The high flying Roos saved and kicked goals, as shown in these photos from last Saturday’s matches against Wang Rovers. Right: Outstretched saving a probable goal was Roos’ senior netball coach Sophie Hanrahan. Left: Booting one of his five goals was exciting new Roos’ spearhead Sam Dunstan.
Boom forward recruit Sam Dunstan headlined an improved Roos effort, bagging five goals in Saturday’s loss to Wangaratta Rovers.
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Roos best players: Brady Morton, Scott Jansen, Darcy Hope, Christian Masson Moyle, Bailey Pirnag, Jedd Longmire.
Roos Goals:Sam Dunstan 5, Darcy Hope, Nicholas Wright 1.
Dunstan, who kicked the Roos’ first goal in the return to O&M action in Round 1, led the way up forward showing his aerial strength and finishing abilities.
Jed Longmire taking a strong contested mark.
In an evenly poised first quarter, both sides had to adjust to some dewy conditions, however the home side managed to capitalise on the Roos’ turnovers to kick 4.1 to 2.1. There were solid battles all over the ground, with Scott Jansen lively in the middle and the power forward combination of Dunstan and Darcy Hope causing some early headaches.
Despite this, the Rovers kicked up a gear through their highly touted midfield brigade and got on top to put another 4 majors away to the Roos’ single point. If not for some incredible individual efforts and a calmness in defence by Wagga Tigers recruit Brady Morton, the Roos could have been in big trouble.
An unfortunate groin strain in the first quarter to Roo midfielder Connor Leslie had the Roos on the back foot, and the Rovers were looking ominous. But after injecting himself into the middle, key forward Hope brought his name and his game back to the matchup.
Jordan Eyers looks for options with Darcy Hope nearby.
Hope inspired the Roos to lift their intensity, and with it saw the Roos win the final term and keep the scoreline respectable.
Jedd Longmire’s fitness and strength started to shine through, and livewire recruit Christian Masson-Moyle proved tough to match up on.
The Roos return to John Foord Oval to take on the in-form North Albury this Saturday, looking to continue the rapid improvement.
Awards: Club Corowa - Brady Morton; Australia Hotel - Scott Jansen; Corowa Chocolate & Whisky - Darcy Hope; Royal Hotel - Christian Masson-Moyle.
Reserves
Jed Ansell and Ben Black apply the pressure to this Hawk in the Reserves.
The Roos’ Reserves went down by a significant margin to the Wangaratta Rovers on a more typical autumn day compared with last week’s hot Saturday afternoon.
Despite the Rovers’ relentless running game, the Roos were able to manage a couple more goals than last week thanks to the young, effervescent, and talented Judd Kuschert.
The Roos generated numerous forward forays thanks to the likes of Remington Clark, Dan Webb, Brett O’Rourke and Ned Taylor.
The tackling of Lenny Hill was a highlight while coach Sam Haigh and Jed Ansell worked hard around the ground for four quarters.
Roo Tom Young boots the ball forward in the Reserves.
Tom Young and Ben Black also had their moments. Dean Druce, out of retirement (again) toughed it out in the last line of defence with “some” of his torpedo attempts clearing the packs.
The Roos acknowledge they will be up against the odds each week, but they deserve a big pat on the back for sticking with the blue and white stripes regardless.
Rovers 30.24.204 def Roos 2.3.15.
Awards: Corowa Whisky - Judd Kuschert; Aussie Hotel - Ben Black; Corowa Meats - Tom Young; Club award - Lenny Hill.
Thirds
Rory Beattie sprints away for the Roos in the Thirds.
Wang got off to a good start kicking one early. Lucas Tafft won most of the ruck contests, Jay Lavis played well, and Angus Williams got a lot of the ball. Isaac Dickinson kicked Corowa’s first.
Second quarter, Jay Lavis started well again and showed extreme pressure through his tackling. Luke Nicholson was the general down back repelling multiple opposition entries.
Benji Hanrahan was terrific yet again shutting down their small forwards.
In the third quarter, Rovers really went up a notch slamming on the goals. Sadly, Corowa, we’re just second to the footy too often.
The start of the last quarter was very contested and evenly matched. Brodie Eyers was terrific all day, played above his size and competed tremendously for four quarters.
Wang Rovers were far too good in the end. Corowa was taught a lesson in work rate and focus.
Award winners: Sportspower - Brodie Eyers; Painters Cafe- Benji Hanrahan; Corowa Takeaway - Lucas Taff; Canteen - Luke Nicholson.
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