Hampton Rovers 9.4.58 defeated Caulfield Bears 3.0.18
Captains / Mitch Tuffley & Mitch Nolan
While the Caulfield Bears are not posing an immediate threat on the Div 2 ladder, the fact is they had a recent solid win against the East Brighton Vampires. If they can beat the Vampires, they can beat anyone. So we knew we had to again bring our very best to this game.
Before the mid year break, in the pre game preparations we would look backwards at what we had achieved to that point. However it was time to now look forwards. Our focus is now very much about the road ahead. 4 games until finals. Each and every game was so important. We currently sit second on the ladder and our boys want nothing more than to have a crack at the big one to come.
After two weeks of holidays behind us, it took the boys a little while to warm up. I was conscious of whether our season’s momentum had plateaued. But it didn’t take too long for things to click into gear. Mitch Tuffley and Mitch Nolan demonstrated their leadership, both putting in captains performances. Both equally hard at the ball. The mid field engine room proved powerful, lead through Luke in ruck down to running chain options through Taj, Mitch and Jem in the defensive sweeping role. Joe Weber ‘the General’ held the defence together along with fierce back pressure in Ollie, Harry, Orlando, Max and Dion. Jed and Mitch Nolan showed their run on the wings, with lots of defensive intensity and also forward entries. In the second half we built on the foundation we set in the first. Moving Joe into the ruck allowed us to add a second tall target up forward in Luke. Jay and Luke started leading hard and finding space which proved dangerous. The tall two had lots of forward ground support in Christian, Jacob, Tom and Freddie. Again our performance showed why each and every player plays an important role. We are also lucky with versatility. Many of our boys are happy to play both forward and back during the game. It allows us to be responsive and adaptable and adjust to evolving game patterns. In the end we had a very solid win. A victory fuelled with our belief and growing confidence. Singing the song proudly was reward for our hard earned effort.
This one was for you Matty G. I know how hard it is for you to watch from the sidelines with your broken wrist. We miss the heat you bring across half forward and wish you a speedy recovery. Can’t wait to have you back.
Goals / Jay Todd 4, Taj Hotton 2, Luke Ryan 2, Jem Thomas 1
Awards / Best on Ground – Luke Ryan for another commanding performance in both the Ruck and Half Forward. Mitch Tuffley and Harry Tuffley both took awards for outstanding performances in the middle and across half back respectively. Jay Todd was awarded for his efforts up forward with 4 goals.
Thanks also to Harry Block who played up from U11 again to assist us with low numbers. While small in frame, he is big in heart. He proved very effective in the forward pocket. We love having you around H.
Next week we take on St Peters. The next challenge in the run up to the finals. 3 more exciting weeks of home and away. Each one of them important.
Tim Sutherland
Coach
