While the round 16 match against the Owls was effectively a dead rubber from the perspective of the ladder, it was still a tough encounter being both Uni’s last home game for the season and an opportunity for Royals to maintain momentum heading into the finals.
This week we again got off to a slow start with Uni breaking away to an early lead that they maintained through to the break to finish the half 14-31 ahead. This lead was built predominantly from Royals failing to maintain focus and instead expending energy remonstrating with the official and each other. Luckily halftime provided the opportunity needed to reset and the second stanza saw an appropriate turnaround in discipline and performance with Royals finishing ahead of Uni by four points.
Our strongest players this week included our captain Lincoln Smith, who was well supported by Dylan McLachlan in the back field. Allan Wratten put in his usual bone rattling efforts defensively and Tom Iles proved last week was no fluke, managing to get a five-pointer for the second week running. Special mention to Ryan Maguire for his debut in first grade this week, just rewards for a solid season to date.
Next week’s match is our last home game for 2023, and an opportunity to say goodbye to the Phillip ground in its current layout. It will also be a round in which our position leading into finals will be decided in that we are currently trailing the Eagles who hold second place on the basis of points difference. This match represents a critical opportunity as we move into finals footy and won’t be one to miss. We hope you can join us and add your voice from the sidelines.
