Hampton Rovers charged back into the top four of the C section ladder following an resounding 86 point win over Therry Penola at Boss James Reserve on Saturday.
After last weeks 55 point drubbing over top side Old Camberwell, big things were expected from the boys from
Further strengthened by the return of several players, the Rovers proved too strong for a team that beat the Rovers twice last year, losses which cost them a place in the 2004 final series.
The game started well for the Rovers and towards the end of the first quarter, the green and gold had a comfortable lead. But two goals in the dying minutes saw Therry peg back the deficit to just five points. In his quarter time address Rovers coach Brett McIlwraith urged his chargers to work harder and replicate the fine efforts of the previous week. The Rovers responded with a match winning performance. Youngster Danny Hughes was on song with two goals, and majors from five other players, including debutante Nick Corcoran, saw the Rovers lead at the main break 11.5 71 to 5.7.37.
Therry opened well in the third with two quick goals and the Rovers were under pressure. But the home team lifted and scored the next six goals in a display that brought the large crowd to its feet on many occasions. The Rovers talls were dominating and the mid fielders had too much class for their opponents. Hughes snagged two more goals, one of which was a spectacular running snap from what appeared an impossible angle. At three quarter time it was all over for Therry as they trailed by more than 10 goals.
In the final address, coach McIlwraith demanded 8 goals from the green and gold in the last. And that’s what he got as the Rovers piled on the pressure and the goals. Forward Anton Duddy was too strong and tall in attack and kicked three goals. He was well supported by his team mates as the Rovers kicked away to win 25.15.165 to Therry Penola 11.13.79.
Rovers coach Brett McIlwraith said, “This was an important one to win as Therry beat us twice last year. Pleasingly, the lads did not disappoint. There was no let down from last week’s great win and it was a credit to all the Rovers players who represented the club today. The guys played four very good quarters of football today and all 22 contributed to this 86 point win.?
The Rovers sit in 4th on the ladder with a 4-2 record and a percentage of 146% after scoring over 700 points in 2005, the highest of any C section side.
Best players for the Rovers were Gerard Woods, Anthony Browne, Matt Lawrence, Daniel Corp, Nick Corcoran and Danny Hughes.
Goalkickers were, Danny Hughes 4, Anton Duddy 4, Nick Corcoran 4, Luke Holt 3, Sam Parkinson 2, Anthony Browne, Daniel Corp, Heath Tregear, Gary Carr, Matt Lawrence, Gerard Woods and Michael Fletcher – all one a piece.
The Rovers reserves won a nail biter, 7.21.63 to Therry Penola’s 8.7.55. Inaccurate kicking including 1.11 in the first could have cost the Rovers dearly, but they hung on to gain a much needed win. Best players were Pucella, Crowther, McCarthy, Christiansen and Kezilas.
The Rovers under 19s battled hard against De La Salle , but went down 10.6.66 to 26.20.176.