Hampton Rovers fell to their fourth defeat on Saturday, going down to Monash Blues in windy conditions at the University while the Under 19s got the win over Old Geelong.
Coach Owen Lalor fielded three debutants (Benji Audige, James Prosser & Ant Folino) while Jack Campion was a late call-up for Mat Care in what was his second senior game (played his first back in 2012). In all, nine players have played a total of 29 senior games making the current line-up surely one of the youngest and most inexperienced. Still, with some quality youngsters the future is bright for the club.
Once again, it was the second half that let down the Rovers. There was a strong wind blowing towards the forward pocket which Hampton were kicking towards in the first. Despite this, the Rovers failed to convert, kicking five behinds for the term. The home side kicked their first after 10 minutes and booted another four to lead by 26 points at the first break.
Monash kicked the first four in the second stanza before Hampton kicked their first of the contest, a great pass from Adam McNeil to Ant Folino who kicked truly from 25 metres. The home side who were taller and sharper, kicked the next three before Josh McPherson passed to Ben Kneebush who slotted the Rovers second. At half time the deficit was 57 points.
Owen put a plan in place and the Rovers came out playing much better in the third term, winning contests and with a few minutes remaining had kicked four goals to two thanks to three from Nath Smith and another to Sam Bradford. Monash then kicked the last two of the quarter to level the term.
Benji Audige in his senior debut was battling hard in the ruck against a far bigger, stronger and experienced opponent while down back, Rich Atkins, Adam McNeil and Sam Clements were all battling hard against bigger opposition. They were under immense pressure with bullet-like passes and strong hands making it hard going.
3qtr time: HR 6.8.44 Monash 16.6.102 https://t.co/cXGl6I7F1U pic.twitter.com/MsFjjou7z7
— Hampton Rovers FC (@HRAFC) April 30, 2016
Hampton kicked the first goal of the last quarter with Zach Donald passing to Nath Smith who kicked his fourth. Unfortunately Zach, showing great courage, was cleaned up by an opponent before this passage of play and that was his game done. After working hard to keep Monash goalless, they then managed a couple of easy goals.
The goal of the day started with an Atkins clearance to Cowboy to Jack Campion who seemed to head the ball to Corpy, who passed to Sammy Bradford who slotted the goal. Our best passage of play for the day. As they did in the third, Monash then kicked the last couple of goals of the quarter to just win the quarter, and the game by 66 points.
There were still a number of positives from the day. Jack Toouli did well in the midfield. He used his strength and guile to his advantage on many occasions and was a driving forces in clearances from the centre. Teaming with Christian Carnovale and Fletch, our midfield looked better as the game progressed.
This Saturday, the Rovers face the other winless side, Fitzroy, at Boss James Reserve.
HAMPTON ROVERS 0.5 2.6 6.8 9.10 (64)
MONASH BLUES 5.1 12.3 16.6 20.10 (130)
Goal Kickers: N. Smith 4, S. Bradford 2, D. Corp, A. Folino, B. Kneebush
Best Players: C. Carnovale, J. Toouli, N. Smith, A. McNeil, D. Corp, J. Lloyd
The Reserves were decimated by a bucks turn with a number of regulars unavailable and a couple of late withdrawals made things tougher. Good to see Steve Anderson and Matty Robbins come in and lend a hand. Also with Adam Power, Wheels and Kezilas, could this have been one of the older Rovers Ressies sides fielded in recent times
The Rovers started brightly. Two goals each had one point in it at the first break before the home side increased their lead to 15 points at the main break. In the tricky conditions, a 10 minute lapse saw Monash kick four goals and extend their lead. Things weren’t going the Rovers way and a few questionable goals in the last sealed it. Hamish Graham was best on for the Rovers while Matt Robbins was the only multiple goal kicker with two.
The Under 19s played Old Geelong at Como Park at the early kick-off time of 9:20am. John Cesario had to shuffle his side with nine U19 players suiting up for the Seniors. It was clearly left to the old heads in Darcy Merlo, Corey Jones and Matty Oswald to take up the reins and they did. All played great games in a fighting win against the boys from Old Geelong. Finn Garraway-McMaster down from the seniors enjoyed the greater freedom of the U19s and slotted three goals.
The coach gave the best on ground award to Sean Bourke by a head from Cam Cullis. Great effort by Sean in his first U19 game for the club.
This Saturday, it’s a big Triple-Header at Boss James Reserve with the U19s kicking-off the action at 9:20am against Marcellin. The Reserves follow at 11:40am and Seniors 2:00pm v Fitzroy. With Mother’s Day the following day, it’s our annual Ladies Luncheon which is always a big one – book now to secure your spot. And later that evening, it’s the first senior function of the year – Ladies Night! Details >
Seniors scoreworm:
