Pictured-:
Rovers Stalwarts from the 1976 Premiership model the 1946 heritage guernsey worn by the Hawks. The Hawks certainly didnt take long to get accustomed to their colours
The Rovers FC 1976 Original Side
Good rains during the week led to soft ovals and high spirits. The Hawks played in a heritage Guernsey of Rovers FC circa 1946, celebrated premiership reunion in 1976, and showed the old stagers that the modern club is still very much in contention to match their feat 40 years later!. Bulldogs went about their business with another handy win over the Magpies, but were challenged for the first half at least, and the Roosters playing with players missing, were shot down by the Bombers on their home turf, leaving themselves with some work to do before finals time.
West Coast Hawks took all before them at Piednippie, the Tigers just not able to match the speed of foot, hand and energy of the Hawks. Have mentioned previously that the Hawks are building, ins yesterday Dylan Kelsh, Derek Clarke and Cameron Montgomerie, Dillon Cabot’s second week back from a knee reconstruct and moved well. Lucky this isn’t Korea, can’t help but notice that they are starting to develop a taste for Bulldog!
This match against the Tigers was as much a celebration of club spirit and heritage, a big crowd and the modern side just not going to play less than their very best under the watchful eye of past premiers and club legends. The 1976 premiership celebrated after 40 years, all players from that side in attendance which is an outstanding achievement. The Districts boys always had a big assignment here.
Dillon Montgomerie very much in his Mail Medal winning form, burned the grass, along with Mark Dolling, benefitting from Dylan Kelsh ruckwork, and pumping the ball forward regularly. Key forwards leading and taking contested marks, Nathan (Tuffers) Johnson in irresistible form with eight goals, Derek Clarke with three and assistance from Darren Brown bringing the ball to the deck for the speedsters. Dale Montgomerie was all over the ground, his hard run and elite disposal couldn’t be covered. A mean and determined backline rebounded the ball whenever called upon. Very much a team game, no passengers and sharpening their claws for future engagements.
The Tigers found the Hawks pressure difficult to overcome. As always Scott Feltus and Shannon Horgan great in the middle, and a hard working backline. Zane Montgomerie another good effort and his stocks are building. Jerel Fromm worked well across the middle, Trent Brace rebounded and commanded attention, Brodie Falciani, particularly in the first half made his presence felt. Nathan Hebbermann provided a target forward, and did well with the opportunities presented.
Wonderful crowd on hand for the day, watch out for those Hawks, they are not ready to abdicate Mid West’s premier club mantle just yet!
The Bulldogs charged ahead in the second half against a persistent Wudinna United at Kyancutta. Only a point in it at the half, and some stern words from Bulldog coach Nails O’Brien stirring the desired effect, eleven goals to one in the second half. Players missing from both sides, particularly the Bulldogs, who showed the excellent depth that they have this year, not only capably covering the A Grade, but another strong performance in the reserves.
Clint Winter leading the best for the ‘Dogs, his speed and ability to create scoring plays is outstanding, spending more time on the ball also. Jake Bruce with his customary long passes and ability to win huge distances forward for his team, Jake Sampson again in everything, equally good in the pack or on the run, Kane Sampson, just ongoing reliability and sheer hard work. Brett Mc Comb back home and celebrated with four goals, Ty Mc Kenna also with four and the usual sharing of scoring work across the damaging forward and centreline players. Corey Waters another solid performer with leg speed to burn.
The Magpies were plucky against their much more fancied opponent, and the fact that they stayed in the game for so long is a credit to their improvement and effort. Coach Henry Zwar in and about all day, Matt Greatbatch leading the best, afraid of nothing and just charges in. Brayden Chambers fast and brave, lighter framed, but just doesn’t give in to anything, Ian Jericho plays with a maturity beyond his years, Sam Buckham and Tom Dupree also in the best.
The Bombers travelled to Elliston with a purpose, to qualify themselves for finals, which they all but did in a dominant display against an undermanned Rooster outfit. A 21st birthday party in Adelaide for Matt Williams drew many away, such is the respect that Matt is held in. The Bombers were in no mood to party, this match is needed to keep their double chances alive and keep themselves ahead of the challenging Roosters.
A closer 2nd quarter, but the match was played on Bombers terms, flying home with a 124 point win in the Bank.
The hustling bustling Ryan Watson leading the way for the Bombers, Simon Webb, Reegan Manstrangelo, Shannon Hanes and Joe Pedler in the best. Goals a plenty, Cody Colbung with six, Paul Haynes, six, Shannon Haynes five.
Elliston served well by Ben Hurrell, enjoying a great year so far, Ross Bascomb and Sam Mc Connell around the middle, Jack Carter a good game in the backlines and also the run of Kym Custance. Hard work hitting the score board this week. They will welcome back players in the next week or so to get the big ship rooster sailing again.
Summary results and ladders appear here in pdf, or check the fixtures/results/stats tab above for more detail
Last Modified on 26/06/2016 21:35