round 3 Melbourne Royals Vs gippsland gladiators

The Royals hosted their second home game of the year in round three, with the Western Crusaders taking the win over the Croydon Rangers in the morning 20-14 after a tough game from both sides. The afternoon game similarly would not disappoint with a tough battle between the Royals and Gladiators.

The day did not start as planned for the Royals, with quarterback Blair Black picked off by the defence on their second offensive drive, worse still it was returned to the end zone for a touchdown. The Gladiators took the lead early seeking to take the top place on the ladder 0-6. Despite numerous turnovers in the first half that forced the Royals defence to return to the field more often than desired, the Royals were able to regroup and put points back on the board. A touchdown that was reversed due to an official calling the quarterback out of bounds prematurely was re-enacted, this time for the score as QB Blair Black hit wide receiver Adam Watson for his first touchdown of the year. The 19-yard touchdown pass was followed up with two points from the quarterback, turning a bootleg into a run. The Royals took the lead back 8-6.

The Royals offense were next to put the ball in the end zone again, with Blair Black hitting the day’s favourite receiver Adam Watson again for an 11 yard passing touchdown. The two-point attempt was missed, however the Royals had extended the lead 14-6. Big defensive stops including an interception from linebacker Floyd Baragwanath, a defensive line effort stuffing the backfield and cornerbacks Maxwell Smith, Derrick Tugiono and Lionel Ong swatting passes down meant the Royals offense was able to return to the field. Some strong rushing attempts from tail back Robbie Hanrahan complemented the Royals passing game, allowing another passing touchdown thrown to wide receiver Bill Chislett, catching the ball in the back of the end zone using his height over the cornerback. With running back/ kicker Frank Matue kicking the extra point, the Royals were looking strong in the first half with the lead 21-6.

However, the Gladiators defence regained the ball on an interception and started moving the ball more efficiently, finally putting the ball in the end zone for their first offensive touchdown. The Gladiators scored on a 20 yard run making the score 21-12. Furthermore, the Gladiators were not willing to go into half time with a margin of eight points, and returned managing to throw a 15 yard touchdown, their receiver winning on a pure height advantage over the Royals cornerback. With approximately one minute left on the clock it seemed unlikely that the 21-20 score would change, however a well-thrown deep pass down the middle of the field hit Adam Watson for a big gain, and allowing the Royals to be in striking distance before the half. QB Blair Black moved the ball to the three-yard line before keeping the ball and running it into the end zone. The Royals went into half time 27-20 over the Gladiators.

The second half of the game proved tough for both sides, as the Royals and Gladiators defences stood strong, denying offensive opportunities. Royals defensive end Donal Stott came up with some strong plays, recovering a fumble and intercepting the quarterback. The Royals offense took advantage of these opportunities, with passes to slot receiver Darcy Muller, and running back Frank Matue taking the ball into the end zone off a three-yard rush. The Royals took the chance to go for the two point score and it was caught by receiver Ahmed Arayne in the end zone, putting the Royals up two scores 35-20.

Despite a strong showing by the Gladiators offense, they were unable to capitalise on opportunities in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, as a Royals punt was not caught, and Frank Matue managed to recover the ball to keep the Royals offense on the field. Time ran out for the Gladiators, and the Royals took home their third straight win for the season, continuing their undefeated run for the season, totalling 3-0. The Royals have a bye week going into round four, but will be travelling to Clayton in round five, to take on the Monash Barbarians.

An Interview with Royals OC: TREVOR FLORY.

What is your football history?I started playing football when I was 9. Through to the end of high school, I played offensive and defensive lines and lineback-er. In my senior year (grade 12) I was voted Outstanding Line-man and Outstanding Defensive Player for the 14 team league. I then went on to the University of Saskatchewan and played 5 season’s on the defensive line. In my second year, we won the Canadian University National Championship. When I finished playing football, I began coaching football which continued for around a decade, right up until I moved to Australia.

How did you get started with the Royals?I got started with the Royals very briefly last season when I enquired through the league as to helping out with a team as I hadn’t been involved in football since moving to Aus-tralia. I came out to a few practices early on last season but could not commit to being a coach for the whole season. This season, I was persuaded by Dan and James to help out as much as I could and I’m glad that I’ve been able to do so.

For someone who played defence mostly, has it being hard transitioning to of-fense?It hasn’t been that hard coaching the offense as I played offense for a long time and a lot of my coaching experience has been on the offensive side of the ball. Also, you learn a lot about the game and varying philosophies when you’ve played and coached both sides of the ball.

What do you want to bring to the team most of all?I want to bring a quiet confidence to the team. This attribute is part of a process that comes with time and practice. This will be due to us knowing that we have the systems and talent in place to handle the various situations that we will see on game day

What motivates you?Learning and teaching are what motivates me. I’ve had a great time so far this year and I think all of the offensive guys have taught something to each other and learned something as well, especially me.

Will wide receiver Chris Tuohy ever get the newsletter cover?Not unless the caption is about how NOT to hold a football properly.

2011 Division 1 champions defeat the Berwick Miners 47-7, despite the Miners taking a kickoff at the start of the game to the house. The Buccaneers proved why they were Vic Bowl winners last year and were simply too strong.

The Northern Raiders hosted the Croydon Stars, but simi-larly proved too strong. The Stars were able to return a kick for a touchdown at the start of the game like the Miners, but the Raiders took control from there on. Raiders took the win home 32-6.

The Western Crusaders defeat the Croydon Rangers in a tough game seeing a lot of turnovers. The strong Crusaders defence was able to stop the Rangers passing game from getting away, and the Crusaders took home the win 20-14.

BYES: Monash Warriors, Monash Barbarians.

Around the league OFF THE FIELD

with DONAL STOTT

Food

Chicken Kiev

Movie: Step brothers

TV Show:Archer

ActorEmma Watson (Dream Future Wife)

Musicthe killers

Heard about royalsfriend who was training

with the royals

36 floyd

Baragwanath-

Melbourne VIC

1 year

180 CMS

95 KGS

Separated at birth?

Aaron Mapstone woody harrelson

contact@@mroyals.com

Contributors

Writer//Editor Jeremy Edwards

Photographers Luke Markof

jenny watson,

liv rog

Designer Ahmed Arayne