Cold conditions welcomed players and spectators for the top v bottom VAFA C Section clash between the Rovers and Whitefriars at Boss James Reserve. It was the home side that recorded a 35 point win to maintain a record 9-0 start to the season.
The last time the two teams met was back in 2003 in B Section where Whitefriars comfortable beat the Rovers on both occasions. This time round, the Rovers were looking to complete the first half of the 2008 season without dropping a game.
The Rovers kicked with the strong wind in the first quarter and dominated play, up by 39 points at the first break. Luke Dallas playing at full forward due to Matt Lawrence’s absence kicked five goals in the opening stanza.
From then on the standard of the game seemed to drop with scrappy skills evident by both sides. Still, Whitefriars managed just the two majors with the wind while the Rovers kicked three of their own to increase their lead at the main break.
It was a big third quarter from both teams, 8 goals to 6 further enhancing Hamptons lead to 62 points at the final break.
The temperature dropped further for the last quarter and to Whitefriars credit, they did well managing to kick seven goals to the Rovers three to peg back the margin somewhat.
The Rovers missed several opportunities and their delivery to the forward line was disappointing compared to previous games, but still managed a 35 point win to remain undefeated and three games on top at the half way stage of the season. The undefeated 9-0 start to the season is a club record for the Hampton Rovers seniors in the clubs 80 year history.
Congratulations to Jason Zampaglione playing his 150th club game for the Rovers. First gamer Jack Eastwood coming up from the Under 19’s had a great game. Tom Curry was best for the Rovers while backmen Gerrard Woods and James McCarthy also played well. Luke Dallas finished with 6 goals while Ryan Semmel managed 3.
Next week the Hampton Rovers face Oakleigh away at Scammel Reserve in version two of the 2007 Grand Final re-match. The two clubs have developed a strong rivalry and a great game is in prospect with Oakleigh no doubt keen to turn around the Round 1 result this year where the Rovers got up by 26 points.
HAMPTON ROVERS 6.6 9.12 17.15 20.17 (137)
WHITEFRIARS 0.3 2.6 8.7 15.12 (102)
Goal Kickers: Luke Dallas 6, Ryan Semmel 3, Jason Zampaglione 2, Josh Verlin 2, Stuart Burggraaff, Mark Devereaux, Nick Greenwood, Cain Malthouse, Tom McNamara, Tony Pucella, Kyle Pinto
Best Players: Tom Curry, Jack Eastman, Gerrard Woods, James McCarthy, Nick Wynne, Luke Dallas
The Reserves had a poor start but got back within a goal in the last quarter. Late goals to Whitefriars cemented a win to the away side, getting up by 13 points. Best for the Rovers was Justin Ng.
The Under 19s lost just their second game of the year, going down to Ajax by 39 points. Jesse Gould, Kelvin Rudd and Hayden Lewis were amongst the best players while Josh Schmitz kicked 3 and first gamer Nathan Davidson 2.
