HAMITON Kangaroos couldn’t manage to get over the line against North Warrnambool Eagles in a game of classic wet weather footy falling 38 points short in round 10 of the Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) seniors’ competition.

Eagles started well before an arm-wrestle throughout the middle period of the game as the Kangaroos battled hard to stay in it, but North Warrnambool was too strong winning 9.10 (64) to 4.2 (26).

The senior ladder positions for both sides did not change with Hamilton staying in ninth position while the Eagles are still in third.

The visitors got a jump on the Roos in the first quarter as the rain poured down and both sides desperately tried to do anything they could to get the ball moving in their favour.

Despite the conditions, North Warrnambool Eagles made the most of its first quarter forward entries, kicking five straight goals to take an early 17-point lead into the first break.

The Kangaroos also kicked more than half their score for the game in the first term as Luke Uebergang cashed in again.

Cameron Pither continued his stellar season rebounding well off the half back line and playing a shutdown role on his opponent as his side’s best player on the day.

Pither has been named in the best players in nine out of his 10 matches this season and has no doubt been one of the most impressive players for the blue and white this season.

Uebergang kicked two of Hamilton’s goals adding to his strong outing last week and has now kicked five in the last two games.

Deacon White, James Pike and Cameron Whyte all impressed in trying conditions earning spots among Hamilton’s best players.

Ethan Knight (20 disposals) found plenty of the ball while debutant, Angus Kissel picked up 17 touches.

Noah Hermann (12 tackles) and Ben Marti played solid games showing experience beyond their years.

Senior coach, Hamish Waldron said the team fought hard in trying conditions after the Eagles’ hot start.

“I sort of said to the boys at the start of the game, we just have to adjust to the conditions, and they (North Warrnambool) probably adjusted a bit quicker,” he said.

“They kicked those five goals in the first quarter, which was the difference in the game because after that it was pretty even for the rest of the day.

“(Cam Pither) is playing that intercept role, he had another big game on the weekend with 25 touches and 6 tackles, I played him up on the wing against Camperdown, but he’s just so valuable down back.”

Waldron was pleased with a few matchups that he said the side “got right” as they managed to nullify the impact of a couple of the Eagles’ big players.

The likes of Nick Rodda and Nathan Vardy were both kept quiet which made a huge difference to the way the game played out.

“Mick (McMeel) did a good job on him (Rodda) and locked him down … Mick made it hard for him all day and is a very good one on one player, so I think we got that match up pretty right,” Waldron said.

“Whytey (Cam Whyte) had a big task coming up against Vardy, clearance wise we were pretty even for the game, Whytey did a tremendous job.”