This weeks game against leading team Mazenod was an important one for Rovers – a season maker or breaker. After losing by one point in their previous encounter at the season opener, there was more at stake than just winning a game of footy – there was pride.
Rovers started slowly – as has been their wont throughout the season. Mazenod looked fitter, faster and more switched on than Rovers. However, in a sign of things to come, Gleeson was presenting strong leads and holding marks in the fashion of a true full-forward. He would finish the day with 11 goals – a match winning performance. It was pleasing for Rovers to see Kobayashi showing signs of a return to form, and gaining some match fitness after a run of debilitating injuries. Cannell slotted seamlessly into the line-up and made valuable contributions all day.
In the second quarter, Rovers edged closer to Mazenod, slowly waring them down with hardness at the contest. Sharpe, one of Rovers hard men, was injured in the second quarter and Hendry went into the ruck, and dominated. There were mercurial skills on display. Semmell was prepared to take on his opponents and charge through the centre of the ground, delivering pin-point passes to Gleeson. In the third quarter Rovers really switched into top gear – kicking 7.2 to Mazenods 2.3.
Rovers were 4 goals up going into the last, but kicking into the wind. It was a tight struggle as Mazenod continued to kick goals and made Rover work for theirs. The back-line was under pressure, but Ross and Suleyman maintained composure, whilst Schafer and Kenny played their best games for the season. Rovers nailed it late in the game with Glesson taking a screamer in front of goal.
It was a satisfying team win for Rovers – what you might call a ?morale booster? – and they certainly showed great camaraderie in the knowledge that even contributions from all players had helped secure the win.
Goal kickers: Gleeson (11), White (4), Rootsey (2), Cannell, Semmel.
Best: Cannell, Gleeson, Semmel, Hendry, Ross, White, Hille, Rootsey.
Scores:
2. 2. (14) 4. 5. (29)
6. 6. (42) 7. 7. (49)
13. 8. (86) 9. 10. (64)
19. 14. (128) 16. 14. (110)
