Another Saturday with another howling wind that would have a big say on the outcome of the game. With a growing injury list this was a danger game on the small confines of the Hampton ground.
Above: Gav Vassallo tackles
We had first use of the breeze and were concerned when the hosts posted the first goal. We struck back soon after via a clever snap from Captain Gav Vassallo. Matt Campbell also snapped truly and David Ford twice converted tough set shots. We didn’t have it all our own way as Hampton cracked the defence for two more goals. We took a three goal lead to quarter time which was only an even effort with the wind.
Matt Campbell snaps.
As is often the case on these wind affected days, it’s the work you do against the wind that can set you up. Our second quarter was a terrific disciplined defensive effort. We worked hard to get and maintain possession and slowed the game up, wasting their time with the breeze. We made a couple of errors which let them in for two goals. Gav kicked one into the breeze and we went to half time satisfied with the second quarter.
Justin Doust gets a fist in.
It was our turn with the wind again after half time and with the rain coming, we needed quick goals. As the Hampton coach so eloquently said in the after match, one guy tore the game a new one in the third quarter. Gav Vassallo turned on a virtuoso display in the opening minutes of the second half, kicking three goals in 5 minutes. It would have been four had not David Ford burgled one on the goal line. The task was now huge for the hosts. Justin Doust and Lance Baptist were repelling their attacks, whilst the unlikely ruck duo of Damian Stark and Jack McTaggart were wearing down a taller opponent. Matt Campbell and Rob Johnston were also seeing plenty of the leather. Jack and Brad Dight both converted long set shots, allowing us to take an unassailable 56 point lead to three quarter time.
Brad Dight in the ruck.
The conditions deteriorated dramatically in the final quarter. Although we didn’t score a goal in the last we defended very again and had plenty of credits in the bank as the rained tumbled down.
We had taken care of the danger game and done it reasonably well. Our defensive effort when required was very good, to the point that Hampton actually kicked more goals against the wind than with.
Kris Thompson gathers.
The reserves battled gamely but fell short by about four goals. Once again numbers were short and the efforts of the lads who pulled on the jumper can’t be questioned.
Last Modified on 10/08/2013 21:10