The Rovers Under 19’s started the 2014 season in very different fashion compared to last year, with healthy depth in the squad and notching up a 67 point win over Melbourne High School Old Boys.
12 months ago, John Cesario’s side had only 17 players to choose from and a loss to Peninsula eventuated. Fast forward a year and there are now 28 players in the squad of which 10 are new faces to the Club and another 8 up from last year’s Under 16 and 17’s Rovers junior sides.
The game against Melbourne High at South Yarra started evenly with both sides scoring 5 goals in the first term, with the Rovers kicking another 5 majors in the 2nd term and holding the opposition to two goals.
Whilst the Rovers were up at half time by 16 points the game was still evenly poised. The players were encouraged to continue with their ferocious and gang tackling tactics and that this would eventually pay off. This proved to be the case in the 2nd half with the Rovers kicking another 5 goals in each of the next 2 quarters whilst keeping the opposition to only 1 goal in the 3rd and 4th terms.
It was a very even display by all Rovers players and this was reflected on the scoreboard with 5 goals each quarter. This was really pleasing considering most of the guys hadn’t played together before.
Next week the Under 19s look forward to the challenge against Peninsula Old Boys at Boss James Reserve.
The 2014 captain and leadership group will be announced in the next week.
Training continues Monday’s and Thursday’s and we welcome all parents to the club Thursday evening for selection night where the bar is open from 6pm.
