The Rovers suffered their first home defeat at Boss James Reserve since August 2012 and consecutive losses for the first time under Guy Martyn’s leadership on Saturday, going down to Peninsula by 30 points.
It was the second consecutive game in wet conditions and on both occasions, the Rovers never really looked like winning – a stark contrast to the opening three games of the season where Hampton ran out comfortable winners.
It was one versus two and both sides had come off shock first losses of the 2014 season. Despite the poor conditions, there was a healthy crowd at Boss James Reserve following the big Ladies Luncheon.
While Hampton dominated in the ruck, with one Sandringham player replacing another – big Charlie Kelso replacing Jack Wilson – the Rovers struggled to do anything constructive with the ball and it was the visitors who held the advantage.
The conditions meant it was a scrappy low-scoring affair and after being all-square at the first break, Peninsula held a slender five-point lead at half time.
It was goal-for-goal in the first 20 minutes of the third quarter but Peninsula managed to then kick five goals in the last 10 minutes to go to the final break with a 35 point lead – an eight to two goal quarter where Peninsula didn’t kick a single behind. In fact both sides had the same number of scoring shots but it was the home side that couldn’t capitalise.
If not for Jay Ting, the scoreboard could have been worse. His running, tackling, making space and filling the gaps were sensational and a delight to watch. His attack on the ball was fantastic and while he was backed up by Mark Devereaux, Leigh Fletcher and Kyle Pinto in the midfield, the Rovers just weren’t in the game.
Guy Martyn was vocal at the final change and the Rovers weren’t completely out of it, but they needed a dramatic turnaround, one which looked unlikely. While the Rovers just outscored Peninsula in the last, they were never really on top of them, despite the visitors being undermanned and down to one fit player on the bench.
It was another disappointing outing by the Rovers and confidence is low. The boys will be looking to rebound when they travel to Clayton to take on Monash Blues this Saturday.
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.1 4.4 6.10 10.13 (73)
PENINSULA 2.1 5.3 13.3 16.7 (103)
Goal Kickers: E. Turner 4, M. Devereaux 2, S. Burggraaff , J. Dillon , M. Care , J. Ting
Best Players: J. Ting, M. Devereaux, A. McNeil, K. Pinto, L. Fletcher, R. Lynch
View the full match replay on VAFATV >
In the Reserves, it was a close game all day where the Peninsula boys managed to hold off a rampaging Rovers in the last quarter where Hampton had eight scoring shots to two. A little more accuracy and Hampton may have run out comfortable winners. Jesse Donald in the twos after missing last week’s game in the seniors guaranteed his return to the ones with a BOG performance, while it was good to see old stagers in Steven Anderson and Michael Fletcher in the best players.
The Thirds had a day to forget going down to a well-drilled St Mary’s Salesian side away.
The only win for the day came from the Under 19s, where they defeated Monash Blues at Castlefield Reserve. After struggling early on, it clicked for the home side from the second quarter onwards, and they went on to record an eight-point victory to claim their second win of the season. Click here to view the full match report.
Seniors scoreworm:
