Hampton Rovers suffered a disappointing 31-point loss to fourth-placed Old Trinity away on Saturday in Round 7 of the VAFA season.
Playing in alternate red strips due to a jumper clash with the home side, the Rovers ran out onto the main oval at Marles Playing Fields in Bulleen, which was in immaculate condition, looking for a win which could potentially lift them into the top four. Sunny conditions greeted the players with a two goal wind favouring the Rovers in the first term.
Early on it was a low scoring game and the first goal wasn?t kicked until well into the first quarter. That was kicked by the Rovers and they managed another for the term while OT kicked the one.
The scoring didn?t pick up in the second stanza with the reverse kicked in terms of goals and at the main break it was three goals a piece and the home side up by two points.
Hamptons skills were somewhat lacking as they fumbled the ball on several occasions and displayed poor disposal of the footy however on the scoreboard at least there was nothing in it.
Despite kicking with the wind in the third term, the boys in red could only manage a single goal with Old Trinity kicking three to increase their lead to 16 points at the final change.
The Rovers got the ball out of the middle at the first bounce and right to the mouth of the goals but again couldn?t convert as had been the story all day. The home side went on to kick four in the last quarter including one after the siren to add further insult while the Rovers managed the two. Final margin 31 points to Old Trinity.
Rob Alexander, Jason Zampaglione and Leigh Fletcher were best for the Rovers while Rob Johnston also did well in his senior debut for the club. Ryan Semmell and Matt Lawrence kicked two goals each with singles to Rory White and Chris Gleeson.
The break has come at the right time for the Rovers who will re-group before taking on Old Haileybury in one of the biggest home games of the season at Boss James Reserve Saturday-week in what is a must win game.
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.4 3.6 4.9 6.11 (47)
OLD TRINITY 1.3 3.8 6.13 10.18 (78)
Goals: R. Semmel 2, M. Lawrence 2, R. White, C. Gleeson
Best: R. Alexander, J. Zampaglione, L. Fletcher, G. Woods, T. Curry, J. Ting
It was more positive news for the Rovers Under 19s who recorded another strong win, defeating Peninsula Old Boys by 80 points at home. Matt Innes was dominant in front of goals once more kicking 4 while Ed Turner and Cailin Wrigley kicked 3 each. Jesse Lovig, Jordan Goss and Tom Youl were amongst the best players. Click Here to view the U19 report.
The Thirds had a better outing but couldn?t come home with the four points. Andrew McLorinan kicked 5 of the Rovers 10 goals as they went down to St Marys Salesian by 32 points. Mitch Westhead, Jarred Schafer and Nathan Foster were best for the Rovers.
As mentioned, next week is a bye for all four senior teams with three VAFA representative games taking place which may include up to three Rovers players in Ryan Semmell, Tom Curry and Thom McCarthy. The following weekend its Super Saturday at Boss James Reserve with a big triple-header. The Thirds open proceedings at 9:30am against Old Melburnians, followed by the Reserves and Seniors at 2pm in a big local derby against Old Haileybury in whats sure to attract a big crowd to David Street.
