James Murphy
ROBE 13.7 (85) d HATHERLEIGH 7.9 (51)
ROBE remains the team to beat in the top grade of Mid South Eastern football, with Hatherleigh the latest victim of the Roosters’ 2023 form.
A consistent four quarters led a solid defensive effort from Zac Deane had the seasiders extend the lead in the first three quarters on their way to an eventual 34-point win.
Using the breeze in the first quarter the Roosters applied early scoreboard pressure to pile on five goals and be up by 19 points at the change.
They kept the momentum rolling in the second against the wind and found the big sticks on four occasions, while the Eagles managed two late in the term.
Although Robe would go on to secure a 34-point victory, coach Nathan Brown said the pressure was felt from Hatherleigh for the full four quarters.
“The scoreboard probably didn’t reflect how it felt out there,” he said.
“I always felt they were in it and had a chance.
“Going into half time they kicked a couple of goals late in the quarter and took in some momentum.”
However, that was shut down when the Roosters held their rival to a single goal, adding three of their own to enter the final break with a 37-point lead.
The Eagles outscored the hosts in the final term, but only by three points and at the final siren the Roosters wrapped up their third win on the trot.
This week it was an even contribution in front of goal, with a total of 10 goalkickers on the day.
Brown, Hamish Smith and Deane had two each with the latter earning the best-on-ground honours for his drive off centre-half back.
“Our structure allows him to get up the ground a bit when we have control of the ball,” Brown said.
“He is a super smart player and super fit, so he backs himself to go forward and knows he can get back and defend as well.
“He creates a lot of drive and run for us from half back and kickstarts our attack from there.”
Henry Lawrie continued his impressive start to the season and also featured highly for his “wrecking ball” efforts through the midfield, while George Dutton was one of five returning players from last round and he also played a solid game.
Thomas Wachtel put in a notable performance when stepping into a different role at centre-half forward, while Lachlan Hentschke and Brown were recognised for their efforts as well.
Brown has been pleased with the opening four rounds and having now knocked off reigning premier Kalangadoo, Port MacDonnell and 2022 runner-up Hatherleigh, the Roosters sit in good stead moving forward.
On the other side of the contest, Hatherleigh has had a shaky start to the year.
The Eagles have just the one win from their three games, but will be looking to build some momentum over the next few rounds.
It was the Telfer show on the day, with Max Telfer earning the best-on-ground honours, while Sam led the scoring with three goals.
Patrick Chay was the only other player with multiple goals and finished up with a pair, while Jack Webster, Sam and Jack Gray and Jase Bateman also had good outings despite the end result.
This week Robe heads down to Glencoe in search of a fifth consecutive win, while Hatherleigh hosts Mount Burr.
