The finals have arrived and for the second consecutive year, Hampton Rovers will play in a 2nd Semi Final, going head-to-head with minor-premiers Marcellin at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday for a Grand Final berth and promotion to B Grade.
It’s been a great season for the club after winning last year’s premiership and gaining promotion to Premier C section but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Following three big wins to start the year, three losses followed. There would only be one more defeat during the home & away season and a top-two finish eventuated. In all, 51 players have represented the senior team – an incredible stat considering the results.
And so another finals campaign is upon us and joining the Seniors this year are the Under 19s who’ve won their past nine matches after a slow start to surge into the top four. There’s plenty of excitement at Roverland and the green & gold army are set to descend on finals venues in big numbers.
The Seniors take on Marcellin in the 2nd Semi Final at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday, commencing at 2:00pm. The Eagles have lost just three games for the year however two of those were against the Rovers, by 52 points in round two at Bulleen and 69 points in round 12 at the Boss.
VIEW HEAD-TO-HEAD RESULTS | WATCH R12 HIGHLIGHTS
Rovers coach Guy Martyn said those two results could count for something for both sides but was quick to remind his players not to become too complacent after Saturday’s 90-point win over Old Camberwell.
“I’d prefer to have won both games by 10 goals than lost both those games by 10 goals,” he said. “I spoke to the boys as we were walking off the ground and told them to take that out of their heads because they’ve finished on top for a reason and they’re clearly a good side.
Keen not reveal all of his selection cards a week out from the clash, Martyn, speaking to the Bayside Leader, did say he expects to field a very strong side against Marcellin.
“We had a couple of setbacks last week with two hamstrings, but hopefully they’ll be coming back with maybe a couple of other inclusions but we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
“We won’t give away too much.”
The players trained at Trevor Barker Oval on Tuesday night and will return to Boss James Reserve on Thursday evening for final training and selection night. All supporters are welcome to the club where the bar will be open from 6pm.
The winner on Saturday will advance straight through to the 2014 VAFA Premier C Grand Final and be promoted up to Premier B section for 2015 while the loser will have to front up again next week. It’s a huge game for the club and to earn promotion in as many years would be a massive achievement.
The club encourages the entire Rovers community to show their support and get down to Trevor Barker Oval (Beach Road, Sandringham) on Saturday. Wear green & gold – scarf’s will be available for purchase at the club on Thursday night. The Rovers will be in the visiting change rooms under the social club so we encourage all Rovers supporters to be at that end of the ground.
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Also on Saturday, the Under 19s will get things underway at 9:20am when they face third-placed De La Salle at Waverley Oval in East Malvern. After a slow start to the year, the young Rovers have won their past nine matches, defeating every side, including ladder-leaders Oakleigh last week.
The turnaround has been remarkable and Coach John Cesario is set to field another strong side as their finals campaign gets underway Saturday morning. All Rovers supporters are encouraged to get along and get behind the boys – entry is free.
There will be a post-match function held Saturday evening at the Hampton RSL, Holyrood St Hampton (due to another event being held at Boss James Reserve). Immediately following the Seniors game, everyone is welcome up to the Sandringham FC social rooms before heading to the Hampton RSL.
Stay up-to-date with all the finals action including on match-day on the Rovers website and social media. Like us on Facebook (hamptonrovers), follow us on Twitter (@HRAFC) and Instagram (hamptonrovers). Live scores will also be available on the Rovers mobile site (m.hamptonrovers.com.au).
#GOROVERS
Finals footy is here! The Seniors training at Sandringham tonight ahead of Saturday’s 2nd Semi Final v Marcellin pic.twitter.com/j4EhHiFjS8
— Hampton Rovers FC (@HRAFC) August 26, 2014
