R13 Coaches Report
A's, B's C's vs Golden Grove, D's vs Henley and LOSA vs Kilburn
A Grade Report Round 13 v Golden Grove @ Golden Grove
Sometimes during a season there is a game which can be described as a “ reality check”. Saturday, we played a seasoned opposition who have been building their game over 4 seasons together and are clearly the benchmark of the competition. The gap and hence the reality check was stark at stages during the encounter.
The side full of confidence from last weekend’s victory put on a spirited display in the first quarter holding our opponents to their lowest quarter score for the game and at the same time playing the game for most part in our front half .
However, after quarter time our opponents turned on the after burners and dominated the second in all facets of the game putting a serious margin in the contest at the half time break. We were undersized especially through the engine room but battled manfully to the final siren.
While not reflected on the scoresheet during the third and final quarters there were patches where we controlled the ball and play however at this stage of our development, we were unable to sustain it for long enough or take many of the opportunities we created.
Debutant Adam Whitehead gave a terrific account of himself all day and gave us a look at his potential in holding down the first ruck role. Tom McCormack continues to improve his forward craft finishing the game with 4 majors in a solid display.
Jake Slivak and Ryan Lymn pushed hard through the midfield all day against a very well drilled and experienced opposition.
But it was again Charlie Kemp who stood out for us with a four quarter arial dominance both up forward and behind the ball.
Saturday was a reality check for us as a side and a club and one we must accept and embrace in-order to improve.
Final Score : ROCFC 8.8 (56) defeated by Golden Grove 19.14 (128)
Goal kickers : T. McCormack 4, T. Bradford 1, J. Boxer 1, F. Kernahan 1, R. Lymn 1
Best Players : C. Kemp, R. Lymn, A. Whitehead, J. Slivak, T. McCormack
Damian Boots
A Grade Coach
B Grade Report Round 13 v Golden Grove @ Golden Grove
We knew travelling to Golden Grove for this game was going to be a challenge – Golden Grove sitting on top of the B grade ladder and our own list as a club has been challenged as well.
I asked for an effort before the game and the players did do that which was pleasing.
Highlight of the match was outscoring them in the third quarter.
At times like these we find out about players and what they can produce under these challenging games – Hugo Shute was asked to ruck, and he did this with great skill – considering he has never rucked before. Adam Greenwood has been thrust into the mids and again his effort was impressive. Jules Piro also played well; he showed great courage to play the match out as he rolled a ankle – his brother Olly (Piro) played a good game hopefully he can finish the year injury free as I think he has much potential. Frog McNamara again continues his consistent form in defence. Sam Hearn as our acting Captain on the day also played well in defence, and Jason Cavuoto kicked three gaols deserves a mention.
Our best was Tullio De Matteis who only return home from overseas during the week – I thank him for helping us out – clearly, he showed his class, and the club certainly welcomes him back.
Final Scores:
ROCs 6-2 def by Golden Grove 16.14
Best – DeMatteis, Shute, Greenwood, Piro, McNamara.
Goals 3/Cavuoto – 1each – Jordan Huppatz, Daniel Leonard, Jules Piro.
David Moyle
B Grade Coach
C Grade Report Round 13 v Golden Grove @ Golden Grove
Started with 18 players for the day without a bench – but ready for challenge and confident in our ability along with our close-knit team attitude.
Not 16 minutes into the game we had a player gone down to a Hamstring and down to 17 men. At qtr. time Darren Leggett (a week before due to return) puts his hand up,
With a view to take the field by half time. Then halfway through 2nd Qtr. down to 16 men for 5 minutes due to the blood rule. Half time saw us about 3 or so goals down and still very much in the game. Our 3rd qtr. saw us outscore them and early in the last quarter within 2 goals with all the momentum.
But GG started to rotate their bench every few minutes with fresh legs and with a fresh injury we went back down to 17 men , which became too tough a task. Along with our last few minutes at 16 men.
Our fight and great attitude truly showed the Rostrevor spirit. Next week sees our dynamic duo coach and Team Manager Tony Franzon and John Lewis are back at the helm.
It goes without saying that Chris Platten did a brilliant job over the past 3 weeks and the clubs support from Keith Norris and Pat Bowler making sure we got all the back of house stuff done.
True team performance by all … well done and bring on the next few weeks run home to the finals .
Rostrevor: 7 – 7 (49) defeated by Golden Grove 13 – 6 (84)
Goals: D. Leggett (2) N Schied (2) D Mathews (1) M Furina (1) W MacDonald (1)
Best Players: J. McInerny, V. Clemente, B Warren, N Platten, D Matthews
Peter Clemente per Chris Platten
C Grade Interim Coach
D Grade Report Round 13 v Henley @ Ledger Reserve
Rocs on the road this week taking on Henley Sharks at Ledger Oval. Once again, the current situation with availability of players throughout the grades led to many calls & messages sent out to the Rocs football community and we were able to muster up a Team of 21 to try their best. Kicking against a thunderous 6 goal wind the Rocs were under constant pressure as Henley played the conditions perfectly dominating general play to create many shots on goal. Rocs kept working together & refused to allow Henley any easy shots on goal as our pressure around contested ball provided some fluent play forward keeping us in the contest.1/4-time scores Rocs 0-3 vs Henley 1-6.
Rocs lifted their intensity and stormed back into the contest booting the first 4 goals of the second term with our defence repelling any forward movement by the Sharks. Unfortunately, late in the qtr Henley surged forward taking advantage of an injury depleted Rocs booting 3 goals in the final 5 minutes to take a 2pt lead at half time. Scores Rocs 4-5 vs Henley 4-7.
Rocs were overrun by Henley in the second half with no rotations available for the remainder of the contest the Team tried their best but could only add another 2 goals for the day. Great efforts by all our players especially our five younger "on loan" college lads featuring debutants Harvey Wilson & Luke Thoday & the not too retired Tommy Deegan.
Final scores Rocs 6-8 (44) def by Henley 9-16 (70)
Goalkickers- P. Norris -2, A. Hall -1, J. Thoday -1, M. Iliev -1, T. Deegan -1.
Best players- L. Tripodi, debutant Luke Thoday, M. Lombardi, P. Norris, M. Dzido.
Best team man- Jack Thoday.
Steve Edwards
D Grade Coach
Round 11 LOSA v Kilburn (Away)
This week we played Kilburn away after two weeks off. Unfortunately, due to some injuries and some late outs we went in with only 19 players. It was going to require some big efforts and on field rotations. This did created opportunities for new LOSA players Chelsea Holmes and Marci Litinas to play their first game for the club.
It was a real winters twilight game with some rain and slippery conditions. We started well winning possession, and rebounding. It was a physical start and the attack on the football and pressure were enormous after the prolonged break. However some quick entries by Kilburn caught out our players allowing Kilburn to score first. Small forward Amie Westling scored our first goal from a free kick on the boundary line. Smart play when no one stood the mark, she took advantage and ran around and goaled off the outside of her boot. Sarah Catterwell ‘The General’ started the game strongly in the back line. Reading the play and intercept marking helped keep Kilburn at bay. We rebounded quickly from halfback but were finding it difficult to get inside our forward half and keep it there. Kilburn scored another goal to finish the first quarter.
The second quarter became even more congested, as the pressure lifted and the rain continued. Amelia Kelly was challenged to carry the rucking duties for the game. A warrior in the middle, she gave her absolute all in order to get the first tap to advantage. Team defence had improved since the first quarter withstanding Kilburn’s forward entries. Jacinta Beltrame’s decision making to come off her player and attack the football with her dash off half back enable LOSA to transition quickly.
After half time, we made some positional changes to try and create more space in our forward line. Repeat entries inside the forward 50 had increased, but we were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard. Steph Principe provided great physicality on ball with her ability to win contested balls at stoppages, and also repeat tackling pressure. Hannah Ellis showed courage in the backline, and was decisive with knowing when to stay and contest, and when to attack to ball. Ellis was also thrown to then wing in the first quarter, and was prepared to play anywhere we needed her for the team. The third quarter ended with Bella Simpson and new player Marci Litinas injured and unable to return to the field.
Kilburn matched our 17 players for the final quarter. Catterwell was put on ball for her strong physical presence and experience. Down by only 5-points, we took to the field and the players really hunted the ball, and supported each other at the contest. Amelia Kelly won herself a shot on goal, and kicked truely to put us 1-point in front. Kilburn had no intentions to lay down, and pushed forward to kick a point. Scores were even, with about 5 minutes to go. The ball was stuck in our back half, and with one last effort Kilburn goaled. We were unable to score before the siren went, finishing 1 goal down.
The players should be commended for their efforts. We knew it was going to be a grinding game, but even when the chips were down their heads were not, the players never gave in.
LOSA 2.3(15) defeated by Kilburn 3.3(21)
Goals: Amie Westling, Amelia Kelly
Best Players: Sarah Catterwell, Amelia Kelly, Jacinta Beltrame, Stephanie Principe, Hannah Ellis
Brooke Copeland
LOSA coach
