Rovers claim massive victory

THE experienced duo of ruckman Lucas Wilson and onballer Brad McCosh gave South Rovers a decisive edge around the stoppages against Old Collegians yesterday in a 23.17 (155) to 7.4 (46) victory.

In a congested opening quarter at Reid Oval, Rovers dominated early but it took until Nathan Murphy bagged his second goal with just six seconds left in the term for the home side to sneak to a 16-point break.

Wilson dominated the ruck contests and gave McCosh first use of the ball.

That led to the Rovers getting better supply into their forward line with Murphy, Scott Nicolson and Andy Rylance looking dangerous up front.

Collegians were best served by Nathan Forth, around the ground with veteran Troy Richardson the sole focal point in attack.

Richardson opened the scoring in the second term, but when Rovers slammed on several goals the margin was out to 41 points midway through the quarter and the game was over as a contest.

At the main break the margin had drifted out to 47 points and it was then that Rovers coach Brett Evans asked his players for a concerted effort in the second half.

"We will give them a chance to get back into the game if we are not first in for the footy," he told his players.

"We have to be prepared to run the other way (defence), don't worry about the scoreboard, worry about your opponent, don't get led to the footy and don't rely on anyone else."

Evans said there were plenty of positives to come out of the first half but it was essential to address a couple of areas.

"Don't let them back into the game through our laziness," he said.

"We can all lift our work rate."

Such was the Warriors' reliance on Richardson in the forward line that he kicked his side's only four goals until the last change.

Evans said after the 109-point win that he was pleased under 17 player Will Paulin was able to give Wilson a break in the ruck and youngster Ben Morris also contributed.

athomson@standard.fairfax.com.au