The Rovers have travelled to Bulleen twice in 2009 and on both occasions played well below what they?re capable of, this time a defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Old Carey.
As the saying goes, it was an eight point game for both sides. As it turned out, victory for the Rovers would have lifted them above Ormond into sixth position on the ladder while for the home side, a win would lift them off the bottom of the table.
The Rovers were understandably confident following the high of defeating Old Trinity last week however they knew it would be no walkover with Carey winning two games so far including a win over Uni Blacks and they would no doubt be keen to avenge their 49-point loss to Hampton earlier in the year.
Cold conditions and a mother of a gale blowing towards south-western pocket made it difficult for both sides. The main oval at the Carey Sports Complex was in mint condition however still quite wet and slippery from overnight rain.
Both teams came out firing but it was Carey who kicked the opening goal of the game. They kicked four for the opening term to the Rovers three. It was proving to be an even content and this showed in the second term with both sides kicking three majors each with the home team holding a seven point lead at half time.
Three goals to two in the third increased Old Careys lead to 13 points at the final change of ends.
Jason Zampaglione opened the scoring in the final term finding space in front of the grandstand and kicking a brilliant goal on the run from right on the boundary line. Things were looking up for the Rovers, however it didn?t take long for Carey to respond and as had been the case all day, Hampton just couldn?t lift a gear and take control of the game.
Old Carey outscored the Rovers three goals to two in the final quarter and went on to win by 28 points.
Guy Martyn was again a standout for the Rovers dominating up front with another bag of six goals while Mark Devereaux chipped in with two and singles to Jason Zampaglione and Thom McCarthy. Anton Duddy was best on for the Rovers and was well supported by Martyn, Clifford, Devereaux, Woods and Carr.
The Rovers now have the week off due to the VAFA A&B Senior Representative Game and will look forward to the return of some key players when they take on St Kevins the following Saturday at Boss James Reserve. The run home sees the Rovers play four of their six remaining games at home with away games at McKinnon and Junction Oval.
HAMPTON ROVERS 3.2 6.4 8.8 10.9 (69)
OLD CAREY 4.4 7.5 10.9 14.13 (97)
Goals: G. Martyn 6, M. Devereaux 2, J. Zampaglione, T. McCarthy
Best: A. Duddy, G. Martyn, J. Clifford, M. Devereaux, G. Woods, G. Carr
The Reserves game was played on one of the back ovals confusing the visitors and the first half was non-existent for the Rovers who failed to get out of first gear. After remaining goalless in the first half, they outscored Old Carey in the second half which was a positive. However eight first half goals to the home side was the difference, giving them a 33 point victory. Jason Giasoumi was on fire for the Rovers, best afield and kicking five goals. Other goals were kicked by Goss, Gray, Jones & Steendam with one each while Goss, Fisher, Curry, Powell and Lewis were also amongst the best.
The Under 19s who sit second on the ladder were licking their lips at the prospect of taking on winless Melbourne High School Old Boys. However not long past midday and just one station into their team-bonding train ride to the game, they received the news from coach Anthony Quon that their opponents had forfeited the game due to only having 13 players. Their plans were thrown into chaos but proceeded to South Yarra station in any case and commenced their tour of Chapel Street earlier than originally planned.
The story of the day however didn?t involve trains or any bar in Chapel Street, rather it was at Boss James Reserve where the mighty Hampton Rovers Thirds, against all the odds, won their first game of the year. The Rovers dominated the game against second-placed Ormond who had previously only lost two games, going on to win by five goals. Liam Woodland kicked four goals and Emery Lonie two, while best players included Nathan Foster and Michael Flahive. Click Here to read more.
