The Hampton Rovers completed their final training session last night and are ready for the 2008 VAFA C Section Grand Final against Ormond at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday. The Rovers are the last local footy team standing and all supporters are encouraged along for what promises to be a great game played in front of a big crowd.
Ormond enjoyed the week off as they watched what many are regarding as the game of the season unfold when the Rovers defeated Oakleigh by 2 points in the Preliminary Final at Trevor Barker Oval last Saturday. The victory for the Rovers means they?ll participate in their second Grand Final in as many years which also means of course double promotion.
Both teams will be at full strength for the season decider. After an undefeated first half of the year, the Rovers have been inconsistent in the second half however last weeks result has given confidence to the players and supporters as the club aims for its first senior premiership since the C Section flag in 2001.
In 2008, Hampton Rovers and Ormond have met on three occasions. Round 5 was when the two teams first met. The venue was Boss James Reserve and a big crowd was on hand as part of the 150 Years of Australian Football celebrations and VAFA Rivalry Round. The Rovers dominated play and were up by 53 points in the last quarter. The home side took the foot of the pedal late on with Ormond kicking 6 unanswered goals to reduce the margin to 15 points.
When they next met at E.E. Gunn Reserve, the Rovers led the home side all day until the 9 minute mark of the final term. Ormond booted 12 unanswered goals with the aid of the strong wind to blow the margin out to 49 points.
Hampton Rovers finished the season as minor premiers with Ormond in second spot, meaning a big 2nd Semi Final clash at Junction Oval. In blustery conditions, Ormond again came from behind in the last quarter to win by 19 points and book their spot in the Grand Final.
All is set for a massive game on Saturday. A big crowd will be in attendance and the club is encouraging ALL Hampton Rovers supporters to get along, wear the club colours and get right behind the boys as the Rovers go for their eight senior VAFA premiership.
The game gets underway at 2:15pm this Saturday at Trevor Barker Oval, Beach Road Sandringham. Entry is $12 for adults, $6 concession, free for children under 12 and aged pensioners. Supporters are encouraged to be at the ground by 1:30pm. The Rovers change rooms will be situated at the Social Club end, so supporters are encouraged to stand on that half of the ground (from the Rovers bench around to the scoreboard – Northern end).
After the game, regardless of the result, everyone is welcome back to Boss James Reserve where we?ll celebrate a great season for the club. The Bar will be open, food available, and the players who have made our club very proud will be presented to the crowd. It promises to be a huge day and night so make sure you?re involved!
GO ROVERS!
STATS: HAMPTON ROVERS v ORMOND
Head to head:
Round 5 (Boss James Reserve)
HR 19.13 (127) d ORM 17.10 (112)
Round 11 (EE Gunn Reserve)
ORM 23.19 (157) d HR 16.12 (108)
2nd Semi Final (Junction Oval)
ORM 11.18 (84) d HR 9.11 (65)
Biggest score for 2008:
HR – 31.16 (202) v Rupertswood 8.4 (52), Rd 18
ORM – 24.15 (159) v Rupertswood 20.8 (128), Rd 12
Lowest score for 2008:
HR – 3.11 (29) v Oakleigh 15.15 (105), Rd 10
ORM – 11.12 (78) v Monash 11.14 (80), Rd 14
Season Results:
HR – 14 Wins, 6 Losses, 0 Draws (20 games)
ORM – 13 Wins, 6 Losses, 0 Draws (19 games)
Average score FOR:
HR – 109
ORM – 111
Average score AGAINST:
HR – 85
ORM – 89
Last five games:
HR – WLWLW
ORM – WWWWW
Total Players used:
HR – 41
ORM – 43
Leading Goal Kicker:
HR – Matthew Lawrence (42)
ORM – Matthew Robbins (70)
