The Seniors recorded a gritty win over Mazenod at a wet Trevor Barker Oval, while the U19s knocked off the undefeated top side, in what was another great day for the club which included 110 in attendance at the Premiership reunion luncheon.
The main game was a hard-fought affair, what we’ve come accustomed to against the Nodders. The first quarter was hard, tough footy and while the scoreboard showed the visitors had kicked 4 straight – 3 of those goals came in the last few minutes of the quarter. The irony was that the Rovers had 8 scoring shots to their 4.
After some direct words from the coach at quarter time, the boys came out on fire. The backline, who have been our strength all season, held firm and while we put 4.4 to 2.1 but again their 2 goals came in the 33rd and 34th minutes of the quarter! There was some great play up forward – Clinton Young holding his opponent at bay managed a deft flick out to Ant Folino who gobbled the loose ball and ran into the open goal, a few minutes later Clinton again held position and Jamie Delany swooped for a goal from the square. Finally, Ant Folino in a great small forward move, roved the ball off the pack and kicked truly. Still our kicking was letting us down, 6.10 could have easily been 10.6 and it would have been game over at the main break.
Down back, VDS had control of his opponent, Oscar was playing his role and offering the exit option, Jack Garrow and Austin Parker were looking comfortable and Lucas Sharpe back in after a couple of games in the ressies was at his best and in the end picked up one of the coaches awards at the post-game function. Joel Melnjak was just doing what he does best. Our mids were fighting hard, Chris Perkins getting more of the ball with each game, Dillon Melnjak delivering as per usual, Tom Ellinghaus gaining confidence in the ruck with each outing and the skipper despite being closely marked was getting enough of the ball to have an impact. Max Coughlin, nowhere near as dominant as last week, but was still having an influence on the game. Unfortunately, we lost Josh Docking to an ankle injury late in the first quarter and he took no further part in the game – his one goal in the first quarter was a gem.
The third quarter was another slog as the average conditions continued. Clinton marked strongly early for a goal and that was the only major of the quarter. Hampton won the quarter 1.3 to 0.3, but again, wayward kicking was not helping our cause.
An early goal by the Nodders at the start of the last spurred the Rovers into action and three quick goals, two by Jamie Delaney and one, a set shot by Corey Jones took the lead out to 23 points which was maintained for the rest of the game.
The Rovers now take a two-week break, with representative football this weekend, sitting third on the Premier C ladder. The skipper Christian Carnovale was unlucky to miss out on a spot in the Premier Big V team, and has since pulled out of the Prem B-Div 3 team to rest the body. Josh Docking and Kai Carrigan are in the South team for the U19 Showcase at Elsternwick Park on Saturday, which is coached by Rovers U19 coach Paul Carrigan.
Hampton Rovers 2.6-18 6.10-46 7.13-55 10.15-75
Mazenod 4.0-24 6.1-37 6.4-40 8.4-52
Best: Dillon Melnjak, Jamie Delaney, Chris Perkins, Jack Garrow, Lucas Sharp, Max Van der Straaten
Goals: Jamie Delaney 3, Clinton Young 3, Ant Folino 2, Josh Docking 1, Corey Jones 1
Four of five teams recorded victories on Saturday with only the Thirds going down, as the Senior men and women and reserves all downed Mazenod. See below for all the scores and a wrap from another big luncheon.
UNDER 19s
A super win by the Rovers U19s, inflicting top-side St Bernard’s first loss of the season, in the wet at the Boss. The Rovers got themselves a handy lead but despite a strong finish by the visitors, managed to hold on for a five point victory.
Hampton Rovers 11.9-75
St Bernards 11.4-70
Best: Kai Carrigan, Zachary Ziesing, Stefan Somogyi, Charles Kilburn, Charlie McSwain
Goals Charles Kilburn 3, Jake Grima 3, Charlie McSwain 2, Kai Carrigan 1, Nathan Astill 1, Zack Ziesling 1,
SENIOR WOMEN
Mazenod 1.6-12
Hampton Rovers 6.2-38
Best: Matilda Clarkson, Isabella Cameron, Kiera Geddes, Olive Tuppen, Harmoni Collins, Pearl Daniel-Reid
SENIOR RESERVES
Hampton Rovers 10.12-72
Mazenod 5.7-37
Best: Scott Ebbott, Ryan Leslie, Adrian Hug, Jacob Gray, Peter Somogyi, Duncan McKenzie
Goals: Adrian Hug 3, Ryan Leslie 2, Nick Murnane 2, Andrew Woolston 2, Dan Field 1
THIRDS/DEVELOPMENT
Hampton Rovers 7.2-42
Glen Eira 14.10-94
Best: Oliver Anderson, Koby Upton, MJ Green, Eoin O’Mahony, Matt Dixon, Billy Klein
By midday the anticipated crowd had started to assemble at Sandy by the Bay for the Premiership Reunion Home Game Luncheon – the 2014 Senior and Under 19 Premierships as well as a 5 year reunion for the 2019 team. It was great to see a big turn up of the 2014 senior premiership side. Of that side just the two current players are still pulling on the boots – Christian Carnovale and Josh McPherson – clearly 10 years is a long time in football! Similarly, for the 2014 Under 19s the only players still going around are Corey Jones, Lachy Cairns and Ryan Fogarty is still involved as an Assistant Coach of the seniors.
There are only two home games remaining – meaning only two Home Game Luncheon’s remaining at Sandringham! They are on July 27 and August 3 – save the dates and don’t miss out. Bookings are now open for Round 13 against Monash.
