Nothing could separate Hampton Rovers and Uni Blacks until the final quarter as last years premiers kicked away to defeat the home side by 22 points in the match of the round at Boss James Reserve on Saturday.
Blacks were high on confidence following their big 61-point win over Parkdale Vultures the previous week. The Rovers knew they were in for a tough day, and with some big players out of the line-up, including Heath Tregear and Matt Lawrence, this didn?t help their cause. However to their credit, they were right in the game up until mid-way during the final term.
It was the Uni Blacks who came out the stronger of the two, however inaccuracy in front of goal cost them as they opened the game with three behinds. It wasn?t until the 13 minute mark that the first goal of the game was kicked, with Blacks taking an 8-point lead. Uni got the ball straight out of the centre and quickly kicked another.
Rovers suffered a set-back late in the quarter when Garry Carr was forced from the field. However the Rovers hit back as Nick Greenwood kicked a goal from a set-shot. At the first break, Uni Blacks lead the Rovers 2.6.18 to 1.3.9.
The second quarter was the best of the game for the Rovers as they kicked 4 goals with the wind and restricted the Blacks to just the one. At the main break, Rovers lead by 12 points. However it could have been much more if it wasn?t for the inaccuracy in front of goals, as the Rovers kicked 8 behinds.
Uni Blacks coach Anthony Parkin was clearly unimpressed as he blasted his players in true David Parkin fashion, prior to going off the ground.
Blacks responded in the third quarter kicking 4 goals while the Rovers managed just the 2. Taking a three point lead into the last, Blacks had the run and it was all set for a cracking last term.
There was nothing in the opening minutes, however it was all Uni Blacks after that as they booted 6 goals to the Rovers 2.
Stuey Burggraaff and Jason Zampaglione played great for the Rovers, as did Corcoran and Blanchard, while Power was instrumental down back.
The Rovers now eagerly await the return leg at
University Blacks: 2.6, 3.9, 7.13, 13.14 (92)
Best: Burggraaff, Zampaglione, Corcoran, Blanchard, Pinto, Power.
Goals: Fletcher 2,
In the earlier game, the Reserves also went down, while at Mazenod, the Under 19s had a 3-goal win. Greg Cannel was best on ground, while Chris Gleeson dominated up front kicking an amazing 11 goals.