Round 18 & Semi Final D's Plus Photo's from R18 - A's
ROCS A, B, and C Grades were away to Prince Alfred, whilst our D Grade were up against Old Ignatians, at Walkerville.
D Grade
ROCS faced Iggies in the 1st Semi-Final, having lost both of their minor round encounters to the same side during the season. In a thrilling clash, ROCS came out on top : 9.20 to 9.13. ROCS led by a goal at half-time, and 8 points at the last break. Harry Simpson was best on ground, and others to play well included Dan Gilbert, Max Tarca, Justin McInerney (2 goals), Will Sullivan and Tom O'Leary. Matthew Del Corso and Harrison Twiggs kicked 2 each, and Tim Lewis was named Best Team Man. Coach Mark Twiggs has the team firing at the important end of the season, and this week meets Payneham Norwood Union in the Preliminary Final (Morgan Oval, Pulteney Grammar School South Tce - 12.15 pm).
C Grade
A depleted C Grade played PAOC away, and after a bright start were eventually defeated 6.5 to 20.12. The highlight of the day were the cameo appearances of Matthew Haddad, Vic Pisaniello and Mark Viscione (2 goals). Better players included captain Matt Sauer, Jarrod Varley, Simon Emanuele, Matt McPeake, Vic Pisaniello and Paul Norris. In what has been a challenging year for Steve "Supercoach" Edwards, the C Grade has finished in 6th position, missing out on the finals for the first time since 2009. 64 players have gone through the "Supercoach Academy" in 2018.
B Grade
Damien Polkinghorne was forced to make 10 changes for the match against PAOC. Down by 9 points at 3 quarter-time, ROCS were over-run late in the game and were defeated 9.8 to 13.6. Elliot Shirley was our best, followed by Ferghus Kernahan, John Harrison (5 goals), Adam Richter, Joe Tarca and Jackson Sutcliffe. The B's now play in this week's Elimination Final against Port District, at Payneham Oval (12.15 pm). Congratulations to Joe "Jose" Tarca on chalking up his 50th game for ROCS. As well as representing the school, Jose' played most of his early footy for the Bridgewater Callington Raiders Football Club. He made 1 appearance for ROCS in 2012, and has played continually for the club since returning in 2016. His game has steadily improved and he is now a regular member of the ROCS' B Grade.
A Grade
Link to photo's from the A's vs Princes from OS Claude Beltrame - Many thanks Claude
A's vs Princes - R18 Photo's
The A Grade went into the match against Princes knowing that a victory would ensure that ROCS were Minor Premiers in 2018. Down by 19 points at half-time, the team rallied to eventually win 11.11 to 10.2. James Butterworth was best on ground, followed by Tom Hurley, Tullio DeMatteis, Kieran Holland, Scott Gilbert and acting captain James Jordan (also Best Team Man). Peter Vorrasi was impressive in his A grade debut.
For the second year running, coach Adrian Rocco has guided the team to the top of the table at the end of the home and away series. The A's now enjoy a weekend off before the Second Semi-Final, to be played on the Daly Oval.
James Butterworth is on course to reach his 100 game milestone after the break. "Butters" played basketball at Rostrevor, as well as some football and cricket. He represented the Hectorville FC in the North Eastern Metro Junior Football Association, before making his ROCS debut in 2013. "Butters" was unavailable for last year's Grand Final, but has continued his improvement this season and has developed into one of the competition's best ruckmen.
Please support our B and D Grade teams in their matches at Payneham Oval (B Grade 12.15pm) and Morgan Oval - Pulteney Grammar School (D Grade 12.15pm) this Saturday.
Rino Cialini
Football Director
