Saturday marked the end of a very successful home and away series for the Deniliquin Rovers, with all of the football and netball sides making it through to the finals series.
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The senior footballers qualified for the Picola League finals series despite being defeated by Katandra on Saturday.
The Katandra ground was quite heavy following rain on Friday, and suited the more physical and mature Katandra side.
The Rovers were handicapped by several late withdrawals, which meant that they were well below full strength.
Katandra kicked with the advantage of a strong breeze and used it well to kick seven goals for the quarter.
The Rovers were able to kick three goals of their own to go to the first break only four goals down.
The game was broken open in the second quarter when Katandra kicked five goals to one.
Their lead was extended to 90 points at the final break.
To their credit, the Rovers fought the game out strongly and matched their opponents by moving the ball quickly and creating plenty of scoring opportunities.
The side will be looking forward to the first finals game, which will be played at Berrigan on Saturday.
Coach Alex Hay complimented the side on their hard work and their improvement over the season.
The side is expected to be considerably stronger this weekend with up to six players coming back into the side.
They will be sure to give account of themselves.
Better players on Saturday were Ray Murphy and Connor Didcock, who played exceptionally well in the last quarter.
James Gilligan, James Kirby, Thomas Chandler and first senior gamer Nick Stubbings all had good games too.
Final score: Katandra 21.15 (141) def Rovers 7.9 (51).
Goal kickers: Thomas Chandler 2, Scott Howard 1, James Kirby, Tyson Willis, Jordyn McCulloch, Harry McIlwain.
Awards: Physiofit with Britt - Ray Murphy; Frank n Beans - Connor Didcock; Barber & Threadz - James Gilligan; Globe Hotel - Thomas Chandler; N8 Health - Nick Stubbings; Deniliquin Jewellers - James Kirby.
The reserves had a disappointing last quarter and lost their match against Katandra by just seven points.
Scores were level at three quarter time, and while kicking with the breeze Deni failed to use it to their full advantage.
They allowed their opponents to take their place in fourth spot on the ladder.
As a result, Deni will play Katunga at Berrigan on Saturday in an elimination final.
Better players were John Allitt, Lachie Holschier, Zack Thompson, Ben McCalman, Bailey Caruso and Daniel Mison.
Bailey Caruso kicked three goals and was very dangerous with his pace up forward.
Final score: Katandra 5.9 (39) def Rovers 5.2 (32).
Goal kickers: Bailey Caruso 3, Jack Pekin 1, Terry Lumbar.
Awards: Cin’s Remedial Massage - Daniel Mison; Frank n Beans - Matt Dowling; Barber & Threadz - Bailey Caruso; Globe Hotel - Zack Thompson; Myo on the Move - Lachie Trotman; N8 Health - John Allitt.
The thirds was a top of the table clash, and both sides came out fired up.
Katandra put the first goal on the board and did their best to put Deni off our game.
Eventually our first goal came off the back of some Cam Wills and Tyson Willis magic, then shortly after Dexter Hardman followed up with a beautiful snap.
The second quarter saw both teams fierce for the footy, and bodies were getting hit hard. A few Deni players were sent off as a result.
With three players down, Deni held the defence well and only conceded two goals.
The third quarter was equally hard, but with all players back on the park the Rovers started to play good attacking footy.
Katandra was trying everything to upset the Rovers, but Deni kept their composure.
“The boys played unbelievably tough footy and didn’t take a backwards step,” coach Chris Maher said.
“It was the toughest game we played this year.
“I was impressed with the way they played and handled the pressure; it was a really great team effort.”
Final score: Rovers 7.6 (48) def Katandra 4.3 (27).
Goal kickers: Tyson Willis 4, Cam Wills 2, Dexter Hardman 1.
Best players: Cam Wills, Tyson Willis, Brodie Elphick, Eddie Dudley, Connor Didcock, Baxter Cowley.
Awards: Deni Driver Training - Cam Wills; T McCully Construction - Tyson Willis; Barber & Threadz - Harry Way and Baxter Cowley; That Pizza - Alex Harvey and Brodie Elphick; Nourish - Dexter Hardman; Subway - Hayden Doncon.
The fourths were up and about on Saturday and came out firing, with Spencer Cowley booting four goals for the opening term.
Connor Wilson dominated the ruck contests, with Isaac Behsman picking it up and driving into the forward line.
The young Roos continued to push forward in the second with another three majors added to the scoreboard.
Kelsey Clark was solid across the half forward line, working hard for each contested possession.
Stuart Benger was persistent in the forward line, and it paid off when he converted a major for the third term.
With Jacob Seal and Fletcher Campion providing a solid defensive barrier, the Roos kept the ball forward of the centre.
All players demonstrated nice passages of play all over the ground, which should give them a confidence boost heading into the finals.
Final score: Rovers 12.8 (80) def Katandra 2.1 (13).
Goal kickers: Spencer Cowley 5, Isaac Behsman 3, Stuart Benger 1, Logan Elphick, Sam Conallin, Connor Wilson.
Best players: Isaac Behsman, Connor Wilson, Spencer Cowley, Jacob Seal, Stuart Benger, Bentley Hardman.
Awards: That Pizza – Stuart Benger; Fanmac Ag – Isaac Behsman and Spencer Cowley; Barber n Threadz – Logan Elphick; Rovers Canteen – Kelsey Clark; McDonald’s – Jobe Unwin; Subway – Darcy Finn; Wilson Family Award – Nick Fanning; Cruizin* Diner – Connor Wilson; Intersport Deniliquin – Angus Knuckey.
Saturday was the last game of the year for the fifths.
Coach Shayne Knuckey said it has been a great year for the kids with some real improvement shown during the season.
“They have shown great spirit each week and plenty of sportsmanship and fun being had throughout the season,” he said.
“All the best to those players who will go up to fourths next year, and well done to you all for a great season which has been very enjoyable for all involved.”
All players were awarded a McDonald’s voucher for their last game for the season.