Rovers suffer rare Ajax defeat

The Hampton Rovers suffered a rare Ajax defeat as the home team continued their mid-season resurgence to win their 5^th straight game on Saturday at Trevor Barker Oval.

A depleted Rovers outfit slips further down the ladder following the disappointing 30 point loss.

The match was played in perfect football conditions and Sandringham’s home ground was just as good.

The game was ultimately lost for the Rovers in the first half with just 4 goals to Ajax’s 11 and a 48-point deficit at the main break.

The second half was a much better performance from the green & gold’s with 6 goals in the third term to Ajax’s 3.

At one stage during the final quarter, the margin was as little as 9 points. However Ajax kicked late goals to win the game by 30 points.

The Rovers now face bottom of the table Banyule who won their first game of the year on Saturday in the upset of the season downing 3^rd-placed Parkdale Vultures.

With five of their eight remaining games at home, the Rovers will be looking to finish the season strongly and play a role in the 2005 finals series. The return of several injured key players will prove vital in achieving this.

Hampton Rovers: 3.1, 4.2, 10.8, 13.10 (88)

Ajax: 6.5, 11.8, 14.10, 17.16 (118)

Goals: Andersen 2, Duddy 2, Power 2, Blanchard, Browne, Devereaux, Pinto, Lawrence, Semmell, Zampaglione.
Best: Devereaux, Zampaglione, Anderson, Blanchard, Duddy, Semmell.

It was better news for the Reserves who had a 5-goal final quarter to defeat Ajax by 30 points. Best for the Rovers was Gary Giasoumi who also kicked 4 goals.

The Under 19’s went down to 2^nd-placed Salesian by 17 points. Suleyman was best a field for the Rovers with Andrew Ross kicking 3 goals. See the U19’s report for full details.