The Hampton Rovers led most of the day but not when it counted as Old Geelong kicked two late goals to snatch a thrilling win at Como Park on Saturday.
The two teams, touted as pre-season favourites, went head-to-head in a tight game at the very large Como Park in South Yarra. There was nothing in it all day with the home side kicking two goals to one in the opening term. The Rovers came back in the second quarter and at the main break, led by 8 points.
Old Geelong held a 3-points lead at the final break, however it was the Rovers who snatched a 2-point lead with just minutes remaining before the home side came back to kick 2 goals and steal the game by 10 points.
The third consecutive loss sees the Rovers fall slightly off the pace, but the 2007 season is still young and after a much improved performance in todays game, the Hampton boys will be keen to turn their fortunes around when they take on Therry Penola away.
Best players for the Rovers were Anton Duddy, Leigh Fletcher in his 50th club game, Gary Carr, Mark Devereaux, Gerrard Woods and Luke Dallas. Matt Lawrence and Luke Dallas both kicked 3 goals, Rob Alexander 2 and singles to Daniel Andersen, Matt Terech and Anton Duddy.
The Reserves faced a tough task facing opposition who had only lost one game in the last three years. While putting up a good fight, they went down by three goals.
The Under 19s continued their good form defeating Prahran-Caulfield by 51 points lifting them to second on the ladder. Best players for the Rovers were Alex Ross, Jackson Ward, Jason Giasoumi, Michael Stowe, Nathan Morecroft and Tom McCarthy. Jason Giasoumi kicked 6 goals, Lachlan Batt 4, Nathan Morecroft 4, Cameron Bell 2, Tom McCarthy 2, Jason McCoy 2 with singles to Chris Sinclair, Michael Stowe and Kyle Pinto.
HAMPTON ROVERS 1.3 5.4 7.6 11.7 (73)
OLD GEELONG 2.5 3.8 6.15 11.17 (83)
Goals: M. Lawrence 3, L. Dallas 3, R. Alexander 2, D. Andersen, M. Terech, A. Duddy
Best: A. Duddy, L. Fletcher, G. Carr, M. Devereaux, G. Woods, L. Dallas
