On a cold, cloudy morning Roleystone ventured to Santich Park for a match against South Coogee Black. Happy Birthday to Brodie on his 13th birthday today. Roleystone were missing some key players with some sick this week so it was going to be all on the field with no bench! - like the last few weeks

The opening of the first quarter saw Roleystone dominate the play pushing into their fifty via Anthony and Bryce down to Connor and onto Josh R for the first score of the day. A real highlight of the quarter was the brilliant play by Michael who kicked to Daniel for a terrific set shot at goal. The ball was soon down the Coogee end with excellent passages of play by Roleystone in defence as the backline worked hard against some fast and big forwards of the Coogee team. David, Troy, Clay and Jamie worked tirelessly in defence tackling hard trying to force the errors making Coogee work hard for the goals. It was a great quarter for Roleystone the coach was very happy with the performance - keep up the great effort get the body in front, run hard and get your head over the ball were some words of wisdom for the next term

The second quarter had Roleystone applying good pressure from David, Simon and Michael making Coogee work hard for the ball. Play was difficult from the centre and some players were not in their correct positions as we looked across the field to the wings as many were hooked into following the ball and not the opponent. Roleystone were doing really well in their attempts to push forward the play with gutsy performances from Jamie and Bryce who were using great team work from the defence. Clay and Jamie were going well with the kicking out from the backline and on many an occasion Roleystone players were taking good strong chest marks until Coogee contested the play and set off for another attempt at goal. Although much of the play was in Coogee's attacking zone it was very exciting to watch as the players got really physical, man on man with great tackling and pressure. It would seem that both teams had energy to burn, were driven, passionate and hungry for the football.

After a good half time break it was noted that Roleystone was on the field pumped up ready to go before the umpires. Good to see as on occasions to has been a quick reminder down to the change rooms that the umpires are ready and no Roleystone to be seen. This quarter was no exception to the last half plenty of physical bumps and tackling, particularly outstanding performances by Liam who was in the main pack play ,using his body against big players and generally going in hard at the footy. A great passage of play for Roley was by Josh R who kicked to Simon onto Lochie to Connor who had a great attempt at goal with Josh R breaking through the pack and booting a major. Roleystone also scored another goal this quarter by Lochie who did really well kicking a goal on the run.

The last term was a further battle at Coogee's attacking fifty as the Roleystone defence upped their ante and when in hard at the football. The parents were really proud of the team as they didn't give up and everyone did their bit towards the effort. The Roleystone defence impacted on Coogee's scoring goals as they did what was asked of them - make Coogee work hard for the goals - no goal is an easy one. Coogee were having to fight hard for the goals as pressure was exerted from the Roleystone players as sheer determination and gutsy attempts by many of the Roley players became apparent. Like the coaches said and echoed from all the parents we were all proud of the team, you played well and put it all in. Great effort to all the players.