Hampton Rovers enjoyed a memorable Saturday at Boss James Reserve, highlighted by a strong senior men’s win over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and a special Home Game Luncheon celebrating one of the club’s great traditions.
The luncheon recognised the remarkable run of 250 consecutive home game lunches held by the Rovers over many years, with another strong attendance of almost 90 inside the Wright-Scarlett Pavilion as we heard from past president’s and caterers on what makes the Rovers match day tradition so good.
On the field, it was also a successful weekend across the club, with four wins from five matches including victories to the senior men, senior women, thirds and under 19s.
Senior Men
The senior men produced one of their most impressive wins of the season, defeating fellow finals contender St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 31 points to strengthen their position in the Premier C top two.
With both sides entering the round vying for a spot in the top four with one win separating them, the stage was set for an important contest at Boss James Reserve in perfect conditions for footy. The Rovers were forced into a late change before the opening bounce, with Mason Carrigan called into the senior side for his first game.
Carrigan’s debut proved one of the stories of the afternoon. After overcoming a serious eye injury suffered several years ago, the young Rover grabbed his opportunity with both hands, producing a dynamic performance around the ground and finishing with three goals in a memorable first senior appearance.
The opening quarter belonged to the visitors, who burst out of the blocks with the first three goals before Hampton settled into the contest. Blake Jensen-Muir sparked the response with the Rovers’ first goal, before Christian Carnovale and Josh McPherson added majors to edge Hampton in front. A late St Bedes goal saw the Tigers take a narrow six-point lead into the first break.
The coaching staff urged the players to stay committed to their game plan despite some missed tackles and basic errors, and the response was immediate. Hampton exploded in the second term, kicking six goals to two as William Crawford, Carnovale, Mason Carrigan, Toby Clarkson and others capitalised on the midfield’s dominance. Behind the ball, Joel Melnjak and Jacob Gray continually repelled St Bedes attacks, while the reliable James Keys repeatedly cleaned up loose balls before launching attacks with his precise left foot.
Leading by 18 points at half time, the Rovers were challenged early in the third quarter as the Tigers kicked the opening two goals to close the margin. Hampton responded through Dan Hall before Crawford produced a decisive burst with consecutive goals. Liam O’Driscoll also hit the scoreboard as the home side regained control to lead by 27 points at the final change.
The Rovers quickly put the result beyond doubt in the final quarter. Crawford kicked his fourth, McPherson added his second, while Hampton piled on the opening three goals of the term to stretch the lead beyond 40 points. Although St Bedes finished with the final three goals, the contest had already been decided as the Rovers recorded a convincing 16.11 (107) to 12.4 (76) victory.
It was another outstanding team performance. Lui Coughlin was influential throughout, skipper Christian Carnovale led from the front, Angus Aujard continued his impressive development, Dan Hall provided plenty of drive, while Max Blackie successfully carried out an important tagging role. First-gamer Mason Carrigan capped a dream debut with three goals and was among the side’s best performers.
Hampton Rovers 3.2 9.3 13.7 16.11 (107)
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 4.2 6.3 9.4 12.4 (76)
Goals: William Crawford 4, Christian Carnovale 3, Mason Carrigan 3, Joshua McPherson 2, Blake Jensen-Muir, Dan Hall, Liam O’Driscoll, Toby Clarkson
Best: Lui Coughlin, Christian Carnovale, Angus Aujard, Dan Hall, Max Blackie, Mason Carrigan
Senior Women
The Senior Women recorded their second win of the season with a brilliant 7.1 (43) to 1.8 (14) victory over MCC FC.
Playing at Beaumaris Secondary College, the Rovers produced a determined and team-first performance against MCC, with the defensive group standing up strongly early under pressure.
Sofia Oriti, Ava Jenkins, Sadie Ockerby and Zoe Hewlett were important behind the ball, while the midfield group of Nadia Stockwell, Matilda Brown, Kristy Ebbott and Zara Rayner worked hard to turn the momentum. Greta Robertson kicked two goals, while Audrey Davis finished with three in a standout performance.
The Rovers held MCC goalless through the opening three quarters, and when MCC pushed hard late, Hampton defended strongly before finishing the game with important goals to seal a well-earned win.
MCC FC 0.1 0.3 0.5 1.8 (14)
Hampton Rovers 3.0 3.1 4.1 7.1 (43)
Goals: Audrey Davis 3, Greta Robertson 2, Elissa Mori, Mandy Naylor
Best: Kristy Ebbott, Nadia Stockwell, Mandy Naylor, Audrey Davis, Sofia Oriti, Ava Jenkins
Reserves
The Reserves were defeated by St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, 10.9 (69) to 5.3 (33) in the early game at Boss James Reserve.
The Rovers started well and were right in the contest at quarter time, but the Tigers gradually gained control across the middle stages and extended their advantage after half time.
Eliot Jurdukian kicked two goals, while Jake Taranto, Jack Garrow, Hugo Lay and Peter Somogyi were among the Rovers’ best.
Hampton Rovers 3.0 4.2 4.2 5.3 (33)
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 3.2 5.3 7.5 10.9 (69)
Goals: Eliot Jurdukian 2, Hugo Lay, Jake Klinkhamer, Peter Somogyi
Best: Jake Taranto, Jack Garrow, Hugo Lay, Peter Somogyi, Oscar Donald, James Bull
Thirds
The Thirds/development team recorded an impressive 28-point win over ladder leaders AJAX on Sunday, continuing their strong recent form.
The Rovers started brilliantly, kicking five goals in the opening quarter to build a strong early lead. Mitch Hall was dangerous forward, while Richard Atkins later made his presence felt on the scoreboard with four goals.
AJAX pushed hard in the final quarter and reduced the margin, but Hampton steadied late to regain control and finish with a 12.8 (80) to 8.4 (52) victory.
Oscar Donald, Lucas Sharp and Mika Simnett all made strong contributions, while Lucas Civitarese continued his good form following his 150th club game celebrations the previous week. Baxter Thomas was also important in defence, with the Rovers holding AJAX to five goals across the first three quarters.
AJAX 2.1 3.3 5.3 8.4 (52)
Hampton Rovers 5.2 8.3 9.6 12.8 (80)
Goals: Richard Atkins 4, Mitchell Hall 3, Angus Zufic, James Bull, Jonas Eccles, Lucas Sharp, Oscar Donald
Best: Oscar Donald, Richard Atkins, Mika Simnett, Lucas Civitarese, Lucas Sharp, Mitchell Hall
Under 19s
The Under 19s continued their strong season with a 15-point win over St Kevin’s at TH King Oval.
The Rovers led at every change and were able to hold off St Kevin’s after building a handy advantage by half time. Benjamin Weeks kicked two goals, while a good spread of contributors helped Hampton to a 9.11 (65) to 7.8 (50) victory.
St Kevin’s 1.3 3.6 5.8 7.8 (50)
Hampton Rovers 2.4 5.7 7.9 9.11 (65)
Goals: Benjamin Weeks 2, Cohen Friend, Gilbert Etienne, Harry Ockerby, Joshua Haines, Massimo Champness, Miller White, Thomas Molz
Best: Will McKean, Miller White, Campbell Hardie, Benjamin Weeks, Cohen Friend
Next up
The senior men face one of their biggest tests of the season this Saturday when they travel to Brunswick Street Oval to take on ladder leaders and undefeated Fitzroy in a blockbuster Premier C clash. Elsewhere, the Senior Women return home to host Richmond Central at Boss James Reserve, with the Thirds also at home hosting Marcellin. See all the fixtures here.
Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting events still to come across the remainder of the season. Past Players Day will be held at our next home game on Saturday 25 July with the Luncheon from 12 noon, before the annual $2K Night kicks off from 6pm that evening. Tickets for both events are available now through the Hampton Rovers website. Two home game luncheons follow to round out the season.
The popular Domino Luncheon returns on Friday 21 August, celebrating its 30th anniversary with AFL legend Dermott Brereton as special guest speaker. Tickets are now on sale through the Hampton Rovers website.
