Kangaroo forward Michael Barker agonises after missing a shot at goal on the weekend.BOTH ROC and Beaconsfield players, along with the large crowd, were stunned after the final siren on Saturday with the scoreboard showing scores level.
The game was tight throughout and both sides had chances for victory during the game.
ROC went into the final quarter a couple of goals in front, but could not hold the hardrunning Beaconsfield.
An eleventoone freekick count against the Kangaroos in the final term didn’t help their cause, but they had plenty of earlier opportunities to tie up the four points.
David Main and Ryan Cotter stood out for the Kangaroos. Main rucked all game against a stronger and more experienced opponent and Cotter repelled many Beaconsfield forward thrusts through sheer courage and determination.
Both players earned high praise in coach Hayden Stanton’s postgame address.
Dean Blake and veterans Mick Moylan and Clint Williams were also strong performers for the Kangaroos.
Scores: ROC 11.12.78 drew with Beaconsfield 11.12.78.
Goals – ROC: C. Williams 3, C. White, B. Waite and M. Castricum 2 each, M. Moylan and C. Eagleton, 1.
Best for ROC: David Main, Ryan Cotter, Dean Blake, Clint Williams and Mick Moylan.
RESERVES
After leading for the majority of the game the Kangaroos fell away in the last quarter to lose by a narrow margin.
Newly appointed coach Rob Cousins was disappointed in the team’s lack of basic skills and commitment when under pressure.
Damien Talbot, Jesse Duncan and Dan Leatham were among the best and most committed players for ROC.
Scores: Beaconsfield 11.8.74 d ROC 8.10.58.
Goals for ROC: K. Dowsett 4, J. Goodes, D. de Jong, P. Quinn and J. Sarlo, 1.
Best – ROC: Damien Talbot, Jesse Duncan, Dan Leatham, Clint Scott and Kable Dowsett.
UNDER 18
The young Kangaroos went down to a faster and more experienced Beaconsfield on Saturday.
Neil Adams, an under15 player making his debut for the side played well and his performance earned plenty of praise in postmatch discussions.
Tyson Folino again dominated in the ruck and won the majority of his contests around the ground. Josh Boyle was solid in defence and Daniel McDonald was as hard at the ball as ever.
Although well beaten on the scoreboard, the commitment of the players to continue applying pressure to their opponents and to man up at contests pleased coach Brad Snooks
Score: Beaconsfield 16.20.116 d ROC 3.2.20.
Goals ROC: D. McDonald, D. Churchill and N. Adams.
Best – ROC: Tyson Folino, Nathan Phillips, Neil Adams, Jesse Pattison and Josh Boyle.
