Roosters Promising But Dogs Carry The Day

Newly appointed skipper Damon White led out Our Mighty Roosters onto the hallowed turf of Prospect Oval and into a new era on Saturday. We were up against coach Healy's old team and Reigning Premiers Central Districts.

In the opening minutes, the new look Roosters were moving the ball well out of the stoppages, Vice captain Younie missed a couple of opportunities. Our first goal came from Matt Wright , his shot was made all the easier with a 25 metre penalty. Moments later Allan and Archard were involved in getting the ball to Schwarze, he booted his first in Red and White. We were hard at the ball and looking the goods! Central got their first after Schwarze missed a 2^nd opportunity. North answered promptly with Debutante Armstrong finding Gill on the lead. Emu split the middle Central refused to allow us a break and kicked 3 on the trot to take the lead. We snatched it back again after some good work from Millar and "Leroy" Ryswyk set up Alleyway for a goal. After an entertaining stanza, we led 4-5-29 to 4-2-25 at the first huddle.

In the second term we began by being fairly indirect in the backline. We payed for this when Central took advantage and goaled, North replied immediately. Archard and Allan were involved again, Ackland got a free, his kick to the square found Schwarze, he goaled. There was a further scintillating 10 minutes as the combatants went goal for goal. Central were first, then Wade Thompson gave another brilliant impression of Speedy Gonzalez to boot a beauty on the run. Central hit back with 2 goals, the latter from a "Marshmallow" free against Cunningham. Moments later Armstrong and Allan had a hand in setting up Ackland, he too booted his 1^st in the Red and White. In the latter stages of the term Central went on a 3 goal run ably assisted by Umpire Dicky Williams, handing out free kicks like Kevin Rudd hands out stimulus packages! We had some issues to sort out in the long break as we'd fallen behind, 7-6-48 to 11-8-74.

In The Premiership Quarter, immediate inroads were required our 1^st sortie didn't bare fruit, but moments later Archard sublimely gathered it at half forward and snapped an exquisite "sausage roll" (garnished with caviar!). The Roosters were motoring back into the contest and what better motor than Leroy! Taking advantage of some solid work begun by the skipper, Ryswyk skipped across half forward to score. Minutes later we reeled in the deficit some more. The influential Wright got it to Archard , he put on a tantalising pass to Gill, Emu marked strongly and goaled. In the midst of a purple- patch Schwarze booted his 3^rd with a goal on the run to level the scores. After White rushed a behind on the last line we swiftly moved it forward to where Gill took another strong mark. He goaled and North hit the front. COME ON! Central then awoke from it's 3^rd quarter slumber to bang on 3 straight goals, during which time Gowans had a free reversed and proceeded to argue with the umpy, surprise ,surprise ( upon retirement the Gowans twins will join the Professional Arguers Circuit!) At Lemon-Time North trailed 12-10-82 to 14-11-95.

In the final stanza we began well. Ackland was at the foundation Ryswyk booted it to the square Gill was there he marked and drilled his 4^th. Leroy was at it again minutes , a lovely move started by Motlop, finished  with Armstrong finding Ryswyk at half forward, he goaled. Central then scored to regain some breathing space North hit back with a skill-full bit of play out of a stoppage at half forward. Younie drilled one. Some indecisive work in defence from us then allowed Central to score and keep one step ahead. Heading towards time-on the Dogs scored again and then broke our will with the last 2 goals. So close, yet so far for Our Mighty Roosters. The Final Scores, North Adelaide 15-11-101 Central Districts 19-15-129.

                                                           Kym Chaplain.