The Hampton Rovers U19s had a great victory over Beaumaris on Saturday, beating the local rivals by 32 points at Banksia Reserve.
The boys had the best possible start, kicking five goals against the wind to Beaumaris’ three in the first quarter. Our midfield gave us first use of the ball, with Short, Robertson, Donald, Clarke, Stewart, Zaina all dominating, together with Nathan Smith playing his first game for the 19’s. Sam Care and Corey Jones also were working hard in the forward line and making sure the ball did’t get out unless we scored. When the ball did come into the back line Elston, Berry, Cullis and Wilson mopped it up and sent it straight back with interest.
Ryan Fogarty dominated all day, tagging their playmaker (who had been in their best 10 times this season), but also accumulated numerous possessions in a BOG performance. He clearly read the prediction I made in last week’s Inner Sanctum!
Unfortunately, Nathan Smith limped off in the 2nd with an ankle injury, but the boys continued to tackle ferociously and went into the main break some five goals ahead.
Beaumaris came out firing in the 3rd kicking with the wind, however our pressure efforts enabled them to only kick 2 for the term. Massey, Campion and Oswald all remained solid in defence in this vital 3rd quarter.
The last quarter was all Rovers, after being challenged by the coach at the break, eventually running out winners by 32 points.
Coach John Cesario was ecstatic at the players’ efforts on Saturday saying “we played as a team today and that we are one of the best tackling sides in the comp as a result of the repetitive tackling we do at training”. ‘’We’re only 2 games out of the four at the moment and if we keep focused in the second half of the year anything is possible” he said.
The challenge is on again next week taking on Monash who are just above the Rovers on the ladder.
HAMPTON ROVERS 5.2-32 9.6-60 10.6-66 11.11-77
BEAUMARIS 3.1-19 4.1-25 6.7-43 6.9-45
Goal Kickers: J. Elston 2, N. Smith 2, Z. Donald 2, J. Short , C. Jones , S. Care , R. Fogarty , C. Clarke
Best Players: R. Fogarty, T. Wilson, J. Zaina, M. Robertson, J. Elston, C. Cullis
