Rovers remain clear top despite loss

The Hampton Rovers remain one game clear on top with one round remaining despite going down to Mazenod at Central Reserve on Saturday.

In arctic, wet and windy conditions at Central Reserve, the Rovers knew it would be a tough outing considering the fifth-placed Mazenod were unbeaten at home in 2008. Unfortunately for them though, they are yet to have a victory away from home which only leaves the door slightly ajar for an unlikely finals appearance.

The Rovers lost the toss and went against the four goal wind towards the Southern end. The first term wasn?t so bad with the home side kicking three goals to one. The second quarter was disappointing though with the Rovers unable to take advantage of the wind, kicking two goals to one. However at half time, the margin was only seven points.

The third quarter was where the game was lost for the Rovers with Mazenod kicking six goals while all the Rovers could manage was one behind. Going into the last the margin was 46 points. It wasn?t beyond the ladder leaders but it did look unlikely. The Rovers won the quarter three goals to one but it wasn?t enough, going down by 32 points.

Several players failed to fire while a few injuries didn?t help the Rovers cause. Josh Verlin, Mark Devereaux and Gerrard Woods were best for Hampton while Matt Lawrence was the only multiple goal kicker with two.

Next Saturday the Rovers return to Boss James Reserve to face second-bottom Rupertswood in the final home and away game of the season. The boys from Sunbury are assured of relegation along with Whitefriars and the Rovers will be looking to regain some confidence ahead of the 2^nd Semi Final in a fortnight at Junction Oval.

In other results, Ajax defeated Oakleigh at Scammel meaning they replace them in second spot while Ormond move to third after they defeated Whitefriars. Oakleigh round out the four. Monash defeated Melbourne High and Rupertswood defeated Parkdale.

HAMPTON ROVERS  1.2  3.6  3.7  6.11 (47)
MAZENOD  3.5  4.7  10.11  11.13 (79)
Goals: Lawrence 2, Curry, Dallas, Greenwood, Semmel.
Best: Verlin, Devereaux, Woods, Zampaglione, Burggraaff, Dallas.

The Under 19’s continued their great form of late, this time defeating Peninsula Old Boys by 99 points in their final home and away game of the season. Nathan Davidson kicked another bag of 9 goals – that’s 34 in the last 4 games, while best players for the Rovers were Hayden Lewis and Max Greenway in his 100^th club game. The Rovers have won their last four games of the season by an average of 115 points and finish in third position on the ladder. They take on De La Salle in the 1^st Semi Final next Sunday at Gerry Green Reserve at 11:30am. Click Here to read the U19’s report.