Coaches Report R4
C Grade Report uploaded for R5 - 2 out 3 from Saturday's triple header against Uni
A Grade Report - R4 vs Uni
With both Uni and us having 2 wins and 1 loss in the opening 3 rounds, coupled with the evenness of the competition, the result of this match was certainly important for the early part our season. So to come away with a 31 point win, in front of a healthy ladies day crowd was certainly very pleasing.
We haven't started well in our first 3 games, so it was great to see us burst out of the blocks, win the opening centre clearance and have Luke Manuel put our first goal on the board within the first minute. It was also a welcomed change to see our forwards reward themselves in the first quarter with accurate kicking, finish the first quarter with 5.2 to Uni's 2.3.
In the second quarter our pressure on Uni dropped off and our inability to man up when Uni had the ball allowed them to get their free flowing running game going. Unsurprisingly Uni kicked 4.1 to our 1.2 for the quarter with the scores locked away at 6.4 apiece at half time.
To the players credit, after half time they all improved the defensive side to their game. Consequently we were able to keep Uni goalless for the entire third quarter.
The last quarter the game seemed to open up as players fatigued, which saw us kick 5.5 to Uni's 3.2.
Better players for ROCS on the day were; Chris Pahl who was busy through the midfield and kicked 3 goals. Dan MacCallum showed poise and strength beyond his years. Matt Dawes was at his best around the contested situations and his ball winning abilities were a highlight. Kieran Holland's good form continued and Brendan Littler played and got plenty of the ball.
Tom Wigley
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report - R4 vs Uni
This week saw ROCS come up against Adelaide Uni, who like us, were also undefeated so far this year. The game provided us with a real challenge to test ourselves against a quality opposition. Unfortunately we were not quite able to perform at the level we have been in the past 3 weeks, and went down eventually by 5 points. The ROCS players certainly showed courage and spirit to continue to stay in the game, especially in the 3rd quarter when Adelaide Uni could have opened up a large margin. However in the end, our poor skills under pressure (particularly in close) and inability to make the most of our chances contributed to the loss. While it is always disappointing to lose, the lessons learnt by our young squad will be invaluable in our goal to continually improve as a side during 2013.
After a limit pre-season, Tom Taylor was exceptional on-ball. His ability to win the contested clearances from stoppages (particularly in the last quarter) was a major reason for us staying in the contest. Carlisle Jones, has also been a valuable addition to our side in the last 2 weeks. His agility and competiveness in the ruck was important for us in the 2nd half. It’s pleasing to see players from the C grade come into our side and make strong contributions. Tom O’Malley and Charlie Jordan also continue to impress in their first year of senior football. Their skills and decision making under pressure is something that other team mates should look to as an example. Sam Bowler also played his best game for the year, and his role as an attacking half-back flanker and winger will continue to be important for our side throughout the year.
We turn our attention this week to Gaza, who are an opposition who always demand respect. I’m positive that we will see a strong week on the track, and a positive response to our loss against Uni.
Final Scores: Rostrevor OC 7-12 (54) def by Adelaide University 8-11 (59)
Goal Scorers: J. Harrison 3, H. Schilling 1, C. Ash 1, S. Bowler 1, D. Gilbert 1
Best Players: T. Taylor, T. O'Malley, C. Jones, S. Bowler, C. Jordan
Paul Bannister
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report - R5 vs Uni
A big challenge faced the Rocs Academy of Football against Adelaide Uni, the Blacks managing to even the games ledger with the C Grade Rocs side each season, no matter where the teams sit on the ladder. Great weather greeted the combatants, but yet another strong swirly breeze had arrived by kick-off time proving extremely difficult to judge shooting for goal. A fired up Rocs side ears still ringing from the challenge to start with intensity & desperation, left nothing behind as they burst out of the ruck duel & ran the ball into attack time & time again, blanketing their Blacks opponents with ferocity, totally dominating the play in the first 10 mins with inaccuracy to convert their chances the only disappointment. The game should have been over on the scoreboard at least, as the wayward Rocs kept missing chances and had scored 7 points and a couple on the full before Big Bang Bang Bartold started the Rocs goal tally, as his teammates remained well on top across the park still running hard to end the qtr. on top & in control. 1/4time scores Rocs 2-7(19) vs. Adel. Uni 1-1(7)
During the 2nd & 3rd qtrs. the Red & Blacks kept the constant pressure on their opponents who never gave in & did their best to challenge the dominant Rocs, but every time Uni tried to start some team play & gather momentum they were stopped in their tracks by the Rocs Machine, playing superb team footy & although still missing chances on goal stormed ahead to lead at 3/4 time by 45 pts. Players given personal challenges before the game had all pushed themselves hard, making our teamwork even stronger. Tooth (Jack) Pick Worked well at fullback keeping the Uni forwards to minimum impact, Acting Cpt Bunji O’Connor amassing his usual 35-40 possessions, using every one to Rocs advantage as well as keeping his dangerous opponent silent and then benched, ensuring his Rocs teammates held their dominance of the game. HBomb Edwards applying even greater forward defensive pressure, creating turnovers his teammates converted into goals. Jack (Wonker) Tagg showed others how fearless & courageous this young gun plays the game, winning his wing all day to foil Uni's forward moves & set up Rocs going into attack.
3/4 time scores Rocs 8-17(65) vs. Uni 3-2(20)
Into the last stanza the Rocs rewarded themselves with accurate goal kicking increasing their lead & holding the Blacks again in defence. Brad (Holloween) Hollis & Sam (wilderbeast) Wilson dominating their positions over the 4qtrs of the game. Rocs running out winners by 67 pts, in a fantastic effort, our most complete game so far this season.
Final scores Rocs 13-17(95) def. Adel Uni 4-4(28)
Best players - A.OÇonnor, J.Tagg, N.Bartold, S.Wilson, B.Hollis
Best team man - J. Pick
Goal kickers -N.Bartold-5, C.Deegan-2, H.Edwards-1, J.Weaver-1, D.Marotti-1, C.Fabbian-1, P.Norris-1, M.Zamparelli-1
# Today’s game had the return to action from The Pig (Tommy) Deegan, playing his first game in 18 mths & actually surprising everyone including himself using time on the ground to telling effect. No-one had expected Piggy to do much, but across halfback he added composure to Rocs steady defence. Pushing his "slimline" physic to the limit, and then retiring to the sidelines to give a teammate the chance to have some time on the park.
Steve Edwards
C Grade Coach
