With duties taking JG Gorilla away from her home ground to rub shoulders in a weirdly 1950’s old school vibe at the Old Geelong pre-match lunch at Como Park (accompanied by stalwart Roys treasurer and mother of the two Clayton stars), JGG has again turned to some experienced and true informants to bring you this week’s report on the Roy Girls’ performance at Brunswick Street on Saturday.
For transparency, these informants include two coaches, one winged and one former Roygirl, and one towering Pres.
So on such reliable information I can report, with impunity, that win lose or draw there’s simply nothing like playing at home. The sun was shining, the support was loud and proud in front of the grandstand, around the ground, and on Hipster Hill. The first dedicated Roygirls member was unearthed, along with a band of enthusiastic new supporters (guests of former Roy star Sam Hood). And the Comrade was doing great business on the merch stall.
What could be better you may ask? Well, obviously, a win. But winning’s not everything and all respondents reported a pleasing uplift in effort and results on the scoreboard, exemplified by the great Liz Olney’s first goal for the season. In fact, the first score for the Twos for the season. But definitely not the last.
With the opposition keeping the ball at their end of the ground for the majority of the game, Emma Bourke again worked hard in defence, lifting her already impressive performance in the second half. The fabulous Calypso Poole tried, but didn’t quite match Liz’s goal kicking feat, and Hillary was a very welcome addition back, earning praise and thanks in spades from her teammates. Alternating on the ball and off the back flank, Hill only spent about three minutes on the interchange bench.
With their first scores now registered, the Twos are bound to keep doggedly to the game plan and their trajectory towards a well-deserved victory – sooner rather than later.
Running onto BSO to their own brilliant version of the song, hopes were high for the Seniors, confidence buoyed by their Ressie sisters taking a definite step forward in their lead-up game.
Gina Bennett, Sarah Lynas and Simone Mooney continued to impress coach Nathan, with Jade’s sharp shooting earning his praise and seeing her continue to lead the goal kicking. Molly Tancred and Steph Pitt had great games too.
“Our first quarter was the best for the year so far,” Nathan said, “and we didn’t get the reward for how well we played.
“The first goal of the game resulted from a great passage of play, moving the ball from one end to the other, and culminating with Simone crumbing and kicking truly.”
The post-game function held in the rooms of our friends and sponsors at the Fitzroy Bowling Club was well attended by players and supporters of both sides, with spirits high and infection levels low. It didn’t escape the Comrade President’s notice that the last time he officiated a post-game event at the same venue, he passed on more than his infectious love for his Roy Girls.
With COVID swirling again, we can only hope history doesn’t repeat itself!
JG Gorilla
Images courtesy of former Fitzroy great Sam Hood, a bunch of young blokes she works with at Community Care Collective added even more colour and sunshine when they accepted her invitation to support the RoyGirls at Brunswick Street Oval on Saturday.
