The Hampton Rovers defeated Old Essendon by 35 points at Boss James Reserve on Saturday, giving Gerrard Woods a win in his 200th senior game and keeping the Rovers season on track.
Rovers coach Matthew Robbins made a number of changes after last weeks disappointing outing and reiterated how important a win was against the lowly Bombers. Amongst those coming into the side was Rob Alexander following a long stint on the sidelines and Jason Giasoumi promoted for the first time this year.
Although the Rovers seemed to dominate the first quarter, the scoreboard didnt reflect this with both sides kicking three goals and Old Essendon leading by a point at the first break.
The second term produced what the Rovers faithful had come to see with the Rovers moving the ball exceptionally well and booting nine goals while restricting the visitors to a single behind, setting up a match-winning lead of 57 points at the main break.
At half time it seemed a case of how much the Rovers could beat their opponents by, however to Old Essendons credit they fought hard in the second half and managed to reduce the margin.
The third quarter saw the Rovers kick just the one goal to Old Essendons three while in the fourth, the home side posted just the additional two while the visitors came home with a wet sail booting six, reducing the final margin for the Rovers to 35 points.
With the game won, Gerrard Woods playing in his 200th VAFA game had a stint up in the forward line and while going close, couldnt sneak a goal. But it was another great performance by the man who has been so consistent for the Rovers over many year and he was rightfully carried off the ground in front of the Rovers crowd.
Best for the Rovers were Ryan Semmel, Mark Devereaux, Leigh Fletcher and Jackson Ward. Ed Turner and Chris Gleeson kicked three goals each with Daniel Corp, Ryan Semmel and Rob Alexander kicking two each.
After 12 rounds, the VAFA Premier B ladder sees four teams occupy top spot on eight wins, followed by two sides on seven wins, two sides including the Rovers on six wins, and Old Essendon and Melbourne High on one win who appear certain to be relegated.
Next week the Rovers take on St Bernards away at Essendon in another must-win game if the Rovers want to continue their push for a finals position.
HAMPTON ROVERS 3.2 12.7 13.9 15.17 (107)
OLD ESSENDON 3.3 3.4 6.10 10.12 (72)
Goals: E. Turner 3, C. Gleeson 3, D. Corp 2, R. Semmel 2, R. Alexander 2, T. Skewes , J. Giasoumi , T. Curry
Best: R. Semmel, M. Devereaux, L. Fletcher, J. Ward, C. Gleeson, M. Terech
The Reserves had a solid 53-point victory over Old Essendon with Daniel Andersen best for the Rovers kicking nine goals.
The Under 19s were defeated by a strong St Kevins outfit while the Thirds were defeated by Ormond.
