AFTER a lacklustre first half the Kangaroos hit the ground running in the third quarter to overpower Devon Meadows by 24 points at Devon Meadows.
Coach Hayden Stanton’s halftime address must have jolted complacency out of his players as they turned what had been a sevengoal deficit into a solid victory.
The Kangaroos won the game with a dominant third quarter, kicking six goals to one. Kevin Quinn was unstoppable in the forward line, kicking four goals before adding another two in the final term. The ROC onballers controlled play in the second half, securing plenty of possessions from the centre clearances and making good use of the ball when they got it in their hands.
The victory was a good start to the season but the Kangaroos will need to learn that they must play for four quarters as giving away starts against more experienced sides will prove much harder to rein in.
Scores: ROC 15.10.100 d Devon Meadows 12.3.75.
Goals: K. Quinn 6, D. Blake, L. Pitcher 2, M. Moylan, M. Barker, S. Sierakowski, C. Williams, C. White 1.
Best: K. Quinn, B. Waite, M. Barker, D. Main, D. Blake.
RESERVES
Overconfidence and a lack of accountability cost the Kangaroos dearly as they went down by a solitary point in the opening round at Devon Meadows after leading all game. The final scoring shot, a goal, gave Devon Meadows the lead for the first time only seconds from the siren.
The Kangaroos’ game was punctuated by poor decisionmaking and showed a lack of respect for their opponents. There were some good passages of play by ROC and an increase in the overall fitness level coupled with a greater commitment to team rules should bring substantial improvement.
Firstgamers Dan Leatham in the ruck and Joe Overdyk on the halfback line were among only a handful of players who could hold their heads high after the game.
Scores: Devon Meadows 7.5.47 d ROC 7.4.46.
Goals: J. Goodes 3, A. Jones, S. Webster, C. Tucker, P. Johnson 1.
Best: D. Leatham, J. Overdyk, D. Johnson, P. Johnson, S. Haughton.
UNDER 18
The inexperienced and undermanned ROC was outclassed by the stronger and more skilled Devon Meadows.
Captain Nathan Phillips led by example all game and was rewarded for his efforts with two goals. Brendan Graham’s work rate was superb and he was solid in the last line of defence. Warren Monks went hard all day and Glen Marshall and Daniel Glen worked well.
Jesse Pattison, in his first game for ROC, stuck to the team rules and showed a toughness which the rest of the team will need to adopt to succeed.
Scores: Devon Meadows 21.17.143 d ROC 2.0.12.
Goals: N. Phillips 2.
Best: N. Phillips, B. Graham, W. Monks, G. Marshall, D. Glenn.
