Hampton Rovers faced a tough test on Saturday, with the senior men and reserves travelling to Brunswick Street Oval to take on undefeated ladder leaders Fitzroy, while the Senior Women and Thirds were in action at Boss James Reserve.
The Thirds provided the winning highlight of the day with a strong victory over Marcellin, while the senior men showed plenty for much of the contest before Fitzroy broke the game open in the third quarter.
Senior Men
The seniors were defeated by Fitzroy, 15.10 (100) to 8.7 (55), in a high-pressure clash at Brunswick Street Oval.
The game opened at a frenetic pace, with both sides attacking the contest strongly. Fitzroy made the early running, but the Rovers settled into the match as the first quarter progressed. Harry Block provided plenty of run on the wing, while Will Crawford and Charles Kilburn both looked dangerous forward of centre.
Hampton trailed by 12 points at quarter time before producing a strong second quarter to keep the game well and truly alive. Crawford spent time in the ruck and helped provide more drive around stoppage, while Christian Carnovale applied strong pressure through the middle. Leo Carman continued his good form in his first season at the club, and Joel Melnjak, Jacob Gray, Dan Hall and Ben Seddon were all important around the ground.
At half time, the margin remained just 12 points and the Rovers were right in the contest.
The key period came early in the third quarter. Hampton kicked the opening goal of the term to reduce the margin, but Fitzroy responded strongly with a burst of goals to take control of the match. Kilburn added another to halt the run briefly, but the home side continued to build its lead and took a 44-point advantage into the final change.
To the Rovers’ credit, they continued to compete in the final quarter and were only narrowly outscored for the term. Kilburn finished with three goals, Crawford added two, while Dan Hall, Leo Carman and Peter Somogyi also hit the scoreboard.
Fitzroy 4.1 5.4 12.7 15.10 (100)
Hampton Rovers 2.1 3.4 5.5 8.7 (55)
Goals: Charles Kilburn 3, William Crawford 2, Dan Hall, Leo Carman, Peter Somogyi
Best: Harry Block, Leo Carman, Dan Hall, William Crawford, Christian Carnovale, Ben Seddon
Senior Women
The Senior Women produced a spirited performance against Richmond Central despite going down 7.4 (46) to 2.5 (17) at Boss James Reserve.
With high player unavailability, the Rovers fielded a young side featuring eight Under 18 players and one Under 15 player, including five senior debutants. The group gave Richmond a strong contest for much of the afternoon before the lack of an interchange bench took its toll in the final quarter.
The performance again highlighted the growing connection between the junior and senior women’s programs, with a number of young players stepping up and contributing well at senior level.
Hampton Rovers 0.2 1.2 2.4 2.5 (17)
Richmond Central 1.0 3.3 3.3 7.4 (46)
Goals: Greta Robertson, Nadia Stockwell
Best: Grace Bracken, Nadia Stockwell, Kristy Ebbott, Charli Bizzell, Millie Hewlett, Zoe Hewlett
Reserves
The Reserves were defeated by Fitzroy, 11.12 (78) to 2.6 (18), but showed improvement against the undefeated ladder leaders and reigning B Grade Premiers.
The Rovers were held scoreless in the opening quarter, but responded well in the second term with goals to Cooper Becker-Valles and Cohen Friend to remain within 15 points at half time.
Fitzroy took control in the third quarter, kicking five goals to open up the margin, but the Rovers continued to compete through to the final siren.
Duncan McKenzie was strong in defence, while Oscar Donald, Hugo Lay, Jack Cookesley, Lucas Sharp and Daniel McCoy were also among the best.
Fitzroy 2.4 4.5 9.8 11.12 (78)
Hampton Rovers 0.0 2.2 2.2 2.6 (18)
Goals: Cohen Friend, Cooper Becker-Valles
Best: Duncan McKenzie, Oscar Donald, Hugo Lay, Jack Cookesley, Lucas Sharp, Daniel McCoy
Thirds
The Thirds continued their strong form with a 32-point win over Marcellin at Boss James Reserve.
The Rovers led at every change and gradually built their advantage across the afternoon, holding Marcellin to just four goals for the match.
Richard Atkins kicked two goals, while Angus Zufic, Darcy Merlo, Eliot Jurdukian, Marco Giampa, Mika Simnett and Wilbur Derham all contributed on the scoreboard. Eliot Jurdukian, Zufic, Campbell Bennett, Finbar Concaig, Lucas Civitarese and Giampa were named among the best.
Hampton Rovers 2.3 4.6 7.11 8.14 (62)
Marcellin 1.3 2.4 3.4 4.6 (30)
Goals: Richard Atkins 2, Angus Zufic, Darcy Merlo, Eliot Jurdukian, Marco Giampa, Mika Simnett, Wilbur Derham
Best: Eliot Jurdukian, Angus Zufic, Campbell Bennett, Finbar Concaig, Lucas Civitarese, Marco Giampa
Next up
All teams have the bye this weekend before returning to action on Saturday 18 July. Note the club and bar won’t be open this Thursday. The Senior Men and Reserves travel to PEGS Playing Fields to take on PEGS, while the Senior Women host UHS-VU at Boss James Reserve. The Thirds are also at home against Wattle Park, while the Under 19s return from their bye, taking on Old Haileybury away,
Looking ahead, Past Players Day and the Home Game Luncheon will be held at Boss James Reserve on Saturday 25 July, followed by the annual $2K Night from 6pm later that day. Tickets for both events are available now through the Hampton Rovers website – click below..
