In the wet and near-freezing conditions in Bundoora, the Hampton Rovers turned on the heat displaying great skills to defeat Old Paradians by 100 points. The win is the 5th consecutive for the Rovers as well as the 5th 100+ point victory for the 2007 season.
It was a high-paced start to the game yet slow scoreboard-wise. Rovers kicked the first of the game but took a while to kick their second. They managed another two to make it four for the opening term while restricting the home side to just the one.
The rain started falling and the temperature dropped at quarter time and the Rovers turned it up during the second term booting 6 goals to hold a commanding 50-point lead at the main break.
Despite the terrible conditions, Hampton powered on in the third term kicking a further 7 goals increasing the margin to 87 points at the final break. As darkness started to descend on Garvey Oval, so did Rovers kicking at goal as they only managed the one in the final term while missing several opportunities.
The final siren blew to the relief of all involved with the scoreboard showing a perfect 100 point victory to the Rovers. Hamptons defence was superb restricting the home side to just 3.3.21, including just 1 goal for the entire second half.
Mark Ferrari led the goalkicking for the Rovers sneaking 4 through the big sticks while full forward Matthew Lawrence kicked his 50th for the season with 3 on the day. Mark Devereaux and Rob Alexander were among the better players for the Rovers, however the whole team stood up and played outstanding footy despite the conditions.
The Rovers remain in 4th position on the ladder however are now just 2 points off 3rd, while the big win boosted the percentage even higher to 184%, the highest in D1 section.
Next week the Rovers face a tough test taking on Old Mentonians who currently sit on top of the ladder. It promises to be one of the games of the season at Boss James Reserve, with all the action kicking off at 2pm.
In the Reserves, the home side kicked 3 goals to none in the opening term and the Rovers were forced to play catch-up footy. In a low scoring game, Paradians prevailed 8.6.54 to 6.8.44. Best for the Rovers were Lachlan Wheeler, Brenton Henry, Nick Oriti and Ben Theodore. Nick Evans and Tom Rootsey kicked 2 goals each with singles to Andrew Castles and Ashley Fisher.
The 2nd-placed Under 19s won their third straight game defeating lowly placed Peninsula Old Boys 6.16.52 to 4.7.31. Best players were Kyle Pinto, Josh Shmitz, Stefan Krull, Jackson Ward, Max Greenway and Jack Baxter. Nathan Morecroft kicked 2 goals with singles to Bell, Pinto, Batt and Law.
HAMPTON ROVERS 4.1 10.3 17.6 18.13 (121)
OLD PARADIANS 1.3 2.1 3.3 3.3 (21)
Goals: Ferrari 4, Lawrence 3, Alexander 2, Andersen 2, Dallas 2, Zampaglione 2, De Boer, Duddy, Trembath.
Best: Devereaux, Alexander, Duddy, Kezilas, M.Fletcher, Andersen.
