Hampton Rovers made the long trek out to Sunbury to take on Rupertswood on Saturday. After a disappointing first half, the Rovers turned their form around in the second to record an 18 point victory.
Constant overnight rain made playing conditions difficult and the Rovers went in without a few key players including Gary Carr and Anton Duddy. The home side were first to the ball and more committed in the first half. The Rovers weren’t on their game and found themselves 15 points down at the main break.
A rev up from coach Gary Sheldon at the main break turned this around with Hampton playing much better footy in the third quarter. They managed to hit the lead and further goals in the final term saw the travelling Rovers run out 18 point victors. Final score 9.11.65 to 6.11.47.
In the end it was a fantastic win by the boys and it keeps their unbeaten start to the season in tact, and now two games clear on top of the ladder. Some of the players to step up for the Rovers and finish in the best were Mark Devereaux, Nick Greenwood, Jason Zampaglione, Ben Kezilas, Ryan Semmel and Benn Martyn. J]Zampaglione kicked 3 goals, Semmel 2, and singles to Curry, Lawrence, Ting and Pinto.
Next week the Rovers play their second away game in a row when they face MHSOB at Melbourne High School, South Yarra.
Hampton Rovers 2.3 3.5 7.7 9.11 (65)
Rupertswood 2.5 5.8 6.9 6.11 (47)
Goals: J. Zampaglione 3, R. Semmel 2, M. Lawrence, K. Pinto, T. Curry, J. Ting
Best: M. Devereaux, N. Greenwood, J. Zampaglione, B. Kezilas, R. Semmel, B. Martyn
The Reserves also recorded a great victory. It was an even contest all day but the Rovers were too strong in the final quarter winning 9.9.63 to 4.9.33. Joel Aanensen and Jeremy Yelland kicked 3 each with David Anderson, Ben Theodore and David O’Brien best for the Rovers.
And at Melbourne High, the Under 19s were 4 points down at the final break but were impressive in the last quarter winning by 28 points. Final scores 13.14.92 to 9.10.64. Best for the Rovers were John Eastman, Josh Schmitz and Jesse Lovig. Multiple goal kickers were Joel Steendam 3, Hayden Lewis and Zeke Lewis 2 each.
