The Seniors showed fight against Caulfield Grammarians at the Boss on Saturday, getting within 11 points before going down, while the Senior Women and U19’s continued their good form with victories.
It was a big day at Boss James Reserve with the annual Past Players Day attracting around 100 for the home game luncheon and more afterwards, with players from many eras in attendance. The club showed their support for FightMND in round 9 with players wearing Big Freeze 11 socks, while beanies were on sale inside the rooms – all in all, plenty of money raised for the charity.
Seniors
The Seniors are still searching for their first win after being promoted to a strong Premier B competition, with injuries and unavailability causing havoc for the Rovers. The side that took on Caulfield on Saturday has an average age of 22 – a promising sign for the future of the club.
The game got underway in blistery and chilly conditions with Hampton kicking towards the David Street end, favoured by the breeze. While the visitors kicked the first, the Rovers quickly responded through Jake Seddon and it was goal for goal until Will Walker gave the Rovers a 10-point advantage. The final two of the term went the way of Caulfield and they took a slender lead into quarter time.
That extended to a 26-point advantage at the main break following a five goal to two second term and an even third quarter had the margin just about the same at the final change with a quarter against the wind set to make things difficult.
Despite that, two early goals to the Rovers reduced the margin to just 11 points. The Rovers were on and the crowd, including the many past players inside the Wright-Scarlett Pavilion, lifted and were engaged in the contest. After a lack of scoring for give minutes, Caulfield went on to kick three of the final four goals of the game to walk away with a 34-point victory.
There were certainly many positives to take for the Rovers from the game as the boys continue to learn in what is a high standard of competition. The captain was best afield while Will Crawford and Chris Perkins were the multiple goalkickers with two each.
Hampton Rovers Senior Men’s: 3.4, 5.4, 7.5, 10.5 (65)
Caulfield Grammarians Senior Men’s: 4.2, 9.6, 10.10, 14.15 (99)
GOALS: W. Crawford 2, C. Perkins 2, B. Crothers 1, J. Seddon 1, L. O’Driscoll 1, Z. Ziesing 1, W. Walker 1, C. Carnovale 1
BEST: C. Carnovale, J. Seddon, L. Costello, L. O’Driscoll, O. Bater, J. Prosser
Hampton Rovers Reserve Men’s: 3.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.4 (34)
Caulfield Grammarians Reserve Men’s: 5.0, 8.5, 8.8, 15.12 (102)
GOALS: C. Kilburn 2, S. Horigan 1, Z. Raghdo 1, P. Somogyi 1
BEST: P. Somogyi, O. Donald, Z. Raghdo, S. Hegarty, C. Bennett, T. Goldsmith
Senior Women
The senior women continued their impressive form, recording a 48 point victory over local rivals Old Haileybury at Castlefield Reserve. A four goal second quarter was the difference as the girls put on nine for the game, and the margin could have been greater if some of the 16 behinds could have been converted. Grace Bonanno booted three for the Rovers while Meagan Miller was best. The win sees the Rovers remain in fourth position on the division one ladder, well on track for another finals appearance.
Hampton Rovers Senior Women’s: 2.3, 6.6, 8.11, 9.16 (70)
Old Haileybury Senior Women’s: 2.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 (22)
GOALS: G. Bonanno 3, B. Daniels 2, B. Kavanagh 1, T. Annear 1, E. Mori 1, H. Brodribb 1
BEST: M. Miller, C. Politarhis, H. Brodribb, T. Annear, G. Bonanno, G. Robertson
Under 19’s
The Rovers U19s made the long trek to Preston for an early 9:20am game, and walked away with a convincing 32 point victory against the team above them on the ladder. Mason Carrigan kicked four while Jake Taranto was best for the Rovers. After a tough start to the year, the boys have now won two on the trot and are starting to find some form. Hopefully a few more wins to will see them rise on the table following their regrading earlier in the year.
Preston Bullants U19 Men’s: 3.1, 5.2, 6.8, 7.8 (50)
Hampton Rovers U19 Men’s: 4.4, 7.8, 8.12, 11.16 (82)
GOALS: M. Carrigan 4, J. Haines 2, J. Gibson 1, H. Ockerby 1, b. mcgurgan 1, J. Delaney 1, S. Somogyi 1
BEST: J. Taranto, C. Friend, M. Carrigan, C. Steen, H. Ockerby
Thirds/Development Team
The Thirds/Development Team travelled to VAFAHQ to face Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park. While obviously down a few due to injuries up the chain, the boys battled hard, but OMs were too strong, running out easy victors. Darcy Merlo, Max Green, Jacob McLean worked hard for the Rovers.
Old Melburnians Thirds Men’s: 5.0, 8.5, 8.5, 8.5 (126)
Hampton Rovers Thirds Men’s: 0.3, 1.7, 1.7, 3.7 (25)
GOALS: N. Velten 1, N. Anderson 1, O. Anderson 1
BEST: D. Merlo, M. Green, J. McLean, K. Sharp, N. Velten, g. Lamb
Next Up
This week, the Seniors and Reserves take on Old Camberwell away from home at Gordon Barnard Reserve, the Senior Women are up against Monash Blues at the University and the Under 19s face another long early morning trip to take on Parkside at Pitcher Park. The Thirds are at home, taking on Parkside at Castlefield Reserve commencing at 10:00am.
