Round 9 Report
Goody Saints in triple header at home
The club was up against Goodwood Saints in Round 9 of the home and away season.
A somewhat depleted C Grade side threw everything into their encounter, and in a hectic last quarter, were eventually defeated by the smallest of margins : 6.13 to 7.8.
John "Spos" McCarron continues to play excellent football, and was best on ground. Joe Tarca has performed consistently in the first half of the season, and again was very high in our best players. Matt Bosch played his best game for the club, Trent Versace was a driving force, whilst Michael De Palma and Harry Simpson continue to improve. Tyler Gava was the leading goal-kicker with two majors. The C's are in equal top spot, and "Super-Coach" Edwards has the side well placed for the run home.
The B Grade players and coach Damien Polkinghorne were aware of the importance of their clash with third-placed Goodwood. A win would not only consolidate second spot, but would help make Anthony Medhurst's 250 game milestone more memorable. Despite several forced changes from the previous round, the Red and Blacks played 4 quarters of solid football, finally winning 11.6 to 6.5. Up by only a goal at half-time, ROCS kept Goodwood scoreless in the last quarter, running out comfortable winners.
Zac Noonan has been an important addition to the playing ranks this year, and continues to play very good football. Ryan Grigg has also had a fine year for the club, and was high in the best players list. Kieran Noell played his best B Grade game for 2017. Will Mead returned to form, whilst Tom O'Malley continues to get the job done. Liam Holland kicked 3 majors in his first game for the B Grade, whilst Mick Aloisi and Adam Richter chipped in with 2 each.
The A's record against Goodwood Saints has improved in the last few years, to the point where we probably would have started slight favourites at home. It was a tough struggle early, and ROCS trailed by a slender margin at quarter time. Up by a couple of goals at half-time, the Red and Blacks kept chipping away, and finally won the encounter : 12.9 to 7.7. Craig Holm was outstanding again, as was Daniel McCallum. Brendan Littler was very constructive, while Kieran Holland and Will O'Malley continue to play very well. Tullio De Matteis and Paul Fantasia (3 goals)were other important contributors. Scott Gilbert was back in the A's for the first time, after having spent the last couple of years overseas. .
That completes the first half of the season, with all ROCS sides sitting on an impressive win/loss ratio of 8/1. The return matches start this week, with ROCS at home to PAOC in another triple-header. Princes will be tough to beat in each of the three grades, and as always, our players will be hoping for your support.
Rino Cialini
Football Director
