A revitalised Rovers outfit proved too classy for the Crookwell Green Devils last Sunday winning by 60-12 in front of a chilly but good crowd at the Crookwell sports arena.
On the back of a scratchy display the week before the Rovers looked much more polished in attack and solid in defence, as they continue to build towards the back end of the season.
It looked as though the Rovers could have been in for a tough day when the Crookwell boys drew first blood taking a 6-0 lead early on. However it wasn’t long before the Rovers clicked into gear with Justin Corkery crossing wide out.
Crowe converted with a fine kick and the scores were locked at 6-all.
Tim Costello was next to cross for the Rovers to make it 12-6 after another good conversion.
The flood gates really opened from the following kick off as Trent Holland made a typical mid field bust and then off-load to Anthony Crowe for the four pointer.
Two more tries late in the half to John Butterfield and Nick Keeley blew the score out to 30-6 at halftime and the two competition points looked all but secured.
Early in the second half though, Crookwell showed they weren’t about to give up easily and as was the case in the first half, they were first to post points when their lock forward crossed for a somewhat soft try beside the posts.
It prompted a quick response from coach Lalliard who immediately put his big boppers Sam Lynam, Ben Roberts and Trent Holland back in the game to nullify the attack from the Crookwell side.
Ben wasn’t there long though before he received a rest on the bench along with a Crookwell player as they were marched for indiscretions to the sin bin. At 38 - 12 the game was all over but a spectacular 70 meter try from the speedy Crowe set the simmering game alight.
Shortly after Costello produced a shocker of a kick across field that led to a freakish try by Jones for the visitors. Sometimes the best kicks don’t always produce the goods.
The final try of the day to Boorowa saw Justin Corkery race away and score off a John Butterfied pass to record his first ever hatrick of tries. Justin is a try scoring machine this season and has proven to be one of the best finishes in the competition.
The final score of 60-12 probably wasn’t a fair indication of the effort by the Crookwell lads with several of their forwards putting in strong performances.
They were simply outgunned by a stronger Rovers outfit who looked much improved on their previous outing against Boomanulla.
Anthony Crowe continued his sensational form to pick up the players player and the three points. Sam Lynam put in his usual solid performance to pick up two points whilst Chris Turner had his best game of the season to earn the one point.
It was an impressive performance right across the park with Ben Roberts making an impact with some strong runs whilst Trent Holland again showed his class with some good runs and offloads.
It was good to see a healthy number of Roves supporters making the trek to Crookwell which is not the warmest place on a winter’s afternoon. Special mention must be made of the small but very vocal mini bus of supporters who made their presence felt.
Led by vocalist and well known Rugby Union Superstar Jimmy McGrath, the lads sung a few choice victory songs on the way home.
To those parents in Rugby trying to put their kids to sleep on Sunday evening we promise not to be so loud when passing through next year. A great trip was had by all. In the only match this weekend to complete Round 12, Boomanulla will host Hall in a must win game for Hall if they are to challenge the Rovers for top spot. Due to a split round the Rovers will sit out another week but its all full steam ahead on August 11 when they take on arch rivals the Harden Hawks at home.
Aside from this match being a massive game, it will be ladies day when the club pays tribute to all the wonderful work of the girls behind the mighty Rovers.
Their contributions are enormous and with their efforts the club would not be enjoying the success it is. See you there.
-Sand Boy