It was another encouraging weekend for the Rovers, highlighted by a gutsy Senior Men’s victory over fellow top-four contender Mazenod at Boss James Reserve.
With both sides entering the round equal on points and locked in the race for a top-two finish, the contest lived up to expectations. In blustery conditions and with scoring at a premium, Hampton held its nerve to record a hard-fought 8.12 (60) to 6.10 (46) victory, completing a season double over Mazenod.
The Rovers controlled the opening term, kicking 3.6 while restricting Mazenod to just two behinds. Christian Carnovale opened the scoring with a clever finish before Liam O’Driscoll and Charles Kilburn extended the lead to 22 points at the first break.
Mazenod responded strongly with the breeze in the second quarter, kicking four unanswered goals to edge in front by two points at half-time. The third quarter developed into a tense arm wrestle, with both sides managing just four behinds between them until a late goal from Lui Coughlin gave the Rovers a narrow margin at the final change.
Despite kicking into the breeze in the last quarter, the Rovers produced one of their most determined periods of football this season. Jake Seddon put Hampton back in front before Carnovale’s second goal gave the home side breathing space. Mazenod closed to within two points late, but Kilburn’s second goal, followed by a sealing major from Harry Block after a lengthy delay caused by an injury to a Mazenod player, secured a memorable 14-point win.
The match was played in terrific spirit throughout, and everyone at Hampton Rovers wishes the injured Mazenod player all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
Christian Carnovale and Lui Coughlin led the way, while Ben Seddon, Leo Carman, Jacob Gray and Jake Seddon were also outstanding contributors in one of the club’s most important wins of the season.
Hampton Rovers 3.6 3.7 4.10 8.12 (60)
Mazenod 0.2 4.3 4.4 6.10 (46)
Goals: Charles Kilburn 2, Christian Carnovale 2, Harry Block, Jake Seddon, Liam O’Driscoll, Lui Coughlin
Best: Christian Carnovale, Lui Coughlin, Ben Seddon, Leo Carman, Jacob Gray, Jake Seddon
Senior Women
The Senior Women fought hard but were unable to overcome De La Salle, going down 5.7 (37) to 2.4 (16) at Waverley Oval.
The Rovers stayed within touch for much of the afternoon before De La Salle gradually extended its lead. Grace Bonanno and Shae Raywood kicked Hampton’s goals, while Evie Taylor, Lola Davis, Mandy Naylor, Emily Merrick, Shae Raywood and Holly Lance were among the best.
De La Salle 1.0 3.3 4.6 5.7 (37)
Hampton Rovers 0.0 0.1 0.2 2.4 (16)
Goals: Grace Bonanno, Shae Raywood
Best: Evie Taylor, Lola Davis, Mandy Naylor, Emily Merrick, Shae Raywood, Holly Lance
Reserves
The Reserves were desperately unlucky to fall by a single point in one of the games of the season.
After trailing by eight points at half-time, the Rovers stormed back with five third-quarter goals to set up a thrilling finish. Hampton surged forward in the dying moments searching for the winning score, but Mazenod held on in a gripping contest.
Hampton Rovers 2.3 2.4 7.9 8.9 (57)
Mazenod 2.3 5.6 5.8 8.10 (58)
Goals: Clinton Young 2, Oscar Donald 2, Daniel McCoy, Darcy Lyon, Jake Grima, Samuel Clements
Best: Peter Somogyi, Luke Boccari, Lucas Sharp, Jake Klinkhamer, Lachlan Fraser, Bailey White
Thirds / Development Team
The Thirds rolled on with another important victory at Boss James Reserve, defeating top-four side Beaumaris by 10 points.
In another tight contest, the Rovers recovered from a one-point deficit at three-quarter time to kick the final three goals of the match and finish strongly. Angus Gunn kicked two goals, while Darcy Merlo, Jesse Lovig, Eliot Jurdukian, Nicholas Anderson, Baxter Thomas and Nicholas Crosbie led the way.
Hampton Rovers 2.0 3.6 4.10 7.15 (57)
Beaumaris 2.2 3.2 7.5 7.5 (47)
Goals: Angus Gunn 2, Angus Zufic, Mohamed Labib, Nicholas Anderson, Oliver Anderson, Oliver Bennett
Best: Darcy Merlo, Jesse Lovig, Eliot Jurdukian, Nicholas Anderson, Baxter Thomas, Nicholas Crosbie
Under 19s
The Under 19s were unable to match Old Melburnians, with the home side claiming a 60-point victory at Elsternwick Park.
Charlie Steen finished with three goals for the Rovers, while Harry Ockerby, Cohen Friend, Benjamin Celantano, Hamish Costello, Tobias Green and Will Blackham were among the better performers.
Old Melburnians 2.6 6.12 10.14 14.20 (104)
Hampton Rovers 1.3 2.4 6.6 6.8 (44)
Goals: Charlie Steen 3, Angus Zufic, Benjamin Weeks, Cohen Friend
Best: Harry Ockerby, Cohen Friend, Benjamin Celantano, Hamish Costello, Tobias Green, Will Blackham
Next up
The Senior Men travel to Marcellin College this Saturday to face Marcellin in Round 15 of the VAFA Premier C season. After an important win over Mazenod, the Rovers will be looking to maintain their push for a top-two finish with four home-and-away rounds remaining.
The remaining senior fixture includes a final home game against Glen Eira at Boss James Reserve on Saturday 15 August, followed by away matches against St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and Parkdale Vultures to close out the regular season.
The August 15 fixture will also feature the President’s Lunch, the final Home Game Luncheon of the season and the final with Gary Nash as President – we’re expecting a full-house so book now. The Domino Luncheon follows on Friday 21 August, featuring special guest Dermott Brereton, with tickets available through the Rovers website.
