An understrength Hampton outfit was no match for PEGS on Saturday, with the Rovers losing their first game of the 2014 season in wintery conditions at Keilor Park.
It was a test for the Rovers depth with some ten players unavailable for various reasons. Two pulling out on the morning didn’t help the cause and coach Martyn knew it would be a test of character, mentioning pre-game that it would be the side’s best win of the season if they could manage to get up.
It was miserable conditions at a windswept PEGS Playing Fields in Keilor Park with the wet and cold making it tough for players and spectators, but that didn’t stop the home side who delivered the ball with ease to their forwards time after time to gain a big advantage on the scoreboard.
Meanwhile, the Rovers struggled all over the ground. Ed Turner kicked the first goal of the game in the first minute but that was it for the first quarter. It wasn’t until the final term that the Rovers showed any real promise – they won the quarter but it was too little too late.
The margin blew out to 80 points in the third quarter, which dragged on for 39 minutes despite no significant stoppages in play, with the home side booting nine unanswered goals. The Rovers wouldn’t kick another until the 12 minute mark of the last. The improved final quarter reduced margin but it was still a 62-point defeat for the previously undefeated Rovers.
Sam Dalton and Lachie Cairns were handed senior debuts and were given a harsh welcome to senior football. While they weren’t overwhelmed at any stage, they just needed more support from the more experienced heads around them. Tom Youl who was a last-minute call-up did will with the limited opportunities he was given.
There were many upsets across the VAFA, including at Peninsula where Parkdale Vultures got up, meaning the Rovers remain equal-top on the Premier C ladder. Hampton face Peninsula next Saturday at Boss James Reserve with a raft of players expected to make their return.
HAMPTON ROVERS 1.0 4.1 5.2 9.10 (64)
PEGS FC 4.3 8.7 17.10 19.12 (126)
Goal Kickers: E. Turner 3, M. Devereaux 2, J. Ting 2, M. Care , K. Pinto
Best Players: J. Ting, M. Devereaux, A. McNeil, M. Care, B. Traeger-Haig, J. Wilson
Click here to view the full match replay on VAFATV >
The Thirds flew the flag for the club on Saturday, recording their first win of the season, by 29 points over Ormond at Boss James Reserve. The Reserves and Under 19s both went down. Congratulations to Adam Power who played his 250th club game. Visit the results page for details.
