The Hampton Rovers Under 19s had a great win over Old Xaverians on Saturday who were a game behind us and challenging for our position on the ladder.
The boys were facing their biggest test for the season. It was a seesawing game with neither side being able to get on top for any sustained period. Coach John Cesario said it was a great win with the scores virtually level at the final break, the Rovers managed to get on top in the last quarter and while we had 10 scoring shots to 3, we were only able to creep to a 13 point lead at the final siren.
The highlight of the day was full forward Tom Nicolls booting 8 goals for the day plus another 6 behinds – it could have been a record breaking effort. He was clearly best on ground. A welcome return to form for last year’s leading goal kicker in Campbell Jones who kicked 3 for the day.
Johnny was greatly impressed by Jimmy Benjamin’s attack on the ball and mentioned his third and fourth efforts in stopping the Xav’s forward thrusts – no doubt spurred on by his parent’s efforts at Thursday night Rover’s Dinner! Jack Zaina was hard at it all day and Sam Weatherby, after his debut in the seniors last week, found the going a bit easier and performed well. Unfortunately, we lose Sam as he heads off on an open ended overseas jaunt. Corey Jones, was a rock in defence and according to the coach his confidence grew as the game progressed.
The win leaves the Rovers one game out of the four with a must win game against Old Carey this week who are in second place on the ladder.
HAMPTON ROVERS 4.3 7.5 10.9 13.16 (94)
OLD XAVERIANS 2.3 6.6 10.8 12.9 (81)
Goal Kickers: T. Nicholls 8, C. Jones 3, D. Tocher 2
Best Players: T. Nicholls, J. Benjamin, D. Broadstock, J. Zaina, O. Sweetapple-Gagiero, C. Jones
