Round 8 - Roosters Stuck In First Gear

Our Mighty Roosters had another crucial Prospect clash against Norwood on Saturday. The prize for the winner, a spot in the Top 5. A couple of changes to the announced line-up. White came back in again and Ryswyk and his motor bike didn’t line up.

In the first stanza, we absorbed Norwood’s first attack, then counter-attacked through Sporn, Alleway and Younie. No major resulted, it was close, but NO CIGAR! It was tough-going out there in the PROSPECT MUD, delivered courtesy of Friday’s non-stop rain. It wasn’t until half way through the term, that Norwood got the opener. Unfortunately from a Gavin Grose kicking error, which Norwood took advantage of. The stanza took a turn for the worse when Norwood banged on another 3. The last being an absolute gift from the umpy. Early in time-on, Matt Wright pulled one back after earning a free at half-forward. At least I think it was Wright, he’d had an altercation with a lawn mower mid-week! Norwood replied immediately and were making full use of the strong breeze. On the stroke of quarter time, Archard and Allan combined to set up Alleway. After the siren Allers set shot drifted (or BLEW) wide. Scores at the first huddle North 1-4, 10 to Norwood, 5 – 5, 35.

In the second term, we had the breeze at our back. Although it was still a factor, it had gone from gale force to force. (Gale left the house and took the car!) We moved it forward quickly. Matt Wright was denied an obvious free in front of the goal (someone forgot their morning eye-drops!) Minutes later, Younie courageously gathered possession in a pack and kicked a ripper from 50. It was important to keep Norwood out going against the breeze. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be the case as Norwood scored 2 crucial goals. Moments later another obvious free kick was denied by “the Visine Free” umpy! He then belatedly found a free for Gill in the outer pocket. The returning Emu drilled a beauty. Some good work in defence from the likes of Sporn, Lonie and Acting Skipper Younie, led to an attractive move forward. Proving his undoubted flexibility, Sporn finished what he started. Following this there were some desperate acts of defiance from The Roosters in defence. It was rewarded minutes later in attack. O’Hara strongly marked a clearing Norwood kick. He dished it off to Lonie, who’d snuck up to half-forward. He sent it sailing through the middle of high diddle-diddle. By half time the Roosters had snuck up on the Redlegs to trail by 12 points, 5-7,37 to 7-7, 49.

In the Premiership Quarter, North’s first foray was thwarted. Norwood got the next 2 majors, the latter after Retirement Village recruit Weatherald was caught dead set holding the ball. The umpy went blank, the ball spilled out and Norwood goaled. North pegged one back though Lonie and could’ve had another but didn’t capitalise on the chance. We paid for this when Norwood goaled on the counter-attack. Another good build up involving O’Brien, Gill and Alleway came to nought and once again, Norwood made us pay dearly at the other end! At 34 points down, we looked gone! However, North Adelaide offered a glimmer of hope with the last 2 goals of the quarter. One each to Archard and O’Brien. The reliable Ivens, Lonie and Sporn were prominent in the construction. At Lemon-Time we trailed by 22 points. North 8-7, 55 to Norwood 11-11, 77.

If this glimmer was to turn to shining light, we had to get the first major in the last term. We moved it forward swiftly. Damon White had a chance off-hands, but was off balance. Further opportunities were wasted and then the recurring theme for the day happened. Norwood got one on the counter attack. Minutes later, Younie came up with a crafty Captain’s goal. Our first for the term. If we had made better use of our opportunities, it would’ve been our 4th. The Roosters continued to waste opportunities. Better players for the day, Sporn and Allan trying in vain to light the spark. The purposeful Norwood outfit put the Hopeful Rooster Faithful out of its misery with the final goal of the match. The final scores North Adelaide 9-9, 63 to Norwood 13-13, 91
PS  It is apparent to all the Rooster Faithful that we are in a bit of strife. It needs to be rectified through sheer hard work and pride in the famous Red and White Guernsey! Now more than ever, Jars and the boys need your support to turn it around! COME ON ROOSTERS! And don’t forget to enjoy yourselves!

Kym Chaplain
Match Reporter
May 18th 2008