It was a hard-running, dogged Rovers reserves side that overcame a slow start to record a final quarter come-from-behind victory at Prahran Assumption on Saturday.
The side had to juggle with two late changes to the team, with Jack Massey and the veteran Steve Anderson receiving the call up from the Clubbies, to join the other veteran inclusions of Michael Chief Fletcher and Adam Power.
It was a sluggish first half for the Rovers, with poor disposal granting Prahran Assumption easy possession, which they capitalised on, going into the half time break with a 20-point lead.
However it was sharper and more direct Rovers side that emerged from the break, with Captain Baxter and Co. (Youll, Pewtress, Woodland) making the most of the Chiefs dominant ruck work.
Gritty defensive work from Ben Clark and Shem Curry, along with the superb intercept abilities of Power, provided great run from defence, which was capitalised on, with the Rovers kicking 3.5 for the quarter, to Prahrans 1 goal, to go into the final quarter 3 points down.
A quick goal to Jason McCoy put the Rovers ahead early in the last, and it was through sheer determination and hard-work, that the Rovers where able to hold on to that lead until McCoy kicked his second for the quarter, and the match-sealer, from up against the boundary right in front of the Rovers coaches box, to record a 10-point victory.
The reserves side are now two-from-two in the 2013, increasing Coach Michael Flahives winning percentage just that little bit more.
Unfortunately the Rovers Club XVIII side went down at home to Emmaus St Leos, but some good performances from Chris Rigney, Tommy Cougan, Liam Dynon and Jason Laver ensure that the pressure for spots in all sides is red hot.
This week the Rovers are travelling again to face Bulleen Templestowe looking for both sides to go 3-from-3, well the Clubbies will host Williamstown at the Boss.
By Ryan Warren
