Hampton Rovers endured a challenging Saturday across the club, with the Thirds/Development team recording the club’s only victory in a weekend highlighted by a tough Premier C clash against Parkdale Vultures at Boss James Reserve.
Despite the results, the day once again showcased the strong spirit of the club, with the Home Game Luncheon raising awareness for FightMND and guests hearing from FightMND CFO Geoff McQueen about the incredible work being undertaken in the fight against motor neurone disease, with a strong attendance across day.
Senior Men
The senior men were defeated by Parkdale Vultures, 13.6 (84) to 5.12 (42), in a top four Premier C encounter in wintery conditions at Boss James Reserve.
Coming off the King’s Birthday bye and missing some key players through injury and travel, the Rovers faced a Parkdale side that had rediscovered its early-season form, spearheaded by the return of former AFL player Mitch Brown.
The Vultures made a flying start, kicking the opening five goals of the game to establish a 30-point advantage midway through the first quarter. The Rovers responded strongly, with Tommy Keyte kicking two goals late in the term before another major from Clinton Young reduced the margin to just nine points at the first break.
However, Parkdale gradually regained control of the contest during the second quarter. The Rovers were unable to add to their quarter-time score, while the Vultures kicked four goals to open up a 35-point lead at half time.
The home side continued to battle hard after the main break and created opportunities in front of goal, but inaccurate kicking proved costly (seven behinds). Max Blackie’s late goal provided a bright spot during the third term, although Parkdale maintained a sizeable advantage heading into the final quarter.
While the Rovers never stopped competing, Parkdale added two early goals in the final term to effectively seal the result before Hampton added a late major.
Tommy Keyte continued his excellent season with another two goals, while Lui Coughlin, James Keys, Jacob Gray and Ben Seddon were among the Rovers’ better performers.
Hampton Rovers 3.3 3.3 4.10 5.12 (42)
Parkdale Vultures 5.0 9.2 11.5 13.6 (84)
Goals: Tommy Keyte 2, Charles Kilburn, Clinton Young, Max Blackie
Best: Lui Coughlin, James Keys, Jacob Gray, Joshua McPherson, Christian Carnovale, Ben Seddon
Next up, the Rovers face Ormond away at EE Gunn Reserve on Saturday.
Senior Women
The Senior Women went down to De La Salle, 5.12 (42) to 2.1 (13).
The Rovers remained competitive throughout much of the contest and trailed by just eight points at half time before De La Salle extended its lead after the main break.
Grace Bonanno and Greta Robertson kicked the Rovers’ goals, while Holly Lance and Olive Tuppen were again among the side’s strongest contributors.
Hampton Rovers 0.0 1.0 1.0 2.1 (13)
De La Salle 2.1 2.2 5.8 5.12 (42)
Goals: Grace Bonanno, Greta Robertson
Best: Holly Lance, Greta Robertson, Olive Tuppen, Lola Davis, Bianca Lenarcic, Grace Bonanno
Reserves
The Reserves were defeated by Parkdale Vultures, 13.10 (88) to 8.1 (49).
The Rovers started brightly, kicking five goals to none during the opening quarter with the aid of the wind to establish an early lead. However, Parkdale worked its way back into the contest during the second term before gradually taking control in the second half.
Nick Murnane continued his strong form in front of goal with three majors, while Duncan McKenzie and Mason Carrigan were among the Rovers’ best.
Hampton Rovers 5.0 6.0 7.1 8.1 (49)
Parkdale Vultures 3.2 7.8 8.9 13.10 (88)
Goals: Nick Murnane 3, Eliot Jurdukian, Lucas Rankine, Luke Boccari, Mason Carrigan, Ryan Leslie
Best: Duncan McKenzie, Cameron Carmeni, Mason Carrigan, Jack Garrow, Lucas Rankine, Jack Cookesley
Thirds / Development
The Thirds provided the highlight of the day with a strong 24-point victory over second-placed Beaumaris.
After establishing an early lead, the Rovers controlled proceedings throughout the afternoon and restricted Beaumaris to just three goals for the match.
Darcy Merlo led the way with three goals, while Jesse Lovig and John Ilias were among the side’s best performers.
Beaumaris 1.1 2.3 2.5 3.8 (26)
Hampton Rovers 5.2 5.6 7.8 7.8 (50)
Goals: Darcy Merlo 3, Richard Atkins 2, John Ilias, Oliver Anderson
Best: Jesse Lovig, Nicholas Crosbie, Darcy Merlo, Archie Steedman, John Ilias
Under 19s
The Under 19s showed plenty of encouraging signs despite a 36-point defeat to the top-of-the-table Old Melburnians in the wet and under the lights.
After trailing early, the Rovers worked their way into the contest and remained competitive against one of the strongest sides in Division 1 South.
Charlie Steen and Felix Iacovantuono each kicked two goals, while Massimo Champness and Tobias Green continued their impressive seasons.
Hampton Rovers 0.2 3.3 5.5 6.8 (44)
Old Melburnians 4.5 7.6 10.8 11.14 (80)
Goals: Charlie Steen 2, Felix Iacovantuono 2, Angus Gunn, Dougal McCartney
Best: Massimo Champness, Tobias Green, Benjamin Celantano, Hamish Costello, Will McKean
