The Hampton Rovers maintained top position in C Section after comfortably defeating Whitefriars by 31 points at Bulleen on Sunday afternoon.
After going down in their last two games, the Rovers were determined to get back on the winners list and set up a good run home to the finals. Whitefriars had struggled in 2008 and sat in last position going into the game.
The match was played at Whitefriars makeshift home ground in Bulleen while their main home ground is being restored, and as a result was played in the unusual timeslot of Sunday.
The Rovers kicked against a 3-4 goal wind in the opening term and had most of the play but failed to convert on the scoreboard. Both teams managed two majors each but the Rovers had five more scoring shots.
Hampton started slowly in the second but managed three goals to Whitefriars one to hold a 21 point lead at the main break.
Four goals to two in the third term and the door looked just about shut for the home side however they did match it with the Rovers in the last with both teams kicking three goals each.
Finals scores Hampton Rovers 12.17.89 defeated Whitefriars 8.10.58. The Rovers again struggled without their two key targets up front with a poor conversion, however with several players returning in the coming weeks, they?ll be looking to finish the season strongly heading into the finals.
It was a good solid win from the Rovers who had seven regulars missing from the line-up. A couple of Under 19s in Jackson Ward (first senior game in a few years) and Josh Schmitz (senior debut) came into the side and played well.
Mark Devereaux, Gerrard Woods and Rob Alexander were among the best for the Rovers while Alexander and Jason Zampaglione each kicked three goals with two each to Nick Lyall and Jackson Ward.
The Rovers remain one game clear of Oakleigh on the C Section ladder with three games remaining. Next week the Rovers face Parkdale Vultures in a big local derby at Boss James Reserve. Its the penultimate home game of the season and a big crowd is expected.
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.6 5.11 9.16 12.17 (89)
WHITEFRIARS 2.1 3.2 5.4 8.10 (58)
Goals: Alexander 3, Zampaglione 3, Lyall 2, Ward 2, Fletcher, McNamara.
Best: Devereaux, Woods, Alexander, Ward, Zampaglione, Ting.
It was a good weekend for the Rovers with all three senior teams getting up. In the early game on Sunday, the Reserves defeated Whitefriars by 33 points.
While on Saturday at home, the Under 19s smashed Melbourne High to the tune of 140 points. The Rovers kicked 29 goals with Nathan Davidson staring with a bag of 10 to add to his 9 from last week. Brad Trembath kicked 5 and Zeke Lewis 3. Best players also included Hayden Lewis, Matt Law, Sam Adams and Brenton Stevens.
