Hampton Rovers have claimed the minor premiership, despite going down to Ormond by eight points in the final round of the home and away season at EE Gunn Reserve on Saturday.
In a game that meant nothing in regard to ladder positions, the Rovers made some six changes to the side with many regulars missing, with the home side resting a few also. Both teams now look ahead to the 2nd Semi Final next Saturday when the fierce rivals meet once more, for a spot in the decider and a return to the Premier sections of the VAFA. The venue has been confirmed as Elsternwick Park – the home of the VAFA which recently opened its new administration building including new player facilities and was also resurfaced earlier this season.
In freezing conditions at Ormond, the Rovers dominated early and were the better team in the first half, but it was the home side who finished stronger to claim the victory and finish equal on the points with Hampton.
It was all Hampton early on, kicking towards the social club end where the big pre-game luncheon was wrapping up. Ant Folino was prominent and Kyle Pinto back in the seniors for the first time since early in the season were making position and with the Chief dominant around the ground the goals flowed – five unanswered in all. Great to see youngsters in Oscar Roberts and Matty Rienerts taking marks, both Melenjaks out and about and Lachy Cairns in his first senior game since the overseas sojourn still looking comfortable with the game’s pace. By quarter time the Ormond boys had steadied but weren’t convincing.
The second quarter was just an arm wrestle. A swirling wind favouring the scoreboard made kicking difficult and while the Rovers continued with unusual accuracy, eight straight to half time, neither side was on top. There were some great individual efforts. Jack Zaina, having given away a free made a desperate effort as his opponent played on and won back the ball, Ant Folino was having a great quarter driving the ball our way. Chief, grabbed the loose ball from the ruck and snapped truly from 30m. Down back, Oscar took a couple of great intercept marks and big Pav crashed and bashed packs and opponents for a number of intercepts.
Ormond started the third quarter well, kicking the first two goals in just as many minutes. Hampton then steadied with goals to Cam Hetherington, after a great pass from Matt Rieniets and to Kyle Pinto downfield after Finn McMaster, having taken the courageous mark, was flattened by his opponent after he disposed of the ball. The Rovers backs held firm, not conceding a goal in 30 minutes of play.
For the first half of the last quarter, it was goal for goal and when the scores were level mid-way through the term, it looked as if the two sides may draw for a second time this season. However, Ormond started to get top. The Rovers backs were under more pressure as Ormond were winning the centre clearances and were looking tired. The home side seemed to goal with a little more ease. A great mark to Cam Hetherington in the dying minutes and goal was really the only highlight for the Rovers in the last quarter.
Ormond clearly had the better of the Rovers in the final quarter with 6.4 to 3.0. It’s been a while since the Rovers have been so accurate on the scoreboard. 13.1 for the game – compare that to last week where the boys kicked 6.16.
Ant Folino and Kyle Pinto both finished with three goals each and Cam Hetherington kicked two while Oscar Roberts was best for the Rovers.
HAMPTON ROVERS 5.0 8.0 10.1 13.1 (79)
ORMOND 3.1 5.3 7.5 13.9 (87)
Goal Kickers: A. Folino 3, K. Pinto 3, C. Hetherington 2, L. Cairns, M. Rieniets, M. Fletcher, B. Kneebush, J. Donald
Best Players: O. Roberts, B. Kneebush, A. Folino, L. Cairns, K. Pinto, M. Rieniets
The Rovers have 32 supporters at the Ormond luncheon today! Some sort of @VAFA_HQ record? Raising funds to support Brendan Robbins’ family following his sad passing recently. Two proud VAFA district clubs. #gorovers pic.twitter.com/6CVrKCAADN
— Hampton Rovers FC (@HRAFC) August 18, 2018
It was a similar story in the Reserves with both clubs assured of a top-two finish and a somewhat depleted Rovers side was soundly defeated by top-placed Ormond. Like the Seniors, focus now turns to the 2nd Semi Final next Saturday.
Great to see so many Rovers supporters at the Ormond Luncheon. Almost $2500 was raised for Hannah & Archer Robbins – partner & son of Brendan, who sadly passed away from cancer recently. From Ormond President Richard Simon: “What an amazing contribution by your committee, members and supporters yesterday, firstly, for the President’s Lunch (over 30 Hampton Rovers’ guests), and secondly, towards the fundraising for Hannah & Archer Robbins. Was the best coming together yesterday of two clubs in my five years as President of Ormond – the numbers at the Lunch, the numbers upstairs post-match, and the number of players from both teams upstairs post-match were highlights I take away. Was a magnificent camaraderie and genuine friendships in the room post-match between supporters and players.”
The Under 19s played their final game of the season and went down to third-placed Old Trinity by 47 points at Boss James Reserve. Benji Audige, Sam Raghdo and Jack Garrow were best for the Rovers while Callum Dodd kicked two goals. Read the full report >
THANKS TO OUR HELPERS
Seniors: Thanks to the Trainers, Max Grimmer and Billy Campbell for doing the stats, Gary Hetherington for goal umpiring, Kam Atkins for timekeeping, Adam McNeil for Runner duties, and Lachie Wheeler for running water.
Reserves: Thanks to the Trainers, Ken Duddy for Team Manager duties, Charlie Miles for timekeeping, Christian Harbour for goal umpiring, Nick Jewell for running water, and Michael Flahive for runner duties.
U19’s: Thanks to Jason Cave for interchange duties, the Trainers, Miranda Marron for Team Manager duties, Andy Donald for timekeeping, and Lachie Reynolds for Runner duties.
