On a crisp, clear Melbourne winter afternoon, the Hampton Rovers Under 19’s annihilated an undermanned Parkdale in a game greatly enjoyed by players and supporters alike. Given a bit of freedom teamwork was excellent in a game where all played well. The exception was probably Jess Gould, but he was forgiven as due to a nasty clash of heads in the first quarter he spent the afternoon under observation at Monash with severe concussion. Hope you?re feeling better today Jess.
Our miserly backline was well on top all day and only allowed Parkdale 5 shots at goal in the second half. Sam Adams had his best game of the year and was well supported by Brent Stevens, Jack Eastman, Tim McGuigan, Jordan Goss and Jack Baxter. Our centre square dominance continued and it was good to see Max Greenway show some versatility as a midfielder together with Russ Howe, Kelvin Rudd and Hayden Lewis. Earl Cottrell was thrown into the ruck in his first game back for 6 weeks and competed hard against taller opponents giving us another option in the ruck.
With Boof Davidson starring at full forward including a patch in the last, where in 15 minutes he kicked 5 ( and missed 3!). Jason Clifford and Chris Rigney each potted 4 and with Mat Innes turning his opponent inside out we had a multitude of options provided by all on the forward line – 11 goal kickers for the day!
Coach Quon after the game commented on the increasing confidence of the players shown by them sharing the ball around and the general improvement in skills both by foot and hand throughout the game. He was particularly pleased with the solidity of the backline with a number of players lifting their work levels. The discussions that took place in the two team meetings during the week clearly bore positive results.
Next Saturday we?re up against MHSOB at home at 2pm. As all the players will be staying back after the game parents and supporters are urged to attend the club rooms for a celebratory drink after the game. Quonny will be addressing us on his plan for the lead up for the finals and what we have to do to be successful.
HAMPTON ROVERS 7.4 12.8 18.11 27.15 (177)
PARKDALE VULTURES 3.1 5.3 7.3 8.5 (53)
Best: Davidson, Clifford, Innes, Adams, Stevens, Goss.
Goals: Davidson 9, Clifford 4, Rigney 4, Innes 2, Schmitz 2, Baxter 1, Lewis H 1, Lovig 1, McCoy 1, Rudd 1, Ward 1.
