R14/R15 Reports
R14 - A's B's & C's & R15 D's
A Grade - R14
ROCS were home against the much improved Brighton Bombers on the weekend. We needed the 2 points to consolidate our spot in the top three, and obviously Brighton needed a win to stay in touch with the five. Brighton started well and led by 7 points at quarter time. ROCS kicked to the scoring end in the second quarter, and at the main break the scores were : 7.4 to 4.5. We extended the lead in the third quarter, and again early in the last, but to Brighton's credit they kept fighting back, and the final scores were : 11.8 to 9.11.
Tim Baccanello was excellent all day. Heath Commane was very important with his 5 goals. Lewis McCormack did a fine job on a dangerous opponent. Dan McCallum's good form continues. Will O'Malley got plenty of the ball, as usual. Craig Holm was impressive in his comeback match for the A's, and James Jordan again led by example. Congratulations to Lachlan Ball and Tom McCormack on making their A Grade debuts.
The win gives ROCS a three match buffer on fourth, with just four minor round games to go. This week the team travels to Goodwood where the home team is always difficult to beat. The players will appreciate your support.
B Grade - R14
Damien Polkinghorne has got his team back into the top 5 after an important victory against Brighton : 9.6 to 5.9. Trailing at the last break, ROCS kept their opponent scoreless in the last quarter whilst kicking 4.2 at the other end.
Luke Allen was composed and skilful. Nick Karagich and Kane Cini were the best big men on the ground. Zac Noonan was a solid contributor in his 50th appearance for the club. Nich Scheid and Dylan Fitzsimons (3 goals) were also very good. The pressure for finals spots will continue through to the major round, and this week ROCS face top side Goodwood Saints (away).
C Grade - R14
The C's came up against an impressive, straight-kicking Brighton Bombers. Despite having most of the early play, ROCS went into the quarter time break with the scores : 2.2 to 4.0. At half-time it was 2.3 to 8.0. ROCS continued to battle hard, but were eventually beaten: 4.8 to 13.7. Riordan McNamara was our best. Not for the first time this year, Justin McInerney battled manfully in the ruck. Anthony Cream and skipper Jarrod Varley provided plenty of drive, as did Riley Slack and Jack McCarron.
ROCS have slipped to 5th on the table, and this week have another important game against Goodwood, at Goodwood. Coach Mark Twiggs will be hoping to strengthen his side with the return of senior players as we get to the pointy end of the season.
D Grade - R15
Stevo's "Invitational XVIII" was away to Old Ignatians. In a tight tussle that went down to the wire, ROCS were eventually defeated : 9.4 to 9.7 (Half-time 5.3 to 3.2). Sam Bridge continued on with his great form, and was best on ground. Others to impress included Anthony Cream, Tom Carpinelli, Jordan Lyons, Matt Sauer and Ben Davies. Josh Piantadosi was named Best Team Man. ROCS are in third position, and this week are at home to ladder leaders Tea Tree Gully, at 2.15 pm.
Milestones
Congratulations to Michael Coad and Zac Noonan on reaching their 50 game milestone for the ROCFC. Jordan Zoia is one game away from reaching the same milestone.
Rino Cialini
Football Director
