DESPITE the Bottle Greens matching Ballarat for three quarters, it was the visitors who prevailed over Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) in the Under-23 match by 31 points, 11.15 (81) to 7.8 (50) in the twilight interleague clash at Reid Oval on Saturday.

It was a battle of the AFL legends in the coach’s boxes, as Anthony Koutoufides (Ballarat) and Jonathan Brown (Hampden) went head-to-head for the second consecutive year with Ballarat making it 2-0.

There were five locals who represented the HFNL on the day including Hamilton Kangaroos’ Will Povey and Hamish Cook (Under-23), Zac Elliott and Hugh Fitzgerald (Under-17) and Cavendish young gun, Leayla Pohl (Under-18).

Ethan Knight (Kangaroos) and Matilda Brook (Cavendish) were emergencies on the day, while Cavendish defender, Milly Thomas withdrew from the women’s match with soreness.

The day started well for Hampden as they had a huge win in the inaugural Under-18 women’s match by 43 points, before Ballarat took control of the day taking two comfortable wins in the remaining matches.

In the late game, the weather was cold, but the contest brought the heat as both sides started the game with quick ball movement and a high level of pressure.

The Bottle Greens took a four-point lead into the first break as Brown applauded their effort and encouraged them to keep taking the game on.

Despite Ballarat winning the second quarter, Hampden were still right in the contest trailing by just seven points at half time.

However, a dominant third quarter was ultimately the difference as Ballarat got on top, kicking five goals to one as they set up the 31-point win.

Jackson Grundy (North Warrnambool), Connor Byrne (Koroit) and Archie Stevens (South Warrnambool) were all impressive in the loss.

Hampden Under-23 coach, Jonathan Brown told The Spectator that he was pleased with the fight and intensity his undersized Botte Greens outfit displayed.

“It was a great spectacle especially early in the game and I thought the boys really brought the pressure,” he said.

“We knew coming in that we were challenged with height … they took some intercept marks that hurt us (in the second half).”

Brown was impressed with the Hamilton talent through Povey and Cook, adding that Ethan Knight was “very unlucky” to miss.

“(Cook) battled hard and has had a couple good games at interleague level now … you’d like to see him get the ball a bit more when he is one out,” he said.

“Will was good, we were under siege a bit down back, but our defence held up really well … we liked him for his versatility and ability to play tall or small.

“Ethan Knight was a bit stiff to miss out, on reflection you probably play him but ultimately it was because we decided to go a fraction taller … he’s a good player and I’m sure he will be back next year.”

Roos senior coach, Brad Thomas was on the coaching panel and also received a glowing review from the Brisbane Lions champion.

“His involvement was fantastic, he’s a very knowledgeable footy coach and Hamilton are lucky to have him there … he’s creating a good culture and developing the young talent well,” Brown said.

“Hamilton have got some terrific younger fellas … hopefully they can get some success.”

Cook had a strong game, replicating his performance from last year as the forward target kicked two majors.

He made the most of limited opportunities and didn’t let his team down when they went to him, marking and kicking the ball truly.

“The game itself was very hot and quick which we thought it would be, especially early in these kinds of games everyone just wants to get their hands on the footy,” Cook said.

“I wouldn’t say I set the world on fire with my individual game but I’m not disappointed with my game.

“(It was) obviously disappointing about losing for the second time but couldn’t fault our effort for the four quarters.”

After a bit of a quiet patch in front of goal for the Kangaroos, Cook was hoping he could channel his interleague form come this Saturday.

“Hopefully I can keep the form rolling over into (the game against) South …the experience was very good, it’s only one time in the year where you get to play with people that you would normally play against.”

Under-18 women

HAMPDEN made history as their inaugural women’s interleague side made light work of Ballarat to cruise to a massive 43-point victory with the scoreboard reading 6.9 (45) to 0.2 (2) at the final siren.

The Bottle Greens got a bit of a jump on the visitors in the first quarter as they managed to capitalise on their forward entries to put two goals on the board.

The second quarter was a real arm-wrestle with neither team able to find any momentum as Ballarat made it clear that they wouldn’t go down without a fight.

The premiership quarter was the best of the day for the Hampden girls as they kicked three goals and set up a great victory.

Cavendish midfielder, Leayla Pohl was the only local to step on the field in this game with the youngster displaying her talent in the engine room.

Pohl is much younger than many of the girls she ran out with and still plays Under-14s for the Bloods, but she didn’t look out of place.

She was named in the midfield which was a strong show of faith from the coaches and selectors, and she did not disappoint getting plenty of the ball and was named in the best for her team.

There is no doubt that Pohl will be an exciting player of the future and you sense that this will definitely not be the last representative game that she plays in.

Under-17 men

Hamilton duo, Hugh Fitzgerald and Zac Elliott pulled on the Hampden jumper on Saturday and had solid performances despite their team being outclassed by Ballarat in a second half demolition, 14.13 (97) to 4.7 (31).

The BFNL came out strong and quickly stamped their authority on the game moving the ball quick and controlling the game.

The second quarter was the Bottle Greens’ best for the day as they matched them and worked their way back into the game outscoring their opponents.

But it was short lived as a nine goal to one second half blew the margin out to 66 points as Ballarat cruised to victory.

Fitzgerald was strong around the contest and tackled well, while Elliott was clean and clever when he got the ball.