Hampton Rovers recorded a commanding 98-point victory over Ormond at EE Gunn Reserve on Saturday in a good day out for the club in which four from five teams got the win.
The senior men produced one of their most complete performances of the season to retain the Buxton Cup and improve their record to 7-2 at the half way point of the season, remaining firmly in the top two of the Premier C ladder.
Across the club it was a successful day, with victories also recorded by the Reserves, Under 19s and Thirds, while the Senior Women continued to show strong effort despite another tough assignment.
Senior Men
Against a strengthening breeze in the opening quarter, the Rovers made the perfect start. Goals to Charles Kilburn, Tommy Keyte and Jamie Delaney helped establish an early lead, while the defensive group led by Joel Melnjak and Jacob Gray restricted Ormond to a single goal.
Leading by 17 points at quarter time, Hampton made full use of the breeze in the second term. Kilburn took control inside forward 50, kicking three goals for the quarter, while youngster Toby Clarkson made an immediate impact with two majors. Corey Jones and Tommy Keyte also hit the scoreboard as the Rovers piled on 7.5 for the term to establish a commanding 58-point advantage at half time.
Ormond responded with the wind in the third quarter, kicking three goals, but the Rovers stood up strongly. Tommy Keyte added another major, while Hampton limited the damage and maintained a ten-goal lead heading into the final change.
Any hopes of an Ormond comeback quickly disappeared in the final term as the Rovers finished full of running. Lui Coughlin kicked the opening two goals of the quarter, Kilburn and Keyte continued their strong afternoons, while Dan Hall and Blake Jensen-Muir also hit the scoreboard. Sixteen-year-old Angus Aujard, who had spent much of the day in defence, was swung forward late and finished with two goals in an exciting cameo.
There were strong performances across every line. Liam O’Driscoll was influential in the ruck, the skipper Christian Carnovale led strongly through the middle, while several younger players continued their excellent development.
Blake Jensen-Muir was awarded the Barnes Family Medal as best afield, while the Rovers retained the Buxton Cup.
Ormond 1.2 2.2 5.4 6.6 (42)
Hampton Rovers 4.1 11.6 13.11 21.14 (140)
Goals: Charles Kilburn 4, Tommy Keyte 4, Lui Coughlin 3, Angus Aujard 2, Corey Jones 2, Ben Seddon, Blake Jensen-Muir, Dan Hall, Harry Block, Jamie Delaney, Toby Clarkson
Best: Blake Jensen-Muir, Lui Coughlin, Liam O’Driscoll, Toby Clarkson, Jake Seddon, Christian Carnovale
Senior Women
The Senior Women battled hard against Old Camberwell in their first game of the season at Boss James Reserve, but were unable to break through for a major, going down 3.9 (27) to 0.5 (5).
Despite the scoreboard, the Rovers remained committed throughout the four quarters and continued to compete strongly around the contest. Nadia Stockwell, Holly Lance and Bree Daniels were among the side’s best performers, while Mandy Naylor, Lola Davis and Zoe Hewlett also impressed.
Hampton Rovers 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.5 (5)
Old Camberwell 2.0 2.4 3.5 3.9 (27)
Best: Nadia Stockwell, Holly Lance, Bree Daniels, Mandy Naylor, Lola Davis, Zoe Hewlett
Reserves
The Reserves recorded another valuable victory, overcoming a slow start to defeat Ormond by seven points.
Trailing by 24 points in the second quarter, the Rovers gradually worked their way back into the contest before a seven-goal second half proved decisive. Ryan Leslie was outstanding, while Kai Carrigan and Cooper Becker-Valles were among several young players to impress.
Ormond 1.0 6.0 6.0 9.2 (56)
Hampton Rovers 1.5 2.6 7.8 9.9 (63)
Goals: Jake Klinkhamer 2, Ryan Leslie 2, Clinton Young, Cooper Becker-Valles, Daniel McCoy, Mason Carrigan, Scott Ebbott
Best: Ryan Leslie, Jack Cookesley, Kai Carrigan, Cooper Becker-Valles, Jake Klinkhamer, Cameron Carmeni
Thirds/Dev
In wet, muddy and windy conditions at West Brunswick, the Thirds produced a tough and determined performance to record a 22-point victory.
The difficult conditions suited the more experienced bodies, with Jesse Lovig and Richard Atkins proving particularly influential. Lovig controlled the air throughout the afternoon, while Atkins took several important marks, including a spectacular grab in the final quarter.
The defensive group was outstanding, restricting West Brunswick to just 1.2 after half time. John Ilias, Baxter Thomas and James Bull were also among the better performers, while Lucas Civitarese celebrated his 150th club game in style by kicking a goal before being chaired from the ground.
West Brunswick 3.4 3.6 4.8 4.8 (32)
Hampton Rovers 3.1 5.5 8.6 8.6 (54)
Goals: Darcy Merlo 2, Wilbur Derham 2, John Ilias, Lucas Civitarese, Mitchell Hall, Richard Atkins
Best: Jesse Lovig, John Ilias, Richard Atkins, James Bull, Mika Simnett, Baxter Thomas
Under 19s
The Under 19s continued their strong form with a 14-point win over Ormond in the first game of the triple-header at EE Gunn Reserve.
After trailing at half time, the Rovers responded strongly after the main break, kicking eight goals to four to run away with the contest. Billy Blazey was outstanding with three goals, while Massimo Champness and Charlie Steen were among the side’s leading performers.
Ormond 3.2 5.6 6.7 9.9 (63)
Hampton Rovers 2.7 3.7 8.9 11.11 (77)
Goals: Billy Blazey 3, Dougal McCartney 2, Felix Iacovantuono 2, Massimo Champness 2, Charlie Steen, Tobias Green
Best: Billy Blazey, Miller White, Charlie Steen, Will McKean, Massimo Champness
Next up
Attention now turns to a special day at Boss James Reserve this Saturday as Hampton Rovers host St Bedes/Mentone Tigers.
The club will celebrate its 250th consecutive home game luncheon, recognising more than two decades of continuous match day functions and supporter involvement.
Supporters, past players and friends of the club are encouraged to attend and be part of the milestone occasion. At just $40 per person, the luncheon continues to be one of the great traditions of VAFA football.
Bookings can be made online through the Hampton Rovers website or directly through Gary Nash.
You can view fixtures for all five teams here and ladders here.
