Jag Tarrant lines up a target downfield for Rochy’s Under-14s. Photos: RJFC
Under-14 Mixed
Rochester under-14’s left the sun behind to take on Kangaroo Flat in the Preliminary Final at Canterbury Park Eaglehawk, in cold and windy conditions.
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With Kangaroo Flat winning by a small margin on all occasions in the home and away season, this was always going to be a great contest, and what an outstanding contest it was by the Rochester players.
Rochester came out strong from the first bounce, with solid tackling by Harvey Keating. Hugh Acocks and Mason Mundie were getting lots of possession, as Rochester was able to keep the ball in their possession for the majority of the quarter but were unable to capitalise with a goal.
When Kangaroo Flat were able to rebound, they were able to score quickly, with two goals for the quarter. Ella Treacy was putting her body on the line in the backline, colliding with the goal post to prevent Kangaroo Flat from scoring another and Reno Mountjoy worked hard to be first to the ball.
Harry Rasmussen was getting many possessions on the halfback line, as Rochester were able to limit the scoring by Kangaroo Flat.
Rochester was able to up their momentum in the second quarter, with a brilliant tap from Zac Morgan resulting in a goal to Harvey Keating.
The under-14s Hugh Acocks rises for a mark.
Zac Morgan had a great game in the ruck, against a very tall Kangaroo Flat opponent, pushing the ball forward again for another goal to Asher Rassmussen in quick succession.
Rochester’s midfield was attacking hard at every stoppage, with Hugh Acocks and Judd Cuttriss getting lots of touches. Mason Mundie scored a third goal from the contest, with very unselfish play from the Rochester players to look for better scoring options. Hugh Acocks was able to score another goal.
Charlie Watson was stopping many balls on the halfback line, as Rochester player’s all had a great quarter and took the lead into halftime.
Kangaroo Flat had lifted their momentum at the start of the third quarter, with a great contest from both teams. Rochester’s backline players were fantastic and were able to hold Kangaroo Flat scoreless, with Logan West and Charlie Watson combining well to stop Kangaroo Flat’s forward entries on all occasions.
The midfield worked hard around the ground, pushing back to help out the backline, with Harry Rasmussen and Asher Rasmussen getting plenty of the ball. With the high tackling pressure applied, there were many holding the ball decisions for the quarter.
Rochester’s first goal for the quarter came from a beautiful over the head handpass from Mac Dickinson to Heath Kyne to goal. Rochester continued on with their unselfish play in front of goal, always looking for the better option.
Rochester was able to take a 15-point lead into the last, which was quickly reduced to 3-points after two quick goals in succession to Kangaroo Flat.
Mac Dickinson gets out ahead of his marker in the under-14 mixed fixture.
Rochester was able to reply with a snap by Declan Carmichael to goal, from a kick forward by Harvey Keating who was fighting hard in the middle, steadying the lead for Rochester.
Asher Rasmussen continued to have a fantastic game, with Reno Mountjoy attacking the ball at the contest to put the ball in the goal square for Mac Dickinson. After selling the candy to the Kangaroo Flat defender, Mac Dickinson goaled.
Rochester was able to score again through Harry Rasmussen and Mason Mundie, as Rochester’s unselfish play continued throughout the game. What a team effort by the Rochester players to come away with the win.
Thank you to all the Rochester supporters for coming down to cheer them on, and let’s all get behind Rochester in the Grand Final on Sunday.
Goalkickers: Mason Mundie (2), Declan Carmichael, Hugh Acocks, Harry Rasmussen, Heath Kyne, Harvey Keating, Asher Rasmussen, Mac Dickinson
Best Players: Harvey Keating, Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Judd Cuttriss, Harry Rasmussen, Mason Mundie
Under-16 Boys
Rochester’s under-16s celebrate a Ben Hewes' goal.
The Under-16s have booked their spot in the 2024 Grand Final with a thrilling win over Kangaroo Flat.
Finals footy brings a different sort of intensity, and it was definitely on display. Rochy made use of centre clearances early on, being able to capitalise with two early goals. However, the rest of the game was a real arm wrestle.
Tom Drust breaks into space in the under-16s.
The return of Captain, and league best-and-fairest Darby Martin gave the boys a real confidence boost, with fellow midfielders Cale James, Sam Seabrook and Tom Drust making first use thanks to Darcey Pump in the ruck.
Despite Morgan Boyack going down injured, key forwards Kade Pearse and Jimmy Otto provided sparks in forward 50, while the skills of Ben Hewes were well and truly on display.
Rochester under-16s Jimmy Otto shapes to go long.
With such a close encounter, the defence was under pressure for a lot of the game, but certainly held their own. Curtis Howard, Jack Brennan and Lachie Smith were fantastic when the ball was in the air, while Jake Munro, Jackson Morgan and Cal Giffen fought hard to send the ball back out.
Late goals from Ben Hewes and Jimmy Otto sealed the deal for the 16s, who are now just one win away from a premiership. A fantastic all-round team performance gives the boys a shot at making their own history.
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