Rovers fall to Old Brighton on ANZAC Day

ByRovers Media

Hampton Rovers fell to their second defeat of the season on Saturday, going down to local rivals Old Brighton by 29 points at Boss James Reserve.

It was another tough test for the Rovers, like the previous week, facing another side relegated from Premier section of the VAFA. Despite the wet conditions, a big crowd was on hand for the first clash between the two sides since 2011.

Prior to the game, the sold-out ANZAC Day lunch was a great event with members from the Hampton RSL in attendance and good representation from Old Brighton. Two war veterans Bill Morecroft and Cyril DeWire were interviewed and Don Scarlett reminisced about his tour to Gallipoli a couple of years ago and put into perspective those things we have grown up with. That was followed by the ANZAC Day ceremony including the Last Post and Reveille by 13-year-old Lachlan Briggs and the National Anthem.

The Rovers weren’t disgraced and worked hard all day but it was the bigger-bodied Old Brighton who managed the wet conditions better. Jesse Lovig, Jay Dillion and Guy Martyn were all big outs for Hampton while Will McTaggart who had a good game last week returned to Sandringham with fellow-Zebra Alex Spencer coming into the side.

The visitors had kicked four goals to hold a three goal lead at the first break. Their key forward in three forward thrusts marked on the lead each time and kicked truly. He would go on to kick seven for the day. Coach Guy Martyn was concerned about the Rovers overuse of the footy with too many handballs and not enough direct play, while the tackle count was 27-17 in their favour.

Hampton stepped it up on the second term. Fast ball movement led to goals to Danny Corp, Kyle Docherty and Matt Robbins in quick succession.  This was followed by a goal to Josh McPherson, who showed all his speed and agility in popping through one on the run and the Rovers were in front by a few points mid-way through the term. As has happened in the past couple of weeks, the players relaxed for a few crucial moments and the momentum was interrupted. The ‘Tonners pounced and bagged two goals in as many minutes to take a nine point lead into half time.

The third quarter was tough, hard, uncompromising footy and by the 20 minute mark there was only 10 points in it. The Rovers appeared to take the foot off the pedal and in a four minute flurry, the opposition banged on four goals and it appeared game over.  Just on the siren, Ed Turner marked on the 50 and kicked truly but the margin was still 30 points.

Again injuries hit the Rovers late in the game and with only 19 available players in the fourth quarter it was going to take an almighty effort. Old Brighton flooded the backline in conditions that turned from drizzle to quite persistent rain, which made the going tough. While Hampton did manage to win the quarter, just, the visitors held on to record a 29-point victory. While the Rovers were good in patches, it wasn’t a four-quarter effort and the damage was done in the first and third terms where Old Brighton kicked 11 goals to five – the Rovers won the second and fourth quarters.

Sam Bradford had his best game since joining the club, he thrived in the conditions and was fast and elusive all day, slotting a few goals. Adam McNeil seemed to have a roving commission through the backline and was prominent, Fletch was up and about and had the better of his opponent and Josh McPherson is slowly regaining his 2014 form, also kicking three goals.

It gets no easier for the Rovers this Saturday, taking on another side expected to finish in the top three (along with the Rovers opponents in the previous two weeks) – taking on St Kevins at the redeveloped TH King Oval. Players and supporters will notice quite a difference since last visiting the venue back in 2011 with a brand new pavilion said to be one of the best in local footy.

HAMPTON ROVERS  1.1  5.5  9.6  11.8 (74)
OLD BRIGHTON  4.0  7.2  14.6  16.7 (103)
Goal Kickers: J. McPherson 3, S. Bradford 3, D. Corp, M. Robbins, K. Docherty, J. Ting, E. Turner
Best Players: S. Bradford, A. McNeil, S. MacGregor, K. Docherty, D. Corp, L. Fletcher

Watch: Full Match Replay | Highlights

The triple-header at Boss James Reserve got off to a great start for the Rovers, with the Under 19s defeating Old Carey by 29 points, to be the only remaining undefeated side in U19 section 3. Jack Stewart, Lachie Cairns who returned from the seniors, and Darcy Merlo were best for the Rovers with Cam Jones kicking three and captain Ryan Fogerty two. Read the full report >

The Reserves were outclassed by Old Brighton going down by ten goals. The depth of the clubs coming down from Premier section is a step above and while the Rovers worked hard, they couldn’t match the visitors quality. Lachlie DeLisle, Tim Jones and Jack Lloyd were best for the Rovers.

The Thirds unfortunately had to forfeit at PEGS after some confusion over the venue and time meant a full side wasn’t able to be fielded.

Seniors scoreworm:

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