Rovers’ Picola challenge for pointy end of the season

Coach Alex Hay said the team played well intermittently in the wintry conditions in the 127-point win against Blighty in the Warner Tasker Cup last Saturday.

“Last week it was good to get on the board again, especially on such a significant occasion.

“We played well in patches despite the conditions and, to Blighty’s credit, they made it really difficult to play a free-flowing style of football which suited them.

“There were some things that we did well and some other things that we can certainly improve on heading into this week’s game, so it was good to be able to sit back and identify that while also getting the four points, which keeps us in touch.”

Hay said the test this week is clear.

The Rovers’ opposition is sixth-placed Picola United, who are in good form.

In the past two weeks they have had a draw with Waaia and a six-point loss to ladder leaders Katandra at Picola.

“It’s a huge game this weekend,” Hay said.

“We have had some great battles with Picola over the last few years - particularly last year when we were in a similar position and able to hold on.

“But they have certainly improved, especially with some close results over the last two weeks, levelling arguably the two best teams in the comp.

“Like a few other teams, they have had some list turnover and a few players who are clearly very handy, and who we will have to put some time into.

“We’ve made some good strides throughout the year, and there will be no greater challenge than this weekend, which we really need to get on top of to stay relevant.”

Once again, team defence and defensive positioning will be the Rovers’ calling cards ahead of the Picola match-up.

“We’ve kept the focus pretty simple week-to-week, and I would sound like a broken record, but getting on top with our team defence is essential.

“We have worked on getting the balance right between being attacking to put on some scoreboard pressure and positioning yourself to defend on turnover, so that’s where our focus will remain.”

While some players are out due to injury, and likely to miss the rest of the season, Hay said there are still a number of handy players to choose from.

“The side is taking shape. We just about have everyone available that isn’t affected by a long-term injury, so hopefully we can hit the ground running on the weekend.”