The Rovers Reserves got their first win of the year on Saturday, defeating Old Haileybury by 14 points at Princes Park.
A headline doing the rounds on Facebook Saturday evening was “Old Haileybury 4.2 defeated by Ed Turner 6.3”. Yes, ET hit the form that won him the Premier C goal kicking award a couple of years ago. Whether up forward or down back, he was everywhere in one of the clearest BOG displays of the season. His speed and aggression at the ball was a highlight and the celebrations were even better!
A new player debuted, Roland Di Biase – a strong midfielder who has great skills will no doubt quickly get a chance in the seniors. He’s come from St Kevin’s and won the VAFA U19 Premier league best & fairest last year. The backs led by Adam Power, Ben Kezilas and Jack Campion were having the better of their opponents. Brendan Culvenor has clearly overcome the knee issues and is improving with every game. Ned Fallon and Jack Lloyd, back in the twos after a week in the seniors were enjoying the slower pace of the early game.
At the main break, the Rovers had crept to a 16 point lead but the momentum seemed in our favour. Tim Jones, returning from injury, was getting into the play and Dave Morton was using his strength and speed to advantage and kept running through the Old Haileybury tacklers. Great to see Jack Zaina return to that U19 form of previous seasons and feature in the best.
The aggression and desperation of Mark Short in his attack on the ball and the player with the ball was impressive. No doubt his recent experience in the seniors has helped his game.
HAMPTON ROVERS 1.4-10 3.6-24 3.6-24 6.7-43
OLD HAILEYBURY 0.1-1 1.2-8 2.4-16 4.5-29
Goal Kickers: E. Turner 6
Best: E Turner, H. Graham, R Di Biase, D. Morton, J. Zaina, M. Short
