Hampton Rovers 12.12 (84) def. St Bedes Mentone 0.1 (1)
Brilliant football conditions presented themselves at Castlefield on Sunday. Liam Fagan & Angus Gill lead the team as Captains and won the toss setting the scene for a big team day.
We lined up with 18 and borrowed Hudson after his game with the under 10’s to provide the boys some relief via a rotation in the course of the game. The first 10 minutes were very tough in the contest with the game being hotly contested between the 50 metre lines. The Rovers were switched on and worked hard to create the first goal from a kick by Jack into the hotspot allowing Josh H to mark and goal for his first of 2 for the quarter. Zain continued his great work this season and kicked the second goal after another great entry to the hotspot. I found myself cheering for the boys by the end of the quarter (I know that’s not my job!) as the talk was up along with the second efforts and Josh Cameron kicking long on his left more often than his preferred right boot.
The second quarter was played more on the Rovers terms as Harry G had a game and a half in the middle rather than his usual role in the backline and showed along with Harry L and Fletch that first use would be granted to the rovers today. Liam Fagan showed Captains dash up and down the wing and kept the forward pressure on St Bedes. Angus worked hard in the forward line all day leading well and using his voice to full potential, he was rewarded with two great goals in the quarter as Zain rounded out with his second (the first time Zain has kicked 2 in a game!!)
The Rovers back men took pride ensuring they were not giving an inch to their opponents and did great work keeping their concentration. While the scoreboard was looking good for the Rovers at half time the Mentone boys came out for the third with purpose. Our boys were tested as we rotated a lot of the players and asked them to do jobs in positions they may not have often experienced. Oscar Kelk showed his strong ability to read the play and did a great job attacking the footy in the midfield getting the ball to the forward while Arthur did a great job tackling and keeping the ball in the forward line. Pat and Jonty showed us their dash on the wing and midfield respectively and showed the Tigers you had to be committed to keep up with them. Fletch, Angus & Josh H each scored majors in the quarter as we all learnt that we had become very good at staying focused in the game at doing the team things.
Tom was active in the forward line and kept the pressure on the St Bedes defenders continually getting the ball to the hot spot, Angus was having a great game showing excellent determination with a huge chase as the ball was exiting the forward line, he laid a tackle creating a spill and quick kick from Darcy to the top of square and Josh H mark for a goal (his Fifth!!!) After already playing a game Hudson was rewarded for his great work and took a strong pack mark in the square to register a lovely 6 pointer.
The Rovers were relentless, all players should be very pleased with their four quarter effort and consistent selflessness which delivered an excellent team result.
The song was belted out at its loudest for the season shaking the foundations at Castlefield.
Go Rovers!
David
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