Coaches Report - R18
Rd 18 V Uni (home)
Following our poor performance against Port Districts in round 17 it was important we responding and got back to playing the style of footy we wanted. Being the last minor round match it was also a good opportunity for some individuals to find some form and confidence going into the finals. With Uni having to win to play finals we knew we would be coming up against a desperate opposition.
We started the game quite well and found enough of the ball to hit the score board 6 times in the first quarter, but unfortunately we were inaccurate, kicking 1.5 for the quarter. Uni were able to make the most of their opportunities, kicking 2.2, which meant Uni took a 3 point lead into the first break.
The second quarter the momentum certainly swung in our direction. Our midfield increased their run and spread and our defenders provided great rebound, setting up some excellent running passages of play. With us being able to control the corridor we kicked 5.3 for the second quarter and restricted Uni to 1.1.
Half time scores: ROCS 6.8 to Uni 3.3.
The third quarter was similar to the second and pleasingly we were able to continue to reward ourselves where it counts most, on the score board! We kicked 5.2 in the third quarter but importantly the players also showed a good appetite to defend strongly all over the ground when Uni had the ball. This made it difficult for Uni to get shots on goal and allowed us to restrict them to 1.2 for the third quarter.
Three quarter time scores: ROCS 11.10 to Uni 4.5.
The last quarter didn’t reach any great heights and the game predictably opened up. This allowed Uni to kick 4.3 for the quarter to our 6.2.
Final scores: ROCS 17.12 to Uni 8.8.
We now move our focus to the qualifying final against Henley, at Campbelltown Oval this Saturday.
After all 3 sides making the finals last year, it is excellent that the club has been able to continue this high standard with all 3 grades finishing 2nd after the minor rounds.
Congratulations to the C’s for winning their qualifying final by 1 point last week and I wish them all the best this week as they take on Goodwood in the Second Semi Final.
Damien Polkinghorne has done well in his first year as coach and will lead the B’s into their qualifying final against TTG in the 12.15pm game at Campbelltown Oval this Saturday.
Tom Wigley
A Grade Coach
