Second half loses it for Rovers

The Hampton Rovers suffered a disappointing 25-point loss at the hands Ajax on Saturday at Boss James Reserve.

It was a tale of two halves as the Rovers dominated proceedings in the first half to lead by 5 goals at the main break. However Ajax responded in the second coming home strongly to defeat Hampton at home in front of a large crowd.

Plenty of emotion is always attached to Rovers-Ajax encounters and Saturday was no different. The Rovers came out of the blocks firing going forward in the opening seconds. Soon after, Jeremy Yelland kicked the opening two goals in quick succession.

The Rovers kicked a further two in the opening stanza while restricting Ajax to just the single. At the first break, it was the home side by 16 points.

The Hampton barrage continued in the second quarter kicking 5 goals with Ajax managing 3 of their own. At the main break it was the Hampton Rovers by 33 points.

The intensity of the Rovers dropped in the third term and this allowed Ajax, who had come out of the sheds firing, to get back into the game kicking 6 goals and taking a slight advantage into the final break. At three quarter time, it was the away side by 6 points.

The final term produced much of the same with the Rovers managing just the single goal while Ajax kicked a further 4 to ensure victory. Ajax running out winners 14.12.96 to the Rovers 11.5.71.

Best for the Rovers were Gary Carr, Mark Devereaux, Michael Fletcher, Chris Lambert, Heath Tregear and Anthony Browne. Nick Greenwood again lead the goalkicking with 3, Jeremy Yelland 2, with singles to Daniel Andersen, Browne, Burggraaff, Fletcher, Lambert and Tregear.

The defeat sees the Rovers go into the break with 3 wins and 4 losses sitting equal 5^th on the ladder with Fitzroy, Old Camberwell and Old Paradians. The Rovers next game is against Parkdale Vultures Saturday-week away at Gerry Green Reserve.

The Reserves went down to Ajax by 5 goals in what would have been a closer game if not for a disappointing second quarter. Best for the Rovers were John and David Williams, Foster, Power, Westhead and Cantlon. Adam Power kicked 2 goals with singles to Anderson, Flahive and Mudge.

The Under 19’s look set for victory at three quarter time however a dreadful last term cost the green and gold’s, going down by 3 points to Oakleigh. Best were Lyall, Theodore, Law, Davis, Pinto & Lang. Gleeson, Lyall, McCoy and Pinto kicked 2 goals each with singles to Morecroft, Randall, Theodore and Ulbrich.