Rockville confident ahead of semi-final showdown with Highfields

FOOTBALL: Rockville head into this weekend’s clash full of confidence. Eager to defend their 2019 premiership Rovers thumped Hawks 5-1 in their TFL Premier Women’s division knockout semi-final.

Rockville’s Penny Dukes (left) and Willowburn’s Claudia Maiore contest possession during a match earlier this season. Rockville play Highfields this weekend for the right to play Willowburn in the TFL Premier Women’s grand final.

Hawks’ Melony Baker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but Sarah Sheridan squared the ledger just two minutes later.

Penny Dukes put Rovers in front shortly before halftime and three goals in the second half sealed Hawks’ fate.

“The first half was really difficult,” Rovers centre back Bre McCarthy said.

“Hawks have done a fantastic job for a new team this year and they made it hard for us in the first half.

“We had a really good talk at halftime, we talked about who we are as a team, how we dig in and give it everything.

“The second half was good – I thought we were strong.”

Rovers finished the regular season in third – a point behind their opponents Highfields.

Despite having not beaten Highfields all season they are confident.

“We had good momentum going into the game,” McCarthy said.

“We had a few good wins at the end of the regular season.

“It’s going to be a tough game but we’re confident.

“The important thing will be our passing – we need to get that right.

“We don’t want to be running around too much especially in the heat.

“If we play smart I’m confident we can beat them.”

GAME DAY: Rockville vs Highfields. Sunday November 8, 11am, West Wanderers.

Originally published as Rockville confident ahead of semi-final showdown with Highfields