R17/R18 Reports
R17 - A's B's & C's vs Henley & D's vs Golden Grove (QF)
A Grade
On Saturday, ROCS travelled to Henley to face the bottom-placed Sharks. Skipper James Jordan won the toss and chose to kick with a strong breeze. At quarter time we led 7.3 to 0.1. ROCS then extended the lead further, before Henley rallied to kick the last 5 goals of the second quarter.
(Half- time : 13.6 to 6.1). The team again outscored Henley in the next 2 quarters and eventually ran out winners : 20.11 to 9.3. Will Mead was best on ground, and was closely followed by Heath Commane (7 goals). Tim Baccanello and Luke Manuel continued on with their fine form, and others to play well included Tom O'Malley, Michael Coad, Dan McCallum and Will O'Malley.
This week ROCS play Port District away in the last minor round game of the season. Playing Coach Will O'Malley has guided the team to a top 3 finish, and whilst the double-chance is assured, this week's results will determine the team's final position leading into the finals.
B Grade
ROCS faced a vital game against a strong Henley line-up, and despite their best efforts came up short : 6.3 to 9.7. After a slow start in the first quarter, ROCS played catch-up football for the rest of the match. Chris Pahl was excellent. Josh Massie and Zac Noonan again worked hard. Stand in skipper Elliot Shirley led by example, and Mitch Warren was again impressive. Goal-sneak Tom McCormack kicked 3 majors. Damien Polkinghorne will be hoping his side bounces back for this week's clash against Port District. Sitting in 6th spot, it must win to have any chance of playing finals.
C Grade
ROCS toiled hard but were beaten by a better side on the day : 3.10 to 7.17. Dependable Jack McCarron was our best player. Thomas Matsis was classy. Lachlan Spehr, Riley Slack and Jarryd Ball all had their moments. This Saturday Coach Mark Twiggs and his team travel to Port District for the early game, hoping to finish the season with a victory. At the moment the young ROCS squad have a 8/9 win/loss ratio.
D Grade
Finals started this week for Steve Edwards' D grade. Playing Golden Grove at Harpers Field, ROCS were never really in the game and were defeated 2.11 to 20.16 - their cause not helped by a few late "outs". Pleasing to see Welshman Dewi Liiv named our best player in only his 6th game of Aussie Rules. Chris Latella played one of his best games for the club. Luke DuBois provided much needed experience, whilst George Connelly, Patrick Moller and Fergus Shanahan continue their rapid improvement. Congratulations to Jordan Zoia on reaching his 50 game milestone.
ROCS are now scheduled to meet Adelaide University at the Quarry (2.15pm) in Saturday's 1st Semi-Final.
Rino Cialini
Football Director
