Boosted by a number of big ins, an impressive Hampton Rovers outfit dominated the Monash Blues to win their Round 2 encounter by 97 points away at Frearson Oval. It was a good day all round with the Reserves winning by 80 points and Under 19s by 85 points.
In perfect conditions at Monash University, the Rovers welcomed back Rob Alexander and Gary Carr for the first time this year and the return of Nick Greenwood, Ryan Semmel and Stephen Gravina to the club, to make it a near full strength line-up.
The Rovers took some time to gel with an even opening term kicking 4 goals to the home sides 5. The start of the second term saw much of the same however the Rovers soon lifted their game and ended up kicking 6 goals while restricting Monash to just the single. At the main break, Hampton held a handy 29-point lead.
Hampton came out from the sheds and booted a further 6 goals in the third term and were dominating play. Monash kicked just the 2 and the visitors lead extended to 56 points. The pace of the game was right up there and it showed with a number of players starting to tire in the legs.
The final quarter was an onslaught with the Rovers running rampant, kicking 9 goals to the Blues 3. Hampton was playing some great footy and despite moving up a division, the Rovers were proving they could mix it with the best in C Section. As the final siren blew, the scoreboard read Hampton Rovers 25.18.168 defeated Monash Blues 11.5.71 – a 97-point win.
With all last weeks winners going down, the Rovers now sit on top of the ladder as the only team to win 2 games from 2. Congratulations to James McCarthy who played his 100th senior game for the club in the big win.
The Rovers had good players all over the ground however Luke Dallas was superb kicking 6 goals, as was Jason Zampaglione, Benn Martyn and Lachie Batt. Nick Greenwood kicked 5 goals, Zampaglione 3, and 2 to Lawrence, Semmel and Curry.
Next week the Rovers face Mazenod in Round 3 action at Boss James Reserve.
HAMPTON ROVERS 4.3 10.7 16.13 25.18 (168)
MONASH BLUES 5.1 6.2 8.5 11.5 (71)
Best: Zampaglione, Dallas, Martyn, Batt, Greenwood, Pinto.
Goals: Dallas 6, Greenwood 5, Zampaglione 3, Lawrence 2, Semmel 2, Curry 2, Burggraaff, Devereaux, Fletcher, Gravina, Pinto.
The Reserves also recorded a massive win. After going down by 137 points last week, they responded in the best way possible, getting up by 80 points. Michael Flahive, playing in his 150th senior game for the club, kicked 5 goals for Hampton while best players included Lee Smith, Lachie Wheeler and Mitch Westhead.
Meanwhile at Boss James Reserve, the Under 19s recorded an 85-point victory over local rivals Parkdale Vultures to make it an unbeaten start to the season. Zeke Lewis kicked 5 goals while Joel Steendam and Chris Rigney kicked 4 each. Best players included Lewis, McGuigan and Baxter.
