The Rovers had a disappointing performance against Fitzroy on Saturday, going down by 58 points at Boss James Reserve. It was better news for the U19s, defeating Old Xaverians.
In ideal conditions at the Boss, the Rovers never hit the form they’re capable of, as the in-form Fitzroy side led at every change and kicked away in the last quarter to record their third straight win.
The visitors kicked the opening goal before two straight gave Hampton the lead. That was short-lived with Fitzroy kicking in three in a row as they began to take control of the game. The margin was 16 points at quarter time and half time with Hampton getting within a couple of points mid-way through the second.
From the mid-point of the third term, Fitzroy went on to kick the next seven goals unanswered before Corp managed to get one back for the Rovers. A further two majors in red time extended the margin further.
Guy Martyn returned to the side and led the goal kicking with three with Ed Turner kicking two. Alex Spencer was best for the Rovers. It seems this was the first time this season the Rovers finished the game with a full bench with no injuries to report, unfortunately it wasn’t the result we were after though.
The two sides swap positions on the ladder with Fitzroy now 5th and the Rovers 6th, both on 16 points. Next week the Rovers are at home again in a huge game against local rivals St Bedes/Mentone Tigers.
HAMPTON ROVERS 2.2 5.4 6.9 7.9 (51)
FITZROY FC 4.6 7.8 10.9 16.13 (109)
Goal Kickers: G. Martyn 3, E. Turner 2, S. Clements, D. Corp
Best Players: A. Spencer, J. Lloyd, E. Turner, B. Clarke, S. Bradford, L. Fletcher
Elsewhere, the Under 19s had a 13 point victory against Old Xaverians. Tom Nicholls starred with eight goals in a best on ground performance – click here for the match report. The Reserves and Thirds both went down.
View: Rovers results | VAFA results | Video highlights
Seniors scoreworm:
