In the hot blustery wastelands of VAFA headquarters at Elsternwick park on Saturday the Rovers scored their first win of the season with a nail biting last quarter comeback over North Old Boys.
Throughout the Rovers 1st and 3rd quarter use of the 4 goal wind they failed to capitalise and were headed by North at the final changeover. In fact, the 1st 3 quarters lacked any resemblance of quality foot or hand passing which given normal conditions both sides are capable of applying.
The last break gave the Rovers brains-trust of Norm Goss and Sam Holt the opportunity to instil some renewed vigour into the side and with instructions to play man on man and the reversion to traditional running/play-on tactics the Rovers onball brigade of Denver Artz, Campbell McKellar and Leigh Fletcher continuously blasted the ball out of the centre.
The surprise move of Michael Davey from Fullback to the forward line seemed to throw Norths backline out of kilter as his strong marking and long kicking helped to clinch victory by 12 points in the hectic dying minutes of the game. It was great to see old timer Steve Anderson back for his first game with his vast experience and goalkicking skills.
After the game Rovers President Greg Downes was jubilant and stated that the Club from here on is only going forward and that the players last quarter determination and attacking style of play should stand them in good stead for their next home match against St.Bedes Mentone. He also said that he was really disappointed with the lack of supporters at this game, “It is really annoying and letting the side down, how can we go from an attendance of nearly 1000 at Boss James Reserve last week to a handful of regulars at our first away game??
Final Score: ROVERS 12.18.90 d NORTH OLD BOYS 11.12.78
Goals:
Best: Artz, L.Fletcher, C.McKellar, Duddy, Davey, Boyd.
See the Rovers Photo Gallery for photos of the match.
After their 12 goal win last week and having promoted several of last weeks winning side, the Reserves were no match to the Old Boys going down by 10 goals.
The U19’s again had a close encounter but withstood a strong Old Camberwell side to run out winners by 3 points. Coach Michael Blake has requested strong attendance at training prior to next games combat with top side Old Melburnians.
No games are scheduled next weekend due to the Easter break, next Rovers game is on Saturday April 26th against St.Bedes Mentone at Boss James Reserve. Book online for the pre-game luncheon – Click Here.