Depleted ARKS lose to Rockingham

ARMADALE ARKS rugby union sides endured some torrid battles on the field against Rockingham last weekend.

The club was missing 20 male and three female players for the weekend, with most of the available male players taking part in the first and second grade games, playing 160 minutes in hot conditions.

The depleted ranks battled bravely with the second grade side notching up the closest score, losing to Rockingham 7-17.

The game was even with Rockingham doing more attacking from good set pieces.

It took at least the first half for the ARKS scrum to start working effectively but good tackling by the younger players showed the way in defence and the side improved as the game went on.

At halftime, ARKS were down but not out and came out in the second half with some strong plays, winning set pieces and keeping possession for several phases at a time.

But for a bit of “white line fever” the result could have been the other way, a little more discipline and experience could have resulted in a couple of tries from hard work.

ARKS’ try scorer was Daniel Skelton, with Hemi Minhinnick kicking a one-point conversion.

First grade suffered a heavy 5-118 defeat after the players only had 15 minutes rest between games.

Rockingham had a strong, well-drilled team that put 75 points on Curtin the previous week.

The result was disappointing for the ARKS supporters and players, but the spirit of those players fighting to the end showed that with a little more support from absent friends the team could start winning again.

In the women’s game, a depleted ARKS side, with only 13 players on the field and no substitutes, were defeated by Cottesloe 0-43.

The ARKS team fought hard and showed great defensive skills, tackling hard and working extremely well as a team.

Two injuries just before halftime and a red card infringement left 10 players taking to the field in the second half, but at no point did they give up.

ARKs Senior Teams all play at home at John Dunn Oval, Third Ave Kelmscott this Saturday from 1.50pm.

Training is Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm juniors and 6.30pm for all senior teams.

New players are welcome, contact Roslyn Hayman on 0417 990 061.