Hampton Rovers produced an impressive senior men’s performance on Saturday, defeating previously undefeated Mazenod by 47 points in a top four Premier C clash at Central Reserve.
The victory improved the Rovers’ record to 4-1 for the season and reinforced their position among the leading teams in the competition heading into next week’s clash against Marcellin at home.
Senior Men
The senior men produced one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating Mazenod 14.15 (99) to 7.10 (52) in a dominant performance away from home.
With a strong focus on applying pressure early and taking control through the midfield, the Rovers made an outstanding start, piling on the opening four goals of the game within the first 10 minutes. The midfield combination of Christian Carnovale, Josh Hudghton, Zach Ziesing and Lachlan Costello controlled the contest early, while the defensive group stood strong behind the ball.
Harry Ockerby responded strongly after being challenged pre-game, providing great energy inside forward 50 and finishing with three goals in an influential display. Tommy Keyte was also outstanding throughout the afternoon, continuing his strong form despite carrying a knock during the second half.
The Rovers led by 23 points at quarter time and maintained control against the wind through the second term, restricting Mazenod’s scoring opportunities while continuing to generate chances forward of centre.
After half time, the Rovers put the game beyond doubt with a dominant third quarter. The Rovers kicked six goals for the term and repeatedly won key contests around the ground, with Charles Kilburn, Corey Jones and Max Blackie all applying strong forward pressure.
By three quarter time, the margin had blown out to 63 points before Mazenod responded late in the final term with several goals. However, the Rovers remained composed to complete an important away victory against one of the competition’s benchmark sides.
Liam O’Driscoll was influential up forward with four goals, while William Crawford added another five-goal haul. Josh Hudghton, Lachlan Costello, James Keys and Tommy Keyte were among the side’s best contributors across the afternoon.
Next up this Saturday, the Rovers host Marcellin at Boss James Reserve. View all of this week’s fixtures here.
Hampton Rovers 5.2 6.6 12.14 14.15 (99)
Mazenod 1.3 2.5 3.5 7.10 (52)
Goals: Harry Ockerby 3, Tommy Keyte 3, Charles Kilburn 2, Liam O’Driscoll 2, Corey Jones, Lui Coughlin, Max Blackie, William Crawford
Best: Tommy Keyte, Josh Hudghton, Lachlan Costello, Charles Kilburn, James Keys, Harry Ockerby
Senior Women
The Senior Women were defeated by Richmond Central by 9 points at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, however the performance was one of the strongest of the season so far for the Rovers. Taking on one of the competition’s leading teams, the Rovers produced a determined four-quarter effort and held Richmond Central to just two points across the entire second half through relentless defensive pressure and strong work around the contest.
After trailing early, the Rovers gradually worked their way into the game and were able to significantly limit Richmond Central’s ability to generate momentum. The pressure around the ball and defensive accountability across the ground were standout features of the performance, with the side continuing to show strong improvement week by week.
Grace Bonanno kicked the Rovers’ only goal, while Holly Lance, Kera Galaminda Gellar, Bianca Lenarcic, Olive Tuppen, Shae Raywood and Lola Davis were all important contributors. The match also marked a special milestone for Holly Lance, who celebrated her 50th game for the club. Lance again led from the front with her toughness, defensive pressure and ability to continually work between defence and the midfield. While the scoreboard didn’t fall the Rovers’ way, the continued growth in skill, confidence and connection across the group was evident throughout the afternoon.
Richmond Central 2.1 2.3 2.4 2.5 (17)
Hampton Rovers 0.0 0.1 1.1 1.2 (8)
Goals: Grace Bonanno
Best: Holly Lance, Kera Galaminda Gellar, Bianca Lenarcic, Olive Tuppen, Shae Raywood, Lola Davis
Reserves
The Reserves were defeated by a strong Mazenod outfit, 13.10 (88) to 5.3 (33).
After a slow start, the Rovers worked hard to remain competitive throughout the game, with several players continuing to battle strongly despite the scoreboard.
Nick Murnane and Peter Somogyi each kicked two goals, while Jake Taranto and Damon O’Shea were among the better contributors.
Mazenod 3.3 7.4 12.7 13.10 (88)
Hampton Rovers 0.0 2.0 3.1 5.3 (33)
Goals: Nick Murnane 2, Peter Somogyi 2, Damon O’Shea
Best: Jake Taranto, Damon O’Shea, Cameron Carmeni, Oscar Donald, Darcy Lyon, Peter Somogyi
Under 19s
The Under 19s suffered their first loss of the season, going down to Old Haileybury 11.9 (75) to 7.6 (48) in their first match following promotion up to Division 1 South.
The Rovers remained competitive for much of the contest against strong opposition, trailing by four points at quarter time before Old Haileybury gradually extended their lead across the afternoon.
The club’s promotion to Division 1 South follows an outstanding start to the season, with the current ladder to be updated by the VAFA in coming days to reflect the Rovers’ four wins recorded prior to regrading.
Hampton Rovers 4.4 4.4 7.4 7.6 (48)
Old Haileybury 3.2 6.6 8.6 11.9 (75)
Goals: Benjamin Weeks 2, Angus Zufic, Charlie Steen, Dougal McCartney, Felix Iacovantuono, Zach Newton
Best: Massimo Champness, Valentino Montebelli, Tobias Green, Gideon Ziesing, Benjamin Weeks
Thirds
The Thirds suffered a narrow three-point defeat to MHSOB, falling 6.1 (37) to 4.16 (40), however the club awaits the official result from the VAFA due to the circumstances surrounding the conclusion of the match.
After trailing early, the Rovers worked their way back into the contest during the third quarter and reduced the margin to just two points at the final break before narrowly falling short when the final siren sounded.
MHSOB 2.4 3.8 3.14 4.16 (40)
Hampton Rovers 1.0 3.0 5.0 6.1 (37)
Goals: John Ilias, Jonas Eccles, Mitchell Hall, Oscar Beaton
Best: Marco Giampa, Baxter Thomas, John Ilias, Jonas Eccles, James Bull, Marc Le Miere
Bookings are now open for this Saturday’s Home Game Luncheon when the Rovers host Marcellin at Boss James Reserve, where we’ll celebrate the 2001 Premiership, as well as the 1951 and 1946 flags. Book your spot now and show your support for the club by purchasing a 2026 Club Membership if you haven’t done so already.
