A critical game against fifth placed Bentleigh didn?t prove to be the challenge that was initially anticipated. While it was a hard fought affair for three quarters, the bake given by Quonny at the three quarter time interval spurred the guys into action, with a 10 goal last quarter to 1 goal ending any hope Bentleigh had of seeing finals action.
A number of withdrawals due to illness led to some trepidation as we lined up at the start of the game. However, with Earl Cottrell and Steve Howe sharing ruck duties and Matt Law, Brad Trembath and Russ Howe on top in the middle, plenty of opportunities were available for our forwards, who unfortunately failed to capitalize on the opportunities given to them. Seven behinds in the first quarter were a worrying sign, particularly as we were kicking with the assistance of a strong breeze. With Max Robertson Long and Max Greenway providing drive from the wings and Jack Eastman and Jesse Lovig stopping everything across half back, Bentleigh had limited opportunities in the first half. With only 6 goals on the board at half time there was a subdued feeling in the rooms and it was clear that we would need the boys to fire up to come home over the top of Bentleigh. During the third term Brent Stevens and Sam Adams continued their good form in defence, thwarting Bentleighs attempts to score. By three quarter time we had doubled our opponents score, yet we were only 5 goals ahead.
As has happened over the last month, the floodgates opened in the last term, with Matt Innes kicking 4 for the quarter (5 for the match) and Nathan Davidson another 2 (6 for the match). Great support was offered from Zeke Lewis who bobbed up in the last for a couple more goals which has left him clear as the Rovers leading goal kicker for the year to date. (Its interesting to note that in the last month we have out scored our opponents 102 goals to 23 goals, whereas in the first round against the same teams the goals scored were 69 to 49. We?ve been on fire and need to continue this for another month!)
On Saturday we face bottom team Peninsula Old Boys at home at 11.30am. While we should comfortably account for the OBs, the interest in the game will be to see if we can break a few goalkicking records leading up to the finals next week!
HR 3.7 6.10 10.15 20.20 (140)
Bentleigh 0.2 2.3 5.4 6.4 (40)
Goals: Davidson 6, Innes 5, Z.Lewis 2, Schmitz 2, Donald 1, Eastman 1, Gould 1, Law 1, McCoy 1.
Best: Greenway, Eastman, Lovig, Law, Trembath, Davidson, Innes, Robertson-Long.
