Hampton Rovers trounced recently promoted Banyule by 25 goals in their round 2 clash on Saturday. Veteran supporters believe the Rovers final score of 29.22.196 was the highest by the Senior team for almost 50 years.
The Rovers totally controlled the game from early on. This dominance was highlighted by the fact that sixteen different players scored goals. The win takes the undefeated Rovers to the top of the C Grade ladder. Three other teams are also unbeaten after two games of the 2005 season.
The game opened in perfect football conditions at Beverley Road Oval and the Rovers goaled quickly. The home team responded and at one stage had the narrowest of leads. But that was the closest Banyule got as the green and gold accelerated away with a blistering style of attacking positive football. At quarter time the Rovers lead 4.3.27 to Banyule 1.3.9 and the signs were good for the visitors.
In the second quarter the Rovers piled on nine goals to Banyules no score in what was an awesome display of moving the ball quickly, kicking and passing with precision and strong tackling. The Rovers Nick Greenwood, Heath Tregear and Anthony Browne were too strong in the air, and mid-fielders Guy Martyn, Stuart Burggraaff and Gary Carr provided plenty of drive. At the main break the Rovers led 13.10.88 to 1.3.9.
The third quarter was a repeat of the second as the Rovers scored another seven goals to give them a 118 point lead and put the result totally beyond Banyules reach at the final break.
The Rovers powered on in the final quarter with another nine goals however disappointingly let the home team kick five. Final scores were Hampton Rovers 29.22.196 to Banyule 7.6.48, a margin of 148 points
Best players for the Rovers were Martyn, Tregear,
Goalkickers: Hughes, Pinto and
Rovers coach Brett McIlwraith said, ?This was a great all round performance and as expected we improved in all facets of the game. Every player made a contribution and once again the younger players did very well?
Next week the Rovers take on Parkdale Vultures in a big local derby at Boss James Reserve. It promises to be a cracker game as the Rovers were defeated by the Vultures in their two clashes last season.
The Rovers Reserves won easily 16.13.109 to Banyules 5.5.36. The win also takes them to top of the ladder. Best players were Christiansen, McCarthy, Power, Blake, Crowther and Terech. While Adam Power lead the goal kicking with 6 majors.