The Hampton Rovers Thirds celebrated their second win of the season on Saturday when they defeated Old Geelong at Boss James Reserve. It was a special day with several players from the 2001 Premiership side participating.
With the top sections of the VAFA having the week off due to representative games, the attention was on the Rovers Thirds and Under 19s who both played at home.
For the first time since round one, the Thirds/Clubbies went into a game with the full complement – thanks largely to eight of our 2001 C section premiership players making a return to the field as part of their 10 year reunion celebrations.
2001 premiership coach Norm Goss addressed the troops before the match and captain Steve Anderson led the side out. Steve won the toss and elected to kick with the breeze heading towards the David Street end. When big Chief, lining up at CHB, tore his hamstring in the first 90 seconds of the game and Old Geelong proceeded to kick the first goal, many thought this might have been a sign of things to come.
A five point first quarter deficit was stretched to seven points at the half way mark, but you could sense the Rovers were getting some run into their game. Cue the masterstroke of 2001 premiership full back, Gerrard Woods, to full forward and all of a sudden the avenue to goal opened up with a six goal third term giving the home side a two goal buffer at the final break. The final quarter saw the ball spend almost the entire time in Hampton’s half of the ground as the wise old heads of Steve Anderson, Adam Power, Drew Anderson & Chris Scarlett repelled any run out of defence Old Geelong could manage.
The Rovers continued to pepper the goals scoring five behinds until player-coach Michael Flahive finally found the big sticks with a couple of minutes left to help give his side the buffer that ended up being a 17 point victory.
Chief’s unfortunate injury aside, the contributions from the former premiership players were huge with Adam Power named best on ground. Steve Anderson was his usual self, Softy provided a big presence in the ruck & up forward, while Drew Anderson seemed to be everywhere and Matt Lawrence & Brenton Holt proving a handful up forward. Gerrard Woods finished with a career high 2 goals, one assist and one horrible shot out on the full!
A big thanks to Brenton Holt who organised the players to reunite in the green & gold once more. All the lads and their families hung around after the game with all the boys sticking back even longer for the club’s $1,000 draw fundraiser to help support Anton Duddy & Justin Ng cover the expense of their knee reconstructions. It was great to see the rooms packed out with so many Hampton Rovers faces from past & present in support of a great cause. Congratulations to all involved in making the night the success it was.
The 2001 Premiership Reunion Function (Past & Present Players Night) will be held Saturday 20th August at Boss James Reserve. Details >>
Also on Saturday, the Under 19s hosted Old Essendon at Castlefield Reserve and were looking to make it three wins on the trot. It was a close game all day however it was the visitors who snuck over the line, winning by five points. Matt Care led the goal kicking with three while best players included Alex Woltering, Nick Taylor and Jack Wilson.
The seniors are back in action this weekend when they host Old Brighton in a big local derby at Boss James Reserve on Saturday.
