HAMILTON Kangaroos’ Hampden Football and Netball League (HFNL) season of discontent continued at Melville Oval on Saturday after the home side was defeated by Warrnambool, 10.11 (71) to 18.11 (119).

On Saturday, Warrnambool gained a strong start against the home side, as the visitors kicked four majors to one in the first term to open a 19-point margin at the first change of ends.

The Blues took their game to another level in the second quarter, keeping the Kangaroos goalless for the term while adding another five of their own to walk off the ground at the long break with a 50-point lead and the game all but put to bed.

For the second consecutive week, the Kangaroos returned to the field more determined to take the game up to the visitors, and the players responded to the half time message, as Darcy Russell booted three goals for the term and reduced the margin to 31 points at the final break.

Rory Gill was named the Roos’ best, but it was Cameron Pither who also caught the eye of many in the crowd for his work down back, which continues his great form, as Russell (four goals), Cameron Whyte, Luke Barnes and Jack Hickey were all named in the best players.

Reserves

THE home side was soundly defeated by Warrnambool, going down, 0.4 (4) to 9.21 (75), and if it wasn’t for the visitors’ poor goal kicking, the margin would have been far worse.

James Whyte impressed at centre-half-back and was recognised as the Roos’ best player, while Hugh Douglas, Thomas Logan, Flynn Jamieson, Jake Donehue and Hunter Ferey gave him support.

Despite the loss, the Kangaroos are still within touching distance of the top five with a vital clash with Koroit next week away from home.

Under-18.5s

HAMILTON Kangaroos had a tough encounter with the second-placed Warrnambool team, going down by nine points, 8.11 (59) to 10.8 (68), as the lead swapped between the teams throughout this entertaining game.

The Roos had to come from behind at the first change of ends to grab a three-point lead at the long break, only to see the Blues storm away to a 23-point lead at the three-quarter time siren.

The Roos were unable to bridge the gap, outscoring the Blues for the last term, as the final siren sounded to seal a nine-point win.

Hamilton Kangaroos captain, Noah Herrmann, led his team with a best afield performance, while Jack Jennings, Noah Mulley, Thomas Calvert, Jake Hardy and Lachlan Rees all played well.