Hampton Rovers defeated Prahran Assumption by 46 points in wet conditions at Boss James Reserve on Saturday to go four games clear on top of the ladder.
The different between the two sides was in the second quarter when the Rovers kicked six goals to nil to hold a 46 point advantage at the main break. The second half was a more even affair with both teams kicking the same score although the Rovers had more scoring shots.
The Two-Blues gave Hampton a scare back in round two at Toorak Park when the Rovers had to come from behind with minutes remaining to win by two points and this round 12 encounter after the week off was expected to be a tough contest for the ladder leaders.
Soggy conditions made the going tough and at times it was a scrappy affair but the Rovers did what they needed to do. With Ormond thrashing Williamstown, Hampton sit four games clear with six games remaining. A win over Williamstown away next week will see the Rovers go five clear.
Jesse Lovig, Leigh Fletcher and Mark Devereaux were best for the Rovers with Eddie Turner leading the goal kicking on three and two each to Stuart Burggraaff and Luke Verma.
HAMPTON ROVERS 3.3 9.6 12.9 15.13 (103)
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION 1.4 1.8 5.9 8.9 (57)
Goal Kickers: E. Turner 3, S. Burggraaff 2, L. Verma 2, J. McCoy, L. Dallas, J. McPherson, D. Andersen, A. McNeil, M. Care, A. Duddy, K. Pinto
Best Players: J. Lovig, L. Fletcher, M. Devereaux, E. Turner, J. McPherson, M. Care
The Reserves recorded a strong 54 point victory over Prahran with Ash Fisher and David Morton best for the home team.
At Parkdale, the Under 19s defeated the Vultures by 47 points. Sandringham Dragons listed player Jack Wilson, playing his first game in green & gold this year, was a stand-out while James Short, Luke Morcom, Cam Jones and Josh Pavlou also played well. Cam Jones kicked three goals with two to Sam Care, Jack Zaina and Jack Wilson.
An undermanned Thirds side were defeated by Bulleen Templestowe. The Rovers only had 16 players available for the 9:20am start at Templestowe and went down by 52 points.
Seniors scoreworm:
