It was a day to forget the Rovers on Saturday, with a heavy defeat at the hands of second-placed Old Scotch in dull conditions at a soaked Boss James Reserve.
This was the fourth game in as many weeks against top four opposition and Hampton had played well in the three matches prior to Saturday, pushing Beaumaris and St Bedes/Mentone and defeating Old Haileybury. However the Rovers’ chances were dealt a blow with Danny Corp a late out and Guy Martyn, Sam Bradford, Nick Pavlou and TDL all out from the previous week.
Light rain fell throughout the entire game and the visitors handled the wet conditions far better and at times played as if it was dry. It was an ugly game on the eye and the Rovers failed to kick a goal until the third quarter. Scotch extended their 23 point quarter time lead to a 47 point lead at the main break, with seven goals on the board.
The Rovers just couldn’t get it going but Ben Kneebush kicked the home team’s first major in the third and that was followed up by Christian Carnovale. But another six for the term extended the opposition’s lead.
As light deteriated, the floodlights came on for the final term and the Rovers become increasingly frustrated with a bit of push and shoving going on. The visitors kicked another four majors without response in the last to win the game by 95 points. This is the first time in 35 years Old Scotch have played outside of Premier Section and they’re on a mission, trying to win the club’s first premiership in 38 years.
Jack Toouli and Christian Carnovale were best for the Rovers, working hard all day. But overall, a day to forget! Now it’s a much needed week off for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend before the local derby against Old Brighton at Brighton Beach Oval Saturday-week.
HAMPTON ROVERS 0.2 0.5 2.9 2.11 (23)
OLD SCOTCH 3.7 7.10 13.11 17.16 (118)
Goal Kickers: C. Carnovale, B. Kneebush
Best Players: J. Toouli, C. Carnovale, J. Lloyd, J. Pavlou, N. Smith, B. Traeger-Haig
Prior to the game, it was another great luncheon inside the warmth of the Wright-Scarlett Pavilion. It was the second of three Hall of Fame Luncheon’s and the club was delighted to induct Barry Bird, Darren McConville and Chris Rowston as the latest club legends into of the Hampton Rovers Hall of Fame.
