Redbacks send ROC packing

By Mark Gullick
HAMPTON Park defeated ROC by 8 goals to record their first win of the year in an entertaining match at the Officer Recreation Reserve.
Kicking with the wind in the opening term, Hampton Park quickly hit the scoreboard with two goals. They led by 4 goals at quarter-time.
The ROC players responded to harsh words from their coaching staff and kicked three quick goals early in the second term.
The second term was eventful as tempers flared on several occasions and Hampton Park’s Chris Barnes was stretchered from the ground.
By half-time, ROC had reduced their deficit to 1 goal.
“I was disappointed with a few undisciplined acts,” Hampton Park’s coach Josh Taylor said regarding the second quarter.
“They got four goals, two from 50-metre penalties and two from stupid free kicks (from our players).”
The second half was anti-climactic as Hampton Park piled on 10 goals to 4.
For the victors, Linden Fredericks, Craig Lombard, Kevin McLean and Matthew Shorey distinguished themselves. McLean finished with 9 goals in a masterful performance.
Ben Tivendale, Dane Roy and the Fletcher brothers, Kris and Cameron battled hard all day for ROC.

@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Cranbourne v Tooradin

Cranbourne trounced Tooradin by 118 points at Casey Fields.
The Eagles responded perfectly after their close round one loss to Berwick.
Cranbourne established their dominance in the second term, which yielded nine goals.
“Sometimes, it’s hard to keep blokes working when they know they’ve got the four points,“ Cranbourne coach Doug Koop said.
“If you want to be a good side, you’ve just got to get that mindset to work for four quarters, regardless of who you play.”
Tooradin were very competitive in the first and third quarters and restricted Cranbourne to 6 goals in that period.
“They (Tooradin) were competitive early,” Koop said.
“They’ve lost a lot of experience this year, but they had a crack. Unfortunately, due to their lack of experience they lack connection. They get a couple of good touches and then turn it over.
“We’re trying to keep upbeat in what we do,” Tooradin coach Chad Liddell said.
“We came up against a very good side and our young kids just don’t have the experience to go with those older guys.
“We were competitive for a fair bit of a quarter, but we sort of get a little bit lost and when a team gets a run-on, we don’t know how to respond, “ Liddell said.
Marc Holt, Justin Berry and Troy Tharle Adams each kicked four goals, while Leigh Holt, Adams, and Andre Young were prominent for Cranbourne.
Rohan Hyde, Nathan Findlay, Michael Hobbs and Adam Galea tried hard for Tooradin.
Troy Datson played his 2050th senior match with Cranbourne.
“‘Dato’ played really well, he’s been a very consistent performer for us,” Koop said.
“He actually got a goal for us which was really good.”

@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Devon Meadows v Doveton

Devon Meadows defeated Doveton by 38 points in a hotly contested Anzac Day match at Glover Reserve.
Aside from the closing moments of the second and final quarters, the game was even on the scoreboard.
Devon Meadows edged ahead on the scoreboard after an even first term.
They kicked 5 goals in the second term and were able to fight back after many Doveton challenges.
Devon Meadows kicked 6 goals to 4 in the second half to run out comfortable winners.
“We were a bit disappointed in how we played,” Devon Meadows coach Steve O’Brien said.
“We didn’t execute the plan we had in place.
“It was one of those games that if you looked at it in all honesty, we always had control of the game, even though we didn’t win some of the areas we pride ourselves on, such as contested possession.”
“We didn’t play anywhere near our best yesterday, but we were still able to win.”
Adam Jago was the best Devon Meadows player, while Simon Black played a great game for Doveton.
“On Anzac Day, I thought we showed a lot of spirit,” Doveton coach Mark Ladgrove said.
“We were out-sized, out-gunned in certain areas, but we were committed to the contest.
“It was a pity we couldn’t convert on occasion or it would’ve been a bit closer.
“It was an honourable loss, but we don’t want to get into the habit of having honourable losses.”