Widdop Oval Hampton East
EBV 6.7.43 v HR 5.7.37
While presented with the miserable conditions on offer on Sunday, Round 1 always generates enough excitement that the weather becomes insignificant. The boys were pumped to get back out on the ground. And Rovers v Vampires games are usually like Hawks V Cats games. Block busters! And Sunday did not disappoint. It was a game played in great spirit. A well fought out battle.
Our midfield was peppered by the addition of two new talls to our side, Max Rafaniello and Luke Ryan. Both played a role in ruck to assist Joe Weber. Assisted by Taj Hotton, Jem Thomas and Mitch Tuffley our engine room out of the centre showed an explosive energy. Throughout the game we saw some exciting passages of play reflecting our recent training drills. Strings of forward ball movement linking up hand balling at targets at pace around packs. Despite the wet conditions, we also saw some great marks, many after courageous backing into packs. We also saw our trademark hard pressure come alive particularly in the second half. Some good shepherding, relentless tackles and gutsy bumps.
Award winners: Jed Marshall who gallantly won the guts and determination award, Mitch Tuffley for a consistent fought out effort all day, and Jem Thomas who’s courage, effort and pressure were outstanding. It was hard to narrow it down to only 3 awards. Other strong performances by Taj Hotton, Harry Tuffley, Jay Todd, Jacob Cassidy, Orlando Lynch, Mathew Gleeson & Thomas Westerbeek.
Some very good signs for an exciting season ahead.
