Rovers return to form with 24-point victory over Parade

The Hampton Rovers turned around their bad form of late to return to the winners list against Old Paradians in an entertaining game at Boss James Reserve on Saturday. Parade showed the way in the first half but the Rovers turned it around in the second to run out 24-point winners.

It was a welcome return of confidence and form for the Rovers after a disappointing month or so where it seemed the Hampton side had forgotten how to win. The victory see’s the Rovers remain in the relegation zone in second last position on the ladder, however just 2 percent from third last after North Old Boys went down by 60 points.

The game kicked off in perfect football conditions at David Street in front of a large Rovers crowd. However it was all Old Parade in the early stages of the match as they kicked 4 goals in the opening term while the home side failed to kick a major.

It was a much improved performance by the Rovers in the second quarter kicking 4 goals while Parade put on a further 3. At the main break, it was the away side by 13 points.

The game stepped up a gear in the third quarter with some big hits and plenty of pride shown by both teams, knowing a win could be the difference between C and D1 action in 2007.

The Rovers replicated their second quarter effort, managing a further 5 goals as they took the lead for the first time for the day, Old Paradians kicked 2 majors and after a tense quarter, the Rovers held a slim 5 point lead at the final break.

There was nothing in it in the opening moments of the final quarter, however Old Paradians soon dropped off as the Rovers sealed the game kicking 4 goals to 1. The final margin at Boss James Reserve was 24 points to the Rovers.

The club song rocked the Boss James clubrooms following the much needed win – a win which will hopefully set up a strong finish to the season for the green ?n gold’s. The Rovers face Ajax next week at VAFA HQ’s – Elsternwick Park, then the last home game of the year against Parkdale, followed by Fitzroy Reds at Brunswick Street Oval.

It wasn?t all good news for the Rovers with a couple of injuries sustained including another knee injury to Nick Greenwood.

Best for the Rovers were Ben Kezilas, Gary Carr, Mark Devereaux, Leigh Cave, Michael Fletcher and Sam Parkinson. Heath Tregear lead the goalkicking with 3, Matt Lawrence managed 2, while there were a host of single goalkickers: Andersen, Browne, Burggraaff, Carr, Devereaux, Greenwood, Lambert, Parkinson and Pinto.

Hampton Rovers: 0.4  5.7  10.10  14.15 (99)

Old Paradians:     4.5  7.8  9.11   10.15 (75)