By ADEM SARICAOGLU
ROCKBANK is still winless in the Riddell District Football League but continued to show promise against Lancefield on Saturday.
The Rams led by 21 points at three-quarter time at Ian Cowie Reserve but went goal-less in the final term while allowing five majors at the other end to ultimately go down by 10 points.
The home team controlled the game on either side of the main break after trailing by 17 points at quarter-time.
Kicking into the wind the Rams fought their way back in the second term to lead by four at half-time, before kicking four goals to Lancefield’s one in the third term to set up a handy buffer at the final change.
Playing coach Leigh Sporle was again disappointed to drop what turned out to be a very winnable game.
“It was disappointing to have another opportunity to win a game and (not) play the four quarters,” Sporle said.“Lancefield did have that breeze in the last term but it’s still no excuse. We had a fairly good lead.
“We had our chances to win the game. We just couldn’t capitalise.
“Hopefully it’s not going to be a week in, week out affair – but the guys just really need to learn how to win.”
The young Rams have only lost by a combined 39 points in their opening two games of the season, but have proven themselves as capable of producing quality football in isolated patches.
Sporle agrees the missing key to success has simply been a four-quarter performance so far this season.
“One hundred per cent, and just knowing how to win,” Sporle responded.
“When there’s a chance the boys need to see their chance and take it.
“They need to see there’s an opportunity to win a game and just grab the bull by the horns.
“They’re a young side, they just really need to learn how to win and it just probably comes down to confidence and starting to learn to play footy with each other.”
Disappointing as Saturday was, the Rams now face a five-day turnaround and will be headed for Eric Boardman Reserve on Anzac Day to take on reigning premier, Sunbury.
Sporle, who has had a long history with the Kangaroos, said it would be a special occasion for both himself and his team-mates.
“It obviously means a lot but it’s an experience for our young guys, too,” Sporle said.
“I would hope we would get a lot out of the game, playing in front of a big crowd and playing in front of the Sunbury faithful, hopefully our guys can get a lot out of it and we can convert.
“If we play those four quarters of footy – I think our best footy can take on anyone.”
