Several VFL players bolstered an already strong Rovers team as they put on an exceptional display to thrash Ajax by 71 points in the top-of-the-table C Section clash at Boss James Reserve on Saturday.
A big crowd was on hand in perfect conditions at the Boss for what many predicted would be a tight contest however the Rovers skills and hardness at the ball proved too strong for the visiting side as the dominated to remain undefeated and three games clear on top of the ladder.
While the Rovers looked stronger in the opening half, Ajax kept up with the pace and at half time it was the home side by a little over four goals. Guy Martyn from Sandringham worked in well dominating in the middle and moving up the ground kicking multiple goals along with Daniel Corp from Frankston while regulars Ryan Semmel and Leigh Fletcher were running rings around the opposition as per usual.
After a six goal second quarter, the Rovers put another five on the scoreboard in the third while Ajax managed three of their own and at the three quarter time break, it was Hampton in a commanding position up by 38 points.
However they knew they had to keep their focus early on in the fourth quarter to avoid any possible fightback, knowing that the Ajax boys are very capable of doing so. A couple of early goals to the visitors raised a few eyebrows however from then on it was all the Rovers who went on to boot nine goals to Ajaxs four.
At the final siren, it was the Hampton Rovers comprehensive winners over Ajax 25.15.165 to 14.10.94.
Guy Martyn ended with seven goals with three each to Daniel Corp and Nick Greenwood. Also chipping in were Mark Devereaux, Ryan Semmel and Daniel Gribbin with two each. Stuey Burggraaff played one of his better games along with Luke Dallas, Ryan Semmel, Kyle Pinto, Gerrard Woods and Nick Greenwood who were also in the best.
The VAFA takes a week off this Saturday for the representative games in which Ryan Semmel and Leigh Fletcher are expected to take part in and then the following week the Rovers face Whitefriars at home to complete the first round of games for the 2008 season.
HAMPTON ROVERS 4.3 11.7 16.9 25.15 (165)
AJAX 2.0 7.3 10.7 14.10 (94)
Goal Kickers: G. Martyn 7, D. Corp 3, N. Greenwood 3, M. Devereaux 2, R. Semmel 2, D. Gribbin 2, M. Lawrence, J. Zampaglione, K. Pinto, T. Curry, J. Ting, L. Dallas.
Best Players: S. Burggraaff, L. Dallas, R. Semmel, K. Pinto, G. Woods, N. Greenwood.
It was a triple header at Boss James Reserve with all three senior teams at home. First up the Under 19s took on Bentleigh. Maybe it was the early 9:20am start which affected the Rovers with Bentleigh up by 7 goals at quarter time. However this turned around and the Rovers finished the stronger, winning by 10 points. Zeke Lewis kicked 4 goals with 3 to Matt Innes and 2 to Jackson Ward and Max Robertson-Long. Best players were Hayden Lewis, Matt Innes and Josh Schmitz. The Reserves then took the field and had a disappointing loss to Ajax. With nothing in it at half time, Ajax kicked 9 goals to 2 in the second half to run out winners.
