The Rovers go into the two-week break on a positive note after recording their fifth win of the season, downing Mazenod by 12 points at Central Reserve on Saturday.
In cold and blustery conditions, Hampton started the game on fire, kicking four unanswered goals in the first eight minutes and eight for term to lead by 43 points at the first break. The Rovers would manage just three further goals for the game – one in each quarter, but managed to hold on.
The Rovers defeated Mazenod back in round one by 69-points and while going in as favourites, form has been up and down since opening day with injuries taking their toll on the side. A further five changes were made to the side for Saturday’s clash, with young guns and premiership players coming in including Christian Carnovale, Harry Hill, Harry Hodges and a senior debut for Mackie Robertson.
Hampton kicked with the aid of the four-goal wind in the first and Ned Fallon kicked the opening major of the game with aid of some goal line shepherding from Matt Robbins, this was quickly followed by a goal to Ed Turner and a brilliant goal from the boundary by Harry Hill before Leigh Fletcher collected a Kelso tap, ran the ball out of the middle at pace and slotted it through the middle from 50 out. Corp, Robbins, Clements and another to Robbins from the boundary extended the Rovers lead.
It was up there with the most dominant quarter of the year for Hampton as they controlled the contest, moved the ball with ease and converted. Charlie Kelso was outstanding in the ruck winning everything and the Rovers midfield dominated the centre clearances.
Big first quarter by the Rovers. Leading Mazenod by 43pts at qtr time. Against the wind now pic.twitter.com/uQ2vLIAfQC
— Hampton Rovers FC (@HRAFC) June 27, 2015
Mazenod managed four second-quarter goals but they didn’t look as dominant as the Rovers did in the first. The umpires were letting the play go with minimal free kicks awarded. Hampton was struggling to hold on to their big lead and the only goal against the wind for the term started with Robbins running the ball out of the backline and a pass from James Short to Sam Clements who kicked truly from a set-shot. Some brilliant defence by George Hillary and Rich Atkins prevented bringing Mazenod back further into the game.
At the main break, Hampton held a 24-point lead and while the supporters were hopeful of a big third term on the scoreboard, it didn’t eventuate with the home side cleaning up at the back. The Rovers had two more scoring shots but Maznod outscored the Rovers against the wind, kicking two goals to one. Matt Robbins kicked the only Rovers goal, from a set-shot. At the final break the margin was 21-points – the travelling supporters were nervous and it was anyone’s game.
The last quarter was an arm wrestle. Hampton did to Mazenod as they did in the third and while they narrowed the gap, the Rovers defence was standing firm and the longer the game progressed, it was evident the Rovers would hold on and secure the win. Again the Rovers kicked one goal against the wind and it was Harry Hill kicking truly. Danny Corp was very effective as the extra man in defence and Rich Atkins’ battle with his opponent in the last, who was their target, was sensational and while the honours were even, both players would have been in the best.
The youngers all stepped back in as if they were veterans. Christian and the two Harry’s all played well, as did the first-gamer Mackie Robertson. In the end, a fighting 12-point win which elevates the Rovers to fifth position on the VAFA Premier B ladder – two wins and percentage out of the four and two wins and percentage clear of relegation.
All senior Premier divisions of the VAFA have two weeks off to recoup. The break comes at a good time for the Rovers with several players set to return from injury following lay-off. Next up, the boys face local rivals Old Brighton at Brighton Beach Oval on July 18.
HAMPTON ROVERS 8.3 9.6 10.10 11.10 (76)
MAZENOD OC 1.2 5.6 7.7 9.10 (64)
Goal Kickers: M. Robbins 3, D. Corp 2, H. Hill 2, S. Clements, E. Turner, N. Fallon, L. Fletcher
Best Players: D. Corp, C. Carnovale, R. Atkins, G. Hillary, E. Turner, C. Kelso
In the early game, the Reserves recorded a brilliant 10-point victory which is just their second of the campaign. The Rovers kicked with the wind in the first time and at the first break scores were level at one goal each. Against it in the second, Hampton failed to score as the home side kicked two goals eight to give them a 20-point advantage. In the third, the Rovers midfield came into the game and three centre clearances by Jesse Donald resulted in a couple of quick goals and 5-1 for the quarter. At the final change the Rovers were down by a point and against the wind in the last. It wasn’t a promising scenario but the back six of Ollie & Nick Jewell, Cougs, Wheels, Kyal McNeil and Banger held firm and didn’t allow the Mazenod forwards any latitude. At the other end our forwards were working hard with Cain Malthouse finishing with three goals for the day, Mark Short very effective and Matty Innes getting a lot of the ball.
Charlie Miles featured in his first game back in a while and played well while the Steve Anderson and Lachie Wheeler kept on doing what they do best. Good to see Zeke Lewis continue his good form on his return to the Rovers and Matt Hartsuyker in the best in only his fourth game of Aussie Rules. All in all a great team effort which leaves the Reserves equal seventh, or last, depending on how you look at it!
At Boss James Reserve, the Under 19s thrashed Ormond by 51 points in the Grand Final replay. Tom Nicholls dominated up front again, kicking seven majors to go to 34 for the season. Darcy Merlo, Jack Stewart and Cam Jones were amongst the best. The U19s sit fifth on the ladder, equal on points with the two teams above them – Williamstown and Ormond. The U19s don’t have the week off and they take on Old Camberwell this Saturday at Boss James Reserve. Read the full match report >
Earlier, the Thirds went down to PEGS at the Boss with Tom Youl, Jack Massie and Ben Woodland best for the Rovers.
Seniors scoreworm:
