Hampton Rovers 6.8 (44) def. Port Melbourne Colts 1.0 (6)
Blustery conditions faced us on Sunday at Port Melbourne, Fletcher Hall was our captain and he won the toss seeing the Rovers kick with the wind in the first quarter.
We lined up with a full team and welcomed the return of Jack Roberts who showed he has got even faster around the ball after his extended off season, the team are wrapped to have him back! The first quarter was a genuine arm wrestle with the boys moving the ball well into the forward line, Darcy scored his first goal for the year after taking a mark in the goal square but the Colts defended strongly and the rovers registered the 1 major for the first term.
Against the wind was a very different story, the talk and communication was first class and saw the ball move fast into the forward line. Harrison Gibbins roosted a fast ball deep into the forward line resulting in a very strong Josh Haines mark and goal (his first of 2). In the centre of the ground Fletch, Pat and Dan were teaming up brilliantly providing a highlight as they worked together to half forward then putting the ball up for Tom to take an excellent mark then kick a strong goal. That wasn’t enough for Tom, he was in everything in the second and plucked another mark from great team play as the ball was kicked to the top of the square and provided the third goal for the quarter.
The boys were truly looking out for each other providing great shepherds and telling each other if they had time lead by Harrison who really enjoyed a patch in the mid-field. Desperation was fierce and neither team would take a backward step, Harry L was clearing the packs, Joe R was taking courageous marks, our tackling was again terrific with Fletch, Harry N, and Dan all laying tackles in the quarter that resulted in spills and Rover possession. Josh Cameron played one of his best games for the year and was in everything with Captain Fletch. A highlight for the quarter was Josh running into the forward line getting clear as he picked up the ball and scored a team lifter off his wrong foot about 30 meters out.
Most of the boys played both ends of the ground this week giving everyone a chance to polish up in the areas they don’t always get to practice on game-day. A team highlight was Pat taking a step up in one of the breaks after having a busy quarter repelling the ball and talking to the team about a process the Colts were using and we had not picked up on the sideline (great team maturity Pat!) All players demonstrated in the second half they knew the team plans and responsibilities for the different positions and still had time to use their voices and move the ball quickly while not letting the ball through defence.
The boys received credit after the match for their 4 quarter effort and excellent teamwork. All players this week would be able to take out their own highlight after so many great teamwork and courageous acts.
The song was belted out with pride across Port Melbourne.
Well done Rovers!
David
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