On Saturday the Rovers visited Old Paradians and again went missing in the second half to be soundly beaten by 44 points. The Rovers went in to the game with a glimmer of hope after defeating Paradians earlier in the season at Boss James Reserve and also having a win last round against Ormond.
As expected the Rovers gave the opposition a run for their money to be only 3 points down at the long break. Up to this stage ruckman Anthony Browne was dominant as he gained 20 possessions and easily outplayed his taller opponents.
The second half was again very disappointing with the Rovers been outscored by 7 goals as their stamina and skills completely disappeared. Old Paradians gained the ascendancy due to their strong marking and tackling which completely frustrated and embarrassed the younger Rovers.
Rover players to stand up to the second half blitz were few but Gino Zampaglione and Garry Carr can held their heads up high. Interchange player Tony Purcella gave some bite and vigour as his strong running at the ball gained several possessions during the last quarter.
Overall, the rovers were completely undermanned to take on a side as experienced and desperate as the Old Paradians and Norm Goss with the selection committee must now be wondering how to tackle the balance of the season having again lost key players through injury.
Due to the split round the next game is not until July 27th when the Rovers take on third placed side Old Haileybury at Elsternwick Park.
FINAL SCORES: Old Paradians 16.12.108 defeated Hampton Rovers 9.10.64.
GOAL KICKERS: S.Anderson 4, Power 2, Browne, Cave, Davey.
BEST PLAYERS: Browne, D Anderson, C McKellar, Zampaglione, M Fletcher, Duddy.
