SAAS First XVIII football round two: Rostrevor beats Immanuel by 62 points

A college powerhouse fired up to get its first win of the season against an in-form opponent in round three. Read the SAAS First XVIII football match reports.

Rostrevor got its first win on the board in a dominant showing against Immanuel in round three of First XVIII college footy, while Prince Alfred College beat traditional rivals and Westminster overwhelmed a struggling Scotch.

Here are The Messenger’s reports from Saturday’s division one matches:

ROSTREVOR 14.10 (94) d

IMMANUEL 4.8 (32)

Rostrevor built from its gutsy round two performance against league leaders Sacred Heart to comfortably top Immanuel by 62 points on Saturday.

Coach James Allan was pleased with the performance, his side getting the jump on its opponent and never looking back as it surged to an impressive first win of the year.

“I’m really happy for our guys after getting pretty close against a strong side last week,” Allan said.

“We wanted the same mindset and approach and that’s what we got.”

Rostrevor coach James Allan was encouraged by his team’s first win of the year. Picture: Michael Marschall

Rostrevor had full control of the game through the work of its midfield, while their defensive work across the ground also helped to keep Immanuel to a low score.

Allan was encouraged by the way his players were able to work together both defensively and with the ball.

“Our midfield was excellent through four quarters and I thought our defenders were really good one-on-one as well,” he said.

“When we won the ball we moved it well and managed to stretch Immanuel – we looked really dangerous.”

Finn Wakelin was best on ground as a key forward and ruck, while Jack Hodges was again strong – taking big marks and adding multiple majors.

Rostrevor's Jack Hodges was dominant in the air for his team. Picture: Supplied, Claude Beltrame

Allan was also impressed by the performance of Max Dawe, who watched Year 9 brother Noah suffer an unfortunate broken leg injury before the senior game.

“The way Max was able to perform after seeing his brother get injured like that was brilliant – he did a really good job for us around the ground,” Allan said.

“We’re all thinking of Noah and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

The side will face St Peter’s next week.

PRINCE ALFRED COLLEGE 13.10 (88) d

ST PETER’S COLLEGE 11.6 (72)

Prince Alfred College coach Matt Slade was thrilled with his team’s win over arch rivals St Peter’s despite another slow start.

The Reds bounced back from some sluggish play early on to gain the ascendancy in the contest from the second term onwards and were able to hold off a fired up Saints side in the final term.

“We were pretty relieved to have won in the end,” Slade said.

“It’s not Intercol but it means a bit more than a normal season game so to be able to fight from start to finish and grab the win is very positive.”

Slade’s players gained the upper hand in the middle of the park, where on-baller Hughen Wissman looked at his best.

Picture from PAC

Key target Patrick Weckert also played another positive game, adding a big presence up front and drawing multiple defenders.

“We always place a lot of emphasis on contested ball and we won contest after contest in the second half,” Slade said.

“I think originally we were trying to play too perfect in tough conditions and once we started going harder and kicking the ball long more to targets like Patrick (Weckert), we reaped the benefits.”

The Reds will have the bye this weekend.

Slade said he was looking forward to addressing slow starts over the two-week break.

“If we played like we did in previous weeks we would’ve lost, so we’re improving but there are still some things we need to work on,” he said.

“The team seems to like to feel out the game and react before they get going, which can lead to slow starts.

“We want to try and figure out why that is and start games better, kick some early goals.”

WESTMINSTER 19.20 (133) d

SCOTCH 7.6 (48)

Westminster got its first win of the year with a crushing display against Scotch – which continued its slow start to the season.

Star forward Anthony Munkara was at his best up front, dominating defenders in the air and kicking goals from any angle.

Coach Tim Weatherald was satisfied with his team’s performance and sung Munkara’s praises.

“It was great to be able to put a full game together after the first two weeks and I think we stepped up all over the park,” Weatherald said.

Westminster College star Anthony Munkara was in sensational form against Scotch. Picture: Mark Brake

“Our midfield was on top all day and the more we got it forward the more Anthony (Munkara) could impact the game.

“If we can continue to win the middle through the season we’re going to give ourselves a chance to win because Munkara will kick goals against anyone if given the opportunity.”

Westminster dropped off in the third as Scotch put together multiple goals in the quarter, but the team responded in the fourth to extend the lead to 95 points.

Weatherald was happy with the final term response.

“The ability to keep going was positive. We made sure to go hard and then drop the eyes and hit targets with the ball in the fourth and that’s when we’re at our best.”

DIVISION TWO RESULTS:

Trinity 12.11 (83) d Sacred Heart Two 12.9 (81)

St Michael’s College 17.12 (114) d CBC 7.7 (49)

Mercedes 12.5 (77) d Pembroke 7.16 (58)