Round eleven was an early game for the under 8 purple boys at Castlefield. The weather was bitterly cold and the early advice, was to keep moving to avoid freezing. The boys were then faced with another challenge – the opposition did not have a side for us to play against, only 11 players turned up. The team was pretty keen to play after their long wait for a game, due to the school holiday break and a bye the round prior.
The initial reaction from the boys was one of shock – to put on a different jumper and play against your teammates seemed both wrong and disappointing. However, and again this maiden season, this group of boys rose to the challenge and exceeded the expectations of all of us parents. Five boys each quarter lent themselves to and played for Prahran. The boys all “played for the jumper”. We were all proud of the maturity shown by this impressive group of kids and the sportsmanship shown to the opposition was grand. Regardless of the result of the game at fulltime, the boys proved to be winners and did the Hampton Rovers Club proud.
The Rovers dominated the first quarter, the ball remained in our forward line and the score blew out to 32 to 1. Max Reeve was on fire in the goal square and snapped 2 early goals. An assist by Angus A with a monstrous kick into the forward line made for a great piece of play. Nate was also unstoppable and ended the quarter with 3 goals; his ability to turn over the ball was again most impressive. Will, Toby, Ziggy and Nick started off in the Blue jumper and set the bar high with great sportsmanship for their fellow Rover’s teammates.
The second quarter saw the Rovers scoreless. Our boys allowed the opposition to score 2 goals and 3 behinds. Charlie was able to let his teammates get a feel of what it’s like to play against him, with a magic quarter for the opposition. He was well assisted by Deakin, Angus H, Max S and Nate in getting the blue team on the scoreboard.
It was Jacob, Mitchell, Zane, Harry R and Baxter’s turn to play against their teammates in the 3rd quarter. The boy’s on both sides played hard and the hunger for the ball was evident especially with many fantastic tackles throughout the quarter. Zane, Ethan, Angus A, Thomas and Mitch were gutsy and assisted both teams with great defensive skills. Charlie took an impressive mark that resulted in one of two goals for him during the third term.
Angus Hare took mark of the match during the opening of the fourth quarter, which set the tone for the remainder of the match. Jacob dominated the ball with his speed and agility, which saw a quick pick up and push towards goal. Zane was then able run on, pick up the ball which then resulted in another goal for the team. More impressive marks was taken by both Toby and Will in the push to the forward line. Kai, Taj, Angus A, Ethan and Thomas concluded the impressive show of sportsmanship finishing their game for the opposition.
A fantastic morning was had by all associated with the Rovers. The show of support and smiles in the rooms after the game from the parents and grandparents as the boys sung the song was sensational and a privilege to be a part of. Well-done Team Purple!
Team Manager, Kim Harper
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