HAMILTON KANGAROOS were shown exactly the level the side has to reach if it wants to feature in the finals of the Hampden Football Netball League, when the side was belted by South Warrnambool at Reid Oval, 24.20 (164) – 4.4 (28).

Playing on the Reid Oval allows teams to play the fast open style of football that has become prevalent in the modern game, and the Roosters were able to gain the upper hand from the opening term as the home side had 16 shots on goal to only one from the Roos.

The second term was more of the same as the Kangaroos players were desperately trying to keep their opposition under control, but to no avail as the half time score ballooned out to 90-9.

Even though the scoreline doesn’t appear to show the improvement the visitors showed after the break, the Roos came out with renewed vigour and started to get their own running game happening.

The players were able to get the ball to the runners on the outside and the Roos moved the ball forward regularly, but the Roosters backs quickly sent the ball back upfield as befits the ladder leaders.

The Kangaroos backline was working overtime with Taine Morris being the best player on the field for the visitors in his role as centre half back, and along with the rest of the backline they did all they could to repel the Roosters attacking raids.

“Taine had a great game for us, and he’s been in form all season long,” Hamilton Kangaroos coach Hamish Waldron said.

“We normally only to get to play the Reid Oval once a season, and the boys were much better after half time as the ball started to move quicker.

“Charlie Alexander also played well for a young bloke, and he will only continue to get better.

“The experience of playing on the Reid (Oval) will stand us in good stead as we look forward to the Warrnambool game next week as it’s a game we are targeting.

Taine Morris, Charlie Alexander, Cameron Whyte, Deacon White, Darcy Russell and Angus Kissel played well for the visitors, but the rest of the side will have learnt plenty about how to play against the top side and what is required to succeed in the HFNL.