The Hampton Rovers returned to the winners list in great fashion on Saturday with a big 14-goal win over Banyule at Boss James Reserve. After four consecutive losses, the Rovers produced 29 goals, the same as their round 2 encounter to equal 58 goals against Banyule in 2005.
Despite their ladder position, the Rovers didn?t take their opposition lightly following last rounds 2-point win over top-4 side Parkdale Vultures.
The crowd size at Boss James was smallish by Hampton Rovers standards, however those who were there enjoyed great play by the home side.
Although the ground was soggy from recent rain, the match kicked off in sunny conditions. On the milestone front, Gerard Woods played his 150th club game, while the Rovers had two first-gamers in Daniel Gribbin and Chris Lambert.
The game opened with both sides going goal for goal and it wasn?t until late in the first that the Rovers kicked away to hold a 19-point lead at the first break.
The second quarter was much better from the Rovers with 9 goals piled on the scoreboard to Banyules 2. Adam Power was leading by example at full forward with strong marking and subsequent goals. At the main break, the Rovers went to the rooms with their heads up and a 63-point lead.
The third term produced much of the same for the home side. Confidence was high and it showed with great passages of play all over the ground. The Rovers kicked another 7 goals, while to Banyules credit, they finished the quarter strongly booting 6 majors. At the final break, the Rovers held a strong lead of 67 points.
Rovers coach Brett McIllwraith praised his players in the huddle for their overall performance, however expressed disappointment in letting Banyule reduce the margin late in the quarter. He urged the Rovers to finish the game strongly.
Finish the game strongly the Rovers did, kicking a further 7 goals while restricting Banyule to 3.
In his milestone game, Gerard Woods played superbly, while Daniel Andersen also played a blinder. Playing back in the forward line, Adam Power turned it on booting 9 goals.
With the Rovers still missing several key players to injury, everyone needed to step up. Thats exactly what happened with every single player performing well and contributing to a big Rovers win.
The Rovers remain in 7th position on the ladder, however 4 teams are above one game ahead on 24 points. While only 2 teams have a higher percentage than the green & golds.
Next Saturday the Rovers face Parkdale Vultures in a big game at Gerry Green Reserve. The next home game for the Rovers is the following week when one of the VAFAs biggest rivalries returns to Boss James as
Banyule: 3.3, 5.6, 11.11, 14.15 (99)
Best: Woods, Andersen, Power, Semmell, Devereaux, Browne.
Goals: Power 9, Devereaux 4, Corcoran 3, Pinto 3, Browne 2, Woods 2, Andersen, Burggraaff, Gribbin, Holt, Lambert, Semmell.
It was a good day all round for the Rovers with all 3 senior teams having wins. The Reserves kicked away in the second half after being down at half time by 4 points to win the game by 34 points. Dean Marshall in his 100th game was best for the Rovers with good performances also by Michael Flahive and Steve Helliger. Mosbey lead the kicking with 3 goals.
The Under 19s put in another good performance to down Peninsula Old Boys by 25 points. John Hille and Lee Smith were best a field for the Rovers while Tom Rootsey, Lee Smith and Daniel Zampaglione all kicked 3 goals each.