The Hampton Rovers recorded a 14-point victory over Prahran at Toorak Park on Saturday to lift them to second position on the ladder with one round remaining in the 2007 home and away season.
It was perfect conditions at the former VFA ground and a thoroughly entertaining game of VAFA footy. Both teams put in their all however it was Hampton who showed their true character to take home the 4 points.
Prahran got the jump on the Rovers in the opening term kicking 6 goals to 3, however the visitors came back in the second quarter and at the main break Prahran were up by a single point.
The Rovers kicked two early goals on the resumption from half time and kicked a further 6 to make it 8 for the term to Prahrans 5 to go into the last quarter up by 15 points.
The Rovers started the final quarter strongly however a few quick goals to Prahran brought the home team within striking distance of Hampton. However the Rovers steadied with a couple of their own and ended by winning 18.14.122 to 16.12.108.
Following Old Mentonians 102-point loss to Bulleen Templestowe, the Rovers win moves them up to second spot after 17 rounds and sets up next weeks home clash against Oakleigh as the game of the season with the Rovers looking to win to assure them the double chance in the finals. Make sure you?re at Boss James Reserve for what promises to be a massive game.
Jason Zampaglione was the leading goal kicker with 6 while Matt Lawrence managed 4. Other multiple goal kickers were Leigh Fletcher and Luke Dallas with 2 each while Daniel Andersen, Mark Devereaux, Leigh De Boer and Brad Trembath kicked 1 each. Leigh Fletcher was best on ground for the Rovers.
The Reserves had a disappointing loss going down by 21 points to Prahran. Best players for the Rovers were Lee Smith, Lachlan Wheeler, Chad Cooper, Michael Flahive, Justin Ng and Jarred Schafer. Nick Evans kicked 3 goals with 2 to Lee Smith. Singles to Bulmer, James and Pucella.
The Under 19s had a strong 49-point victory over Ajax at Boss James Reserve to move them a game clear in 2nd position on the ladder. Best players included Sinclair, Stowe, Ross, Pinto, White and Bell. Rory White kicked 5 goals, Krull 3, Innes and Pinto 2 each and singles to McCarthy, Ross and Ward.
HAMPTON ROVERS 3.4 7.8 15.9 18.14 (122)
PRAHRAN AFC 6.4 7.9 12.12 16.12 (108)
