great to have Daisy back from injury and to have Maya join the crew.
The first quarter saw a goal to South Melbourne and a few points apiece. Quick work from Claudia and marks from Mika and Shanti set us up well, while Tilly weaved her blonde magic through the packs.
Aliyah’s ruck work and marking were noteworthy. Squiz and Daisy showed good tackling ability, kicking long, but not always to a Rover’s target. Lizzie was strong in defence, as always, smothering and marking well. Claudia and Batman (aka Liv) dazzled, both scoring goals in the second term. However, the South Melbourne girls were effective, also scoring two goals in the second term.
We were missing the Mias (K and S) this week, but Maddie kept up the M power, courageously tackling in the mud, running hard and contesting everything that came her way.
Beautiful hands from Tilly artfully dodged the mud patch kicking long, but again not finding the right target. It really was a big old congested mud wrestle in the middle with girls sliding and slipping all over the place. But, back on her speedy legs, Tilly pushed forward and scored a goal. However, not to be beaten, those South Melbourne girls scored again too.
At three quarter time, there was only two goals and a point the difference. Tough but possible, and our girls were up for the battle. Mika was impressive with a run at goal, but a slight left-bending kick went through for a point. Lottie persevered, Abbey, Emily and Maya put up a fight, but despite all efforts our Rovers kicked four behinds. Until Squiz kicked to Elisha right on the siren who tapped it through for six points. In the end, there was only three points the margin, which shows the competition was tight.
Coaches Callum and Josh rallied the girls with words of encouragement, “You definitely played better than last week, and we’re getting better every game— knowing your position and developing your skills.”
Training award to Lottie for putting in a great effort. Three BOGs, in no particular order:
Daisy— for being switched on right from the start.
Matilda (aka Tilly) – great around the ground all match.
Maddie—awesome job and the muddiest of them all!
Final score 32:35
