President salutes amid sorry result

ROBINA were winless on a scorching day at the Roo Pen on Saturday but the club still had plenty to celebrate in president Heath King’s 250th game in the royal blue and white.

The seniors went down by just nine points to Coolangatta Tweed in the opening round of the QFA Division 2 season.

The Roos lost vice-captain and key half-forward Benny Rodwell to a hamstring injury in first quarter, but tall forward Joel Stevenson and playing coach Mark Vigus filled the void, collecting three goals each.

At the other end, back pocket Zach Jackson put in a best-on-ground effort in trying to repel the Blues’ relentless attack. The visitors held a ninepoint advantage at half time. The third quarter was marred by a melee that resulted in two send-offs, one for each team.

In an exciting final quarter, the inspired Roos cut the margin to just three points with seven minutes remaining but were sunk by a late Coolangatta goal, 10.10 (70) to 11.13 (79).

In the reserves, ruck Reece Liefman, forward Blake Lawrence and centre Mitch Hastings battled for Robina in their defeat, with the final score 5.10 (40) to 10.8 (68).