The two clubs have had the two different ends of the stick in 2005. While the Rovers went into the game with 22 injured senior players as the horror run of injuries continued, Uni Blacks sit pretty at the top of the ladder after being promoted from D1 Section in 2004, with the luxury of simply plucking players from
Blacks had a few players missing from the last time the two sides met at Boss James Reserve back in round 8 as the Rovers went down by 22 points, including a certain player who had a mysterious no-show following on from an alleged incident in the last outing.
The first quarter was tight and scrappy with players going in hard and just the 3 goals posted on the scoreboard. Inaccurate kicking by the home side restricted them to a 10 point lead at the first break but it could have been more considering they had 5 more scoring shots than the Rovers.
After departing from the quarter time huddle, the Rovers put in a much improved performance with a 5 goal quarter while restricting the home side to just the 2. At the main break, the Hampton Rovers held an 8 point advantage.
Both sides returned from the ancient rooms onto the damp Melbourne University Main Oval and could manage just the single goal each in the third quarter. At the final break, the Rovers maintained an 8 point lead.
The Rovers were again determined not to slip up in the final term and coach Brett McIllwraith pleaded with his side to fight the game out until the end.
Uni Blacks kicked the first major of the final term. A further goal to the home side and one to the Rovers plus a few behinds had the score all tied up at 54 a piece with a little under 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Blacks managed to boot 3 straight goals late in the game to snatch it by 18 points off the Rovers who can?t take a trick at the moment.
Leigh Fletcher, Luke Holt and Nick Corcoran played well for the Rovers while Power lead the goal kickers with 3 majors.
A loss to Monash Blues meant the Rovers hold on to 7th position on the C section ladder and its set to be an exciting final round with 6 teams vying for a top 4 position.
Make sure you?re at Boss James Reserve for the final time in 2005 as the Hampton Rovers take on Old Paradians. The pre-game Luncheon is set to be a big one so book your spot now – click here.
University Blacks: 2.5, 4.7, 5.9, 10.12 (72)
Best: L. Fletcher, Holt, Corcoran, Zampaglione, Woods, M. Fletcher.
Goals: Power 3, Woods 2, L. Fletcher, M. Fletcher, Lambert.