As expected, the Hampton Rovers made light work of struggling Ivanhoe at Boss James Reserve on Saturday, to remain on top of the ladder after round 11.
It was a high scoring first term with Hampton kicking goals from everywhere – 11 majors in total including five to Speedy McPherson while Ivanhoe managed to kick three of their own but still trailed by 48 points.
Rovers lead Ivanhoe 11.2.68 – 3.2.20 at quarter time. Follow the live scores here: https://t.co/yoYUNPwML8 pic.twitter.com/OEn52mFKGJ
— Hampton Rovers FC (@HRAFC) June 23, 2018
The scoring slowed down from that point on. Three in the second term, two in the third and five goals in the last to boost the tally to 21 for the game. 20 behinds again demonstrated the lack of accuracy in front of the sticks, but 146 was still an impressive total.
The visitors kicked three goals after quarter time and the final margin was 103 points as the lights brightened an otherwise dark Boss James Reserve.
Coach Anthony Quon was happy with his side’s performance, despite slowing after the first break.
“It was a pleasing start kicking 11 goals. But the seconds and third term we dropped our intensity a little.”
“However, Ivanhoe’s pressure was very good over the whole game. It was pleasing to win well in the end as we head into a tough game against Therry Penola next week.”
Full time: HR 21.20.146 def. Ivanhoe 6.7.43 pic.twitter.com/DF9XUMQrJ8
— Hampton Rovers FC (@HRAFC) June 23, 2018
Josh McPherson finished with seven goals, while Ant Folino booted five himself including a couple of impressive finishes. Cam Hetherington kicked four and Richard Atkins two.
Adam Schaeche, Daniel Corp & Michael Chief Fletcher returned to the side, adding experience and size. Named in the best for the Rovers were Ned Fallon, Shem Curry and Speedy.
Many of the 1998 Premiership side were in attendance as they had their 20-year reunion on the day and it was great to see them in the rooms following the win as the boys sang the song.
Next up, the Rovers are away to fourth-placed Therry Penola at John Pascoe Reserve in Oak Park. Sure to be a tough game at their home ground.
HAMPTON ROVERS 11.2 14.9 16.12 21.20 (146)
IVANHOE AFC 3.2 4.3 5.5 6.7 (43)
Goal Kickers: J. McPherson 7, A. Folino 5, C. Hetherington 4, R. Atkins 2, M. Bergman, N. Fallon, C. Jones
Best Players: N. Fallon, S. Curry, J. McPherson, A. Schaeche, A. Folino, J. Broadley
Earlier in the day, the Reserves ran out easy 143-point winners over a stretched Ivanhoe outfit. The Rovers piled on 26 goals with Nick Jackson again staring in front of the sticks with seven majors. Charlie Miles kicked four while Doug Ballard was best on ground.
The Senior Women faced Old Haileybury at Princes Park Caulfield and despite leading at half time, weren’t strong enough to maintain the lead, going down by 10 goals. Tarryn Hurst kicked three goals for the Rovers and Nicky Clarke was best for the green & gold.
The Under 19s were undermanned in their contest against Marcellin away from home and went down by nine goals. Jack Rayner contributed well with four goals and Scott Ebbott best afield for the Rovers.
The Thirds had a bye after North Brunswick forfeited on Friday, meaning the Rovers collect the four points but unfortunately miss out on any gain in percentage. The Rovers remain in fourth position on the ladder, equal with the teams in second and third, with five rounds remaining.
