Sunday Wrap: Round 9

25 June 2014 Written by HRSC

Hamersley Rovers again suffered defeat on Sunday with BB United emerging with all 3 points after a rollercoaster match that was settled at the death. A makeshift Rovers entered the match with Milo Fowler making his first team debut after some promising displays for the reserves. Dan Guggisberg replaced the ill Conor Fullard at left fullback and Billy Wright returned to the side in place of player-coach Garrett McDuling who was away. Reserve coach Tel Stupple took the reins for the day.

After a fairly even start the scoring was opened by BB. Some nice interchange play up front saw the Hamersley defenders overloaded on the right and BB's left winger was able to dispatch a rasping effort in to the Hammer's goal from the corner of the 18 yard box. Hamersley looked to try and get back in to the game with Dave Howell and Harry Davis causing the BB midfield a few concerns. The game was then turned on its head in a crazy 15 minutes spell that saw a red card and four goals. The catalyst for the action was an altercation in which Hamersley's regista Dec Peters was hit in the head following an alleged elbow. Neither the linesman nor the referee noticed the incident however the BB player's action were clear and he was sent from the field of play.

Hamersley took full advantage of the extra man and scored two goals in quick succession. The first was a sublime finish from Harry Davis. With Rovers probing the BB box Dan Fowler unlocked the defence with a Pirloesque step over before Harry Davis lashed the ball home from the edge of the area giving the hapless keeper no chance. Just moments later Nick Hage split open the BB defence and released Dan Guggisberg. His powerful run and cross was finished with aplomb by the veteran striker Fowler. Seemingly with control of the game Hamersley then inexplicably surrendered the lead. A mix up between three Hamersley players allowed BB to work the ball in to the area and a last ditch effort to block the shot by Billy Wright resulted in a penalty which was rifled in to the net. With half time looming Rovers were punished on the counter as BB cut through an over committed defence leaving the BB striker with a tap in at the back stick.

Rovers pushed for an equaliser in the second half and on the 55th minute mark replaced both Fowlers with Mike Garcia and Steve Kruit. It was a substitution that paid dividends as Garcia found Kruit with a cross and the Striker headed in close to the goal line. With 30 minutes to go the game was finely balanced. Hamersley were looking to move the ball across the park whilst BB were defending with intensity and passion and hoping to get something on the break.

Hammers spurned a host of decent chances with Guggisberg, Sochanik, Wright and Garcia all going close. However, as Rovers sensed the win their gung-ho attacking was to be their undoing and in the 94th minute BB broke with a 4 on 3 counter which, despite the defenders best efforts, was placed beyond Matty Bell in to the far corner of the goal. It was a harsh result on a group of players that had given their all. Hamersley's interim coach Tel Stupple: "I accept responsibility for the loss. With the score at 3-3 it felt like a cup match and I was encouraging players forward. Whilst I was aware of the threat of the counter I felt the best way to defend was to attack. I feel frustrated at the result but I am proud of the effort shown by this group today."

Hamersley Reserves closed the gap on runaway leaders North Perth to 5 points after Julien Dion's first goal for the club gave the team a 1-0 win. Both team's travel to Southern Spirit next weekend.

Division 4 were on the end of a 6-2 defeat at the hands of a determined Sutherlands Park, Sam Ellis and Rob Ansingh the Hamersley goal scorers. Division 4 Reserves marched on however, club golden boot leader Bob Unganai again on the scoresheet along with Tom O’Carroll and Martin Connor in a 3-2 win.

Ladies I made easy work of Mandurah City. Scorers were Michelle Oveinikovas 3, Ella Kerman 3, Shelly Dunne, Dorte Macgillivray, Christin Foundas and Debbie Kalathas. Ladies II stay top of the league with a 4-0 victory over Wembley Downs.

Social I lost 5-2 to Black Stars, Social II lost 3-2 to Tuart Hill while Social III travelled to Wembley Downs to lose 4-2.

Masters I took on defending champions and cup foes Inglewood United who are unbeaten in the league since 2012. Rovers have put them out of the cup on penalties the past two seasons but it was Inglewood who would get their revenge with a 2-1 win. Tommy McBride with the goal. Masters II drew 1-1 thanks to a penalty from Jerome Georget.