A SIXgoalstoone final term gave ROC a fourpoint win over Devon Meadows, but other results meant the Kangaroos would not participate in the finals. A great win from behind for ROC was a fitting sendoff for club legend and former coach Steve Pursell, who announced his retirement.
After conceding four goals to nil in the first quarter the Kangaroos trailed for the rest of the game and only hit the front late in the final quarter.
Devon Meadows was the better side for most of the day, playing in front and adapting to the slippery conditions better than the Kangaroos. Although entering the final term 27 points down, desperate defence and some hard running in the forward half allowed ROC to overrun a tiring Devon Meadows.
Although missing a spot in the finals the Kangaroos remained reasonably happy with their debut season in the MPNFL and were looking forward to 2006. Hayden Stanton has been reappointed senior coach.
Scores: ROC 10.8.68 d Devon Meadows 9.10.64.
Goals: Darren De Jong 3, Jarrod Goodes, Kevin Quinn 2, Callum White, Anthony Jones, David Main 1.
Elders WGF Player Awards: Luke McGee, David Main, Jarrod Goodes, Vaughan White, Anthony Jones.
RESERVES
Wet and muddy conditions made scoring difficult as ROC went down to a fast and physical Devon Meadows side. Playing catchup footy didn’t suit the Kangaroos in the battle for third position on the ladder and the coveted double chance.
ROC began sluggishly against the fiercely determined Panthers and Devon Meadows was able to get numbers to every contest and had plenty of players prepared to run forward and create opportunities for teammates. The Kangaroos by comparison looked slow and ineffective and had few winners.
Drew Tucker and Luke Byrne again played well for ROC. Jai Allcock, Peter Tucker and Jarred Day tried all day and Damien Talbot impressed in his second game for the day, backing up after playing a full game in the Under 18s.
Despite the loss the Kangaroos will still play a part in the finals campaign and are keen to return to form in the elimination final on Sunday at Doveton.
Coach Ken Murphy has been reappointed to the Kangaroos for 2006.
Scores: Devon Meadows 8.13.61 d ROC 3.7.25.
Shanika’s Restaurant Berwick Player Awards: Drew Tucker, Luke Byrne, Jai Allcock, Peter Tucker, Jarrod Day.
UNDER 18
A great game ended a disappointing season for the young Kangaroos as they had a solid win over Devon Meadows in wet, muddy conditions.
The Kangaroos were determined to finish the season on a positive note. Jamie Glen played well for ROC and kicked two inspiring goals, while in defence Tyson Carey played himself to a standstill. The strong defence of the Kangaroos was a telling factor in a tight and physical encounter with several players from both sides incurring the wrath of the umpires and being given time to cool off.
Scores: ROC 5.5.35 d Devon Meadows 2.10.22.
Goals: Jamie Glen 2, Nathan Phillips, Damien Talbot 1.
Hermitage Homes Player Awards: Sean Sullivan, Jamie Glen, Nathan Phillips, Nick McLennan, Max Sanderson.
CLUB NOTES
The ROC presentation night is to be held at the social rooms on Saturday, 8 October.
