IT was a full day of home games for the Hamilton Raiders on Sunday with the seniors, senior reserves and Under-14s all playing at Pedrina Park in windy conditions.
The senior team played Port Fairy and put up a brave fight, but the Raiders fell short, losing 2-5.
The final score did not represent the game itself, as Hamilton performed confidently with an under-manned squad.
Goals from Leroy Perez in the first half and Ivan Phan in the second half demonstrated promising signs for Hamilton, however a red card for Hamilton meant that Port Fairy took advantage of the extra player and scored three goals in the final 20 minutes.
Latham Wishart played a strong game in the goals with Hong Ha Nguyen and Anthony McFarlane working well in defence.
Senior Division 2 reserves
THE senior reserves played Corangamite Lions and despite a well-fought game, the Lions defeated the Hamilton, 5-1.
The Lions scored first but Hamilton managed to get on the board with a lucky own goal.
Throughout the match, Hamilton continually challenged the Lions, but a second half own goal by Hamilton and several late Lions goals resulted in a score line that did not reflect the efforts of Hamilton.
Clara Dettling, Ruby Pickett and Jake Alexander worked well on the right wing, while Nick Perkins, Xavier Atchison and Henry Kaspers played an exceptional defensive line.
Under-14
THE Under-14 Raiders took on Warrnambool Rangers and fell just short, losing 3-4.
Hamilton missed a chance to take an early lead after a well-taken penalty hit the cross bar.
The Rangers made the most of their opportunities and scored two goals before Dylan McLachlan scored late in the first half to open Hamilton’s scoring to go into half time trailing, 1-2.
After the break, Hamilton maintained the pressure, but the visitors scored another two goals to move clear on the scoreboard.
Goals from Hamilton’s Woody Perry and Lucas Riley put the Raiders back in the match, however Warrnambool claimed a narrow win.
McLachlan and Myles Riley were the backbone of the Hamilton side, while David Pickett and Ryan McGregor played well in the back.
