Melbourne High down disappointing Rovers

The Rovers suffered a disappointing loss to Melbourne High on Saturday, their first home defeat of the season. However other results meant the Rovers remain two games clear on top of C Section.

At a cold and wind-swept Boss James Reserve, Melbourne High won the toss and kicked with the aid of a six goal wind towards the David Street end in the opening term. They managed their first goal within the first minute and finished with four for the quarter while the Rovers managed two of their own against the wind.

The second term was a disappointment for the home side who struggled big time, only managing four behinds while MHSOB added one goal one to their tally. At half time it was the away side by 17 points.

Rovers coach Gary Sheldon tried to fire up his troops at the main interval with a blast however it was Melbourne High kicking four goals while the Rovers finished off the term well kicking two. Inaccurate kicking cost the Rovers dearly though, with 8 behinds scored in the third.

The margin was only 22 points at the final break though, and with the Rovers having the wind in the last, all was set for a cracking final term. The Rovers started slowly but soon took control kicking four goals to hit the lead for the first time. That only lasted a short while though with the away team kicking a goal to put themselves back in front. Two further goals against the wind sealed the victory.

The Rovers now have a week off before facing Ajax Saturday-week at Elsternwick Park in a crucial game.

Best players for the Rovers were Mark Devereaux, Jay Ting and Rob Alexander while Jason Giasoumi and Rob Alexander were the only multiple goal kickers with two each.

HAMPTON ROVERS  2.2  2.6  4.14  8.18 (66)
MELBOURNE HIGH  4.4  5.5  9.6  12.10 (82)
Goal Kickers: J. Giasoumi 2, R. Alexander 2, M. Devereaux, R. Semmel, J. Zampaglione, N. Davidson
Best Players: M. Devereaux, J. Ting, R. Alexander, L. Fletcher, R. Semmel, A. Duddy

The Reserves finished strongly defeating Melbourne High by 8 points. Sean Durston-Ryan, Jarred Schafer and Ben Kezilas were best while Schafer kicked 3 with singles to Ng and Freedman.

It was all systems go for the Under 19’s right from the start against an undermanned St Bedes Mentone which ended in a 186 to 9 point thrashing. With the centre combination of Lovig, Rudd, Howe and Lewis dominant there was a feast of goal opportunities for Schmitz (7) Lewis (5) and Innes (5).  Not to be outdone our defenders restricted the opposition to one goal – a lucky one in the last quarter.  Strong play by backs Goss, Jackson, Gould and Adams greatly restricted any chances for the home side.  It was also good to see some confident performances from the U17’s who filled in on the day – Youl, Turner and Hoban.

Coach Anthony Quon was happy with the continued improvement in teamwork, greater use of handball and the growing confidence of the boys in sharing the ball around.  ?While not under a great deal of pressure it did give the team a chance to try a few different combinations and to give a number of players a run in positions not familiar to them?.  Next week, with a near full strength team, the 19’s face second placed team on the ladder, Ajax, which will give us a good look at how we?ll go in the finals action!

An early start at 11am at Boss James Reserve so come down and give the Under 19’s your support.