The Rovers faced a tough test at Boss James Reserve on Saturday against second-placed St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and it was the visitors who dominated after quarter time to win by 63 points.
Injuries and unavailability’s have made things difficult in recent weeks across all four senior sides and the firsts had further changes going in Saturday’s game with Martyn, Ting and Clements amongst the outs.
The Rovers put in a spirited performance in the first quarter with Danny Corp kicking the opening goal of the game 10 minutes in. The visitors didn’t register their first until late on and they kicked another before Ed Turner got one back. At the first break it was two each and Hampton trailing by two points.
St Bedes/Mentone began to take control of the contest in the second term, kicking seven goals to two to take a 35-point lead into half time. While the Rovers effort was there, it was the Tigers skill and ball movement that gave them the edge.
A seven goal to three second half sealed St Bedes’ third straight win and second spot on the Premier B ladder after 10 rounds while the Rovers remain in sixth position, two wins out of the top four.
Rich Atkins was best on for the Rovers along with Jesse Lovig, Matt Care and Kyle Docherty. Danny Corp and Josh Schmitz each kicked two goals.
Next week the Rovers face Mazenod in a must-win game at Central Reserve. It’s the final game before a two week break for the competition.
Before the seniors game on Saturday, there was another big lunch with over 80 people in attendance for the annual Sandringham Zebras-Hampton Rovers Luncheon. Guest speaker was champion Zebras goal kicker Nick Sautner.
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.2 4.3 5.6 7.8 (50)
ST BEDES/MENTONE 2.4 9.8 13.9 16.17 (113)
Goal Kickers: J. Schmitz 2, D. Corp 2, K. Docherty, E. Turner, B. Pewtress
Best Players: R. Atkins, J. Lovig, M. Care, K. Docherty, J. Donald, G. Hillary
Thanks to @hamptonrovers @sandyzebs – The best thing about memories is making them @VAFA_HQ @VFL pic.twitter.com/K4hMqpwYjA
— Nick Sautner (@NickSautner) June 20, 2015
The unavailability’s hit the Reserves hard and they were well and truly outplayed by the Tigers. Joel Emmins, Matt Hartsuyker and Ben Kezilas were best with Lachie DeLisle kicking two goals. The outs meant the Thirds unfortunately had to forfeit their game against Monash Blues.
The best news of the day was with the Under 19s, who went to Bulleen to face second-placed Old Carey. Despite having just 18 players at the first siren and gaining an extra player during the game, the boys put in a superb performance and got up by 13 points to get their season back on track. Best for the Rovers were James Massey, Darcy Merlo and Oliver Sweetapple-Gagiero. Nick Jackson and Jason Klein kicked two each.
Seniors scoreworm:
