The Hampton Rovers defeated Oakleigh by 2 points in the Preliminary Final on Saturday at Trevor Barker Oval in one of the games of the year to reach the 2008 C Section Grand Final and gain promotion to B Grade for the 2009 season.
It was a great game of footy and a superb last quarter with the Rovers coming from 10 points down at the final break to lead by 8 points. A consolation goal to Oakleigh after the siren reduced the final winning margin to just two points for the Hampton.
Perfect spring conditions and a big crowd turned up at Trevor Barker Oval to see instalment six of this great rivalry that has developed over the last two years. The Rovers were coming off a loss to Ormond after finishing as minor premiers while Oakleigh defeated Ajax in the 1st Semi Final.
The Rovers scored the first two majors of the game kicking towards the southern end against a slight breeze. It was a physical start to the game and a further four goals to the Rovers game them an 8 point lead at the first break. Three goals to two in the second increased the lead to 16 at the main break.
The Rovers looked confident at half time however they knew they had to keep it going in the all-important third term and kick the opening goal. However this wasn?t to be with Oakleigh winning their only quarter of the day outscoring the Rovers three goals to one. With all the momentum, they held a 10 point lead going into the last.
The fourth quarter was a classic 30 minutes of footy with both sides were giving it their all. The Rovers clawed back the deficit and hit the front before Oakleigh stole it back, the lead changed several times. With only several minutes remaining and the Rovers up by three points, Jason Zampaglione slotted his fourth to cap off a best on ground performance.
The ball went up Oakleighs end but they could only manage a behind. The siren sounded and a huge roar erupted at the home of the Zebras. A goal after the siren reduced the winning margin for the Rovers to just the two points.
As well as Zampagliones 4, Matt Lawrence and Ryan Semmel kicked 3 each, Mark Devereaux 2 and singles to Anton Duddy, Nick Lyall and Jason Giasoumi. Jason Zampaglione was best on for the Rovers and was well supported by Ryan Semmel, Mark Devereaux, Gary Carr, Nick Lyall and Nick Wynne.
The win hands the Hampton Rovers double promotion. After playing in D1 section in 2007, the Rovers will return to B Section in 2009 for the first time since 2003. A spot in the Grand Final now awaits this Saturday against Ormond at Trevor Barker Oval.
HAMPTON ROVERS 6.4 9.10 10.14 15.17 (107)
OAKLEIGH 5.2 7.6 12.12 15.15 (105)
Goal Kickers: J. Zampaglione 4, M. Lawrence 3, R. Semmel 3, M. Devereaux 2, A. Duddy, N. Lyall, J. Giasoumi.
Best Players: J. Zampaglione, R. Semmel, M. Devereaux, G. Carr, N. Lyall, N. Wynne.
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2008 SENIOR PRESENTATION NIGHT
Saturday 20th September 2008
Mentone Grammar Function Centre
CLICK HERE for details!
