Rovers juniors dominate in strong wins over Katandra

Brody Wills charges forward with determination during the Rovers’ hard-fought match. Photo by Mel Sampson

Thirds

The Deniliquin Rovers put together a commanding performance in their round 13 clash against Katandra, running out 63-point winners.

It was a well-rounded team effort from the first bounce, with the Rovers applying scoreboard pressure early and maintaining it throughout the match.

Isaac Behsman was a standout up forward, booting five goals in a dominant display.

He was well supported by Brody Wills and Stuart Benger, who chipped in with two each, while Jesse Jervis, Max Watson and Spencer Cowley also hit the scoreboard.

The midfield and defensive efforts were just as impressive.

Ben Hayes led the way with his work around the contest, with strong support from Sam Conallin, Fletcher Campion and Henry Learmonth.

Jesse Jervis and Spencer Cowley were also among the best, contributing at both ends of the ground.

The win was backed by a strong team-first attitude.

Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 12.12 (84) def Katandra 3.3 (21).

Goals: Isaac Behsman 5, Brody Wills 2, Stuart Benger 2, Jesse Jervis, Max Watson, Spencer Cowley.

Best players: Ben Hayes, Sam Conallin, Fletcher Campion, Henry Learmonth, Jesse Jervis, Spencer Cowley.

Awards: Haydn Sampson, Jesse Jervis, Spencer Cowley, Sam Conallin, Jake Harvey, Dannon Leetham, Jobe Unwin, Ben Hayes.

Fourths

With the Rovers sitting sixth on the ladder and Katandra seventh, the stage was set for a closely fought contest.

The opening quarter was a tight affair, with Haydn Sampson, Ryan Bulmer and Mikey Benger all influential early, helping the Rovers to a narrow four-point lead at the first break.

The second quarter continued in similar fashion, with neither side giving an inch.

Sam Strong and Reece King were rock-solid in defence, while Jobe Unwin provided drive through the middle.

At half-time, the game remained well and truly in the balance.

After the break, the Rovers lifted. Key positional changes — including Taj McCully moving to full forward — helped swing momentum their way.

The young side ramped up their tackling and contested pressure.

Jed Fitzmaurice and Cormick Hardman dominated their wings, while McCully and Callan Leiper proved dangerous in front of goal, kicking two majors apiece.

The Rovers piled on seven goals to just one in the second half, storming home to a 40-point win.

Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 10.4 (64) def Katandra 3.6 (24).

Goals: Callan Leiper 2, Taj McCully 2, Lucas Braybon, Michael Benger, Cormick Hardman, Jed Fitzmaurice, Jobe Unwin, Ryan Bulmer.

Best players: Haydn Sampson, Ryan Bulmer, Michael Benger, Jed Fitzmaurice, Reece King, Cormick Hardman.

Awards: Sam Strong, Michael Benger, Ryan Bulmer, Cormick Hardman, Jed Fitzmaurice, Reece King, Hunter Dunn, Jaxon Beames.

Fifths

It was a very icy morning in Katandra, which made it tough for the kids to get a good start. However, after quarter time, the team really got into the game.

Lykien Buyers was outstanding, ripping up the field and seemingly everywhere at once.

There was some beautiful ball movement through the middle, led by Logan Littman and Tate Parlato.

It was also great to see goals coming from some new forward players, adding to the team’s confidence.

Final score: Not scored.

Awards: Lykien Byers, Zac Germano, Nixon Sartore, Lenny Parker, Braith Leiper, Kayden Atley, Ollie Walker, Frankie Lees, Logan Littmann.

Jesse Jervis locks in a strong tackle on a Katandra player as he handballs the footy during the match. Photo by Mel Sampson
Fletcher Campion battles fiercely in the ruck, giving the Rovers first use of the ball. Photo by Mel Sampson
Haydn Sampson, stepping up from the Fourths to play in the Thirds, handballs under pressure as a Katandra player applies a tackle. Photo by Mel Sampson
Max Watson and his opponent both reach out fiercely to grab the footy during the heated contest. Photo by Mel Sampson
Stuart Benger kicks under pressure as defenders close in during the Thirds match. Photo by Mel Sampson
Noah Dunn kicks the footy as an opponent attempts a smother during the Rovers’ clash. Photo by Mel Sampson
Spencer Cowley holds possession as a Katandra opponent reaches over his shoulder to spoil the ball. Photo by Mel Sampson
Brody Wills kicks the ball while being closely pressured by two Katandra players. Photo by Mel Sampson
Jesse Jervis drives his opponent to the ground with a strong tackle. Photo by Mel Sampson
Lincoln Meharry and Nick Fanning, alongside a Katandra player, leap high into the air to contest the ball. Photo by Mel Sampson
With sharp instincts and clean hands, Michael Benger is a key player for the Rovers Fourths. Photo by Mel Sampson
With defenders closing in, Haydn Sampson finds space to deliver for the Rovers Fourths. Photo by Mel Sampson
Ryan Bulmer sticking right on his man and throwing in a solid tackle. Photo by Mel Sampson
Jett Boyer sends the ball flying down the field. Photo by Mel Sampson
Braxton Leetham slickly handballs around the defender. Photo by Mel Sampson
Jobe Unwin drives the ball forward with plenty of pace. Photo by Mel Sampson
Haydn Sampson boots it away just as the opponent tries to smother. Photo by Mel Sampson
Michael Benger kicks off despite the opponent’s smother attempt. Photo by Mel Sampson
Jett Boyer finds space and boots it clean. Photo by Mel Sampson
Ged O’Donnell kicks on the run, chased hard by an opponent. Photo by Mel Sampson
Taj McCully keeps cool and slots a goal despite the pressure. Photo by Mel Sampson
Hunter Dunn powering through with the ball in hand. Photo by Mel Sampson
Jed Fitzmaurice sends it flying with a big kick. Photo by Mel Sampson
Kayden Atley goes for the smother, trying to stop the kick. Photo by Mel Sampson
Henry Braybon gets right into the thick of it and grabs the footy. Photo by Mel Sampson
Tate Parlato and Ollie Walker in hot pursuit of the loose footy. Photo by Mel Sampson
Quick hands from Charlie Druitt picking up the footy and keeping play moving. Photo by Mel Sampson
William Reid stays composed and boots it under heavy pressure. Photo by Mel Sampson
Kayden Atley and the opposition all dive in trying to get their hands on the footy. Photo by Mel Sampson
A clean and steady kick from Braith Leiper moves the play forward. Photo by Mel Sampson