Melchester Rovers promotion to the top flight in the 1940s. And they finished runners-up in 1949, losing the title to North Ham just in the last game of the season. In 1954, however, the first "Roy of the Rovers" strip appeared, telling the story of the club and its star striker Roy Race (whose grandfather, Billy Race, had played for the club in the early part of the 20th century). Melchester finally became League Champions in 1958, and won the FA Cup the following season, by which time Race was captain. It was in the 1960s, however, that Rovers became a footballing
Hampton Rovers Football Club but as the incentive to play in a higher standard became apparent, another competition was sought. In 1931, Hampton Rovers was admitted to the Metropolitan Football League and played Richmond United at Burnley in its first game. In 1933 the club joined the Victorian Amateur Football Association and changed the colours to the current Green & Gold. The club has won a total of 9 senior premierships including an A Section flag in 1951. Added to this are 9 reserve and 9 under 19 premierships. 1963 saw the club move from Ludstone Street to their present home, Cnr David Street