This week’s contest saw us travel to lush surroundings of the rich and the famous, Toorak Park. The Milo truck had the siblings throwing down hot chocolates as the boys were warming up.
The coaches believe there will be a great rivalry for years to come against this opposition. Both teams have a great spread of talent and last year our two meetings were decided by less than a kick. Much like the WCE V Swans rivalry back in 05/06, great contests every time they met.
Gideon and Wes have been training the house down so were rewarded with Captain status this week. We needed a big game from our leaders, which these boys are every week.
We were without a bench and Harry arrived as we ran to our positions, straight from his sick bed. In a low scoring first quarter Matty was great down back. His confidence is growing each week as he gets more of the ball. Ben H was giving his all in the middle, first to the ball and tough at it. Kaden was at his ferocious best and Wes was providing his usual dashing runs. Giddy started well and would continue racking up the stats for the whole game. We went to the huddle full of confidence that our pressure was at the level we needed it to be.
The second term saw us get back on a level playing field with Prahran and we definitely had the better of the scoreboard. Ryan was providing great run, being smart with his ball use. Michael was getting his hands on it in the ruck. Kian produced the play of the term where he attacked the ball, gained possession and sent the ball deep into our forward half. Benny H did the rest with a great team goal. Ollie was great in stemming the flow and causing stoppages. Good luck on the big holiday buddy! We were unlucky not to get one or two more as Will started to look dangerous every time he went near the ball.
We asked the boys for a big effort in the second half as we looked to build on our tough and hard first half. Huddy had been good, and he really elevated his performance with great run and carry. Mitch was asked for a solid performance down back and didn’t let us down. He was pivotal in sending the ball back our way on multiple occasions and Ben W was starting to get the ball on his terms. The best touch of the 3rd quarter saw Chris Leeds clear everyone out of his way for mark of the day (actually went straight to him). In what was a scoreless quarter James H wasn’t going to let it happen and got a great goal close to the siren.
The last quarter was going to be a fight to the end and in our case try and defend our small advantage. The pressure on the opposition with our tackling and run was huge. Chris and I were so proud of how we never gave in at any stage. Charlie hanging on to opponents and not letting them get clear was great. Max was pivotal in the last term in trying to get us forward with his reading of the play. Harry did his best under trying circumstances and the boys came up just short for the first time this year.
We welcome a few boys back next week where we’ll be facing another tough opponent in St Bedes/Mentone @ Castlefield.
Go Hampton Rovers – best mates!
Cheers
Wayno
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