The Deniliquin Rovers senior side finished their season on a very positive note, defeating final contender Picola United by 26-points at Memorial Park on Saturday.
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A common feature of the Rovers’ better performances this season has been the pressure they have exerted on their opposition, and this was certainly the case on Saturday.
Picola were not given any easy kicks and were constantly under the pump pressure -wise.
The first quarter was a story of wasted opportunities, with Deni kicking with the breeze and dominating possession.
But they were unable to convert their opportunities, six-points straight represented a poor return for the effort put in.
Deni were dominating the centre breaks with Alex Hay, Raymond Murphy and Jim Falcone in great touch and preventing Picola from getting opportunities to use the wind.
Despite kicking against the breeze, Deni again dominated possession and kicked 2.2 while keeping Picola goalless for the quarter.
Deni went in at half-time with an 11-point lead, having clearly outplayed Picola but not fully capitalising on their dominance.
After a low scoring first half, the game opened up after half-time and goal scoring became easier.
With the use of the breeze, Deni slammed on 6.3 to Picola’s three straight goals in the third quarter.
Hay, Murphy and Falcone continued to win the ball out of the centre and Terry Lumbar kicked two important goals up forward.
Jack O’Callaghan was important at half-back providing good leadership to his younger team mates.
Deni lead by 32 points at three-quarter time, which was a handy lead, but Picola had last use of the breeze.
A goal to Picola from the opening bounce brought some anxiousness for Rovers supporters.
A classy goal from Brock Redden on the run and a goal to coach Alex Hay restored the lead, and despite a late lapse which allowed Picola to kick a few quick goals, the Rovers came home with a well deserved victory.
Final score: Rovers 13.14 (92) def Picola United 10.6 (66).
Better players were Alex Hay and Raymond Murphy, who played great on ball games and won many valuable possessions.
Jack O’Callaghan was extremely reliable down back and repulsed many Picola attacks.
Jim Falcone has been a great addition and his pace and ball getting ability was again on show.
Two young players who have really developed as the season has progressed are Brock Redden and Jai Ezard, again they showed great potential and rounded off the best player list.
As far as the season goes, it was a story of development and growth.
The season started off slowly, losing the first five games despite being in winning positions in at least three of those games.
From that point on, the side won six and lost five games, and proved competitive for most weeks.
It was a bit of a ‘roller coaster’ with some good performances followed by some “not quite as good” performances.
The side was very young, with many players in their first or second year of senior football, but there was a strong feeling of improvement and hope for next year.
The Rovers reserves will head into finals feeling confident, following a 109-point thrashing of Picola United on Saturday.
Picola won the toss and, for some reason, chose to go against the breeze; perhaps in the hope they would come home with a wet sail.
Once again, the Rovers captain's message was clear - make them pay.
The early wet conditions made the first quarter slippery, with both sides unable to pick the ball up or take it cleanly making for congested football.
Notwithstanding the conditions, the Rovers were playing with confidence and they were able to find their goals, kicking 3.1 for the quarter and keeping Picola scoreless.
Rovers readied themselves for a tough second quarter against the breeze, but accountable football served them well and kept their opponents scoreless again.
As the conditions and ground started to dry up, the Rovers made the most of being able to pick the ball up cleanly.
Tommy Banks lead the way with his run and carry, breaking lines and opening up the game.
The Rovers didn't look back after half-time, kicking a further 5.3 in the third quarter and 4.7 in the last quarter, which seemed to go on for ever.
The fact that Picola did not score was certainly not a reflection on the pressure they placed on the Rovers, but should be considered another feather in the cap of the Rovers backline which has been outstanding this year.
Brock Thomson kicked another six with a dominant display forward, joined by Bailey Caruso whose relentless pressure and efforts earned him two goals and several assists.
Josh Bode kicked a couple, as did Pat Westcott, and Tom Banks, Caleb Weir, Tim McDonnell and Damien Hope chimed in for singles.
Ben McCalman was best on once again. His work rate and hardness at the football has been terrific all year.
Brock Thomson, Jamie Thorpe, Tim McDonnell, Tom Banks and Broddie Flight were the other named in the best.
Final score: 16.13 (109) def Picola United 0.0 (0).