THE Hamilton Kangaroos have fallen short in its Hampden Football Netball League season opener against the Bombers at Cobden Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The Roos were held goalless in the first term, before bouncing back in the second term to go into the main break trailing by six points.

A rotation down saw the visitors struggle to match the Bombers’ output, with the Kangaroos eventually losing, 4.6 (30) to 10.15 (75).

Cameron Whyte was the Roos’ best, while Hugh Douglas kicked two goals for the visitors.

Kangaroos coach, Brad Thomas said losing Ethan Knight at half time had a big impact on the way the team played in the second half.

“The first 15 minutes of the quarter felt like we had the momentum, but just didn’t have the scoreboard pressure,” he said.

“We had a lot of guys cramping, and being one rotation down made it hard.

“We didn’t make the most of the momentum when we had it.

“Overall, what we’ve been trying to work on, we executed well though.”

Knight sat out the second half with a heel injury, with the young midfielder cleared of any structural damage, with Thomas hopeful the 20-year-old could suit up again this week.

“It was pretty high-paced, the guys were working pretty hard,” he said.

“It was definitely a fast deck, it was a good one to get out of the way early.

“We know where we’re at, we just have a few things to work on.

“Our defensive side has been really good, and just learning how to win the footy back,

“Our offensive work will come.”

Reserves

THE Kangaroos’ reserves had a tough day out, going down to the red and black by 98 points to start the season.

Hamilton made the most of its scoring chances in the first term, kicking three straight goals to trail by three points at the first break, but only managed one more goal for the game.

Cobden dominated proceedings to pile on 16 goals after quarter time, recording a 19.11 (125) to 3.4 (27) victory at home.

Jock Cameron and Jack Hickey were the standouts for the Roos, with Cameron, Jordy Anthony, Ivan Silcock and James Pike the goal kickers for the visitors.

Under-18.5

SATURDAY started off positively for the visitors, with Hamilton recording a 39-point win against Cobden.

A strong defensive opening quarter set up the win, with the visitors holding the Bombers scoreless, while inaccuracy plagued the blue and white with the team managing just 1.4 to go into the first break with a 10-point advantage.

A 21-point half time lead ended up a 39-point win, as the young Roos started the season off with a victory, 8.13 (61) to 3.4 (22).

Tom Calvert, Jack Jennings and Charlie Field impressed for the blue and white, while Eddie McShane bagged three majors for the side, with support from Calvert with two goals.