Thirds
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Deniliquin Rovers thirds travelled to Strathmerton last Saturday for what loomed as one of their toughest tests of the season against a top-three side.
Any hopes of clear conditions quickly disappeared, with heavy fog blanketing the ground for the entire match.
Visibility was so poor the scoreboard couldn't be seen, and even the goal umpires needed walkie-talkies to communicate scores from one end of the ground to the other.
Despite the challenging conditions and a surface that ranged from rock-hard to boggy underfoot, the Rovers came out with great intensity.
Their attack on the contest and tackling pressure set the tone early, with Fletcher Campion laying five tackles in the opening term alone.
The absence of Dannon Leetham up forward was offset by the return of Isaac Behsman, whose run and voice around the contest were invaluable.
Haydn Sampson's relentless pressure was rewarded with a free kick in front of goal after a strong tackle, kicking the only major of the first quarter.
As expected, Strathmerton lifted in the second term, but the Rovers matched them at every contest.
Noah Dunn, Darcy Finn, Lincoln Meharry, Ryan Squires and Liam Taylor all applied strong defensive pressure to prevent the Dogs from taking control.
Strathmerton managed two goals for the quarter to edge in front, despite the still and foggy conditions.
With the fog showing no signs of lifting in the third term, the Rovers made the most of their opportunities.
Goals to Carter Sartore and Isaac Behsman gave Deni a narrow lead heading into the final quarter, setting up a thrilling finish.
Both sides attacked the contest desperately in the final term.
Darcy Finn and Callan Glenn helped drive the ball forward on several occasions, although the Rovers could only add three behinds.
At the other end, the defensive unit stood tall under immense pressure, keeping Strathmerton goalless despite repeated forward entries.
Thomas Ives showed great courage before leaving the field after a heavy knock, while his teammates dug deep to hold firm.
The Rovers hung on for a hard-fought victory, which was an outstanding result in extremely difficult conditions.
Final score: Deni Rovers 3.7 (25) def Strathmerton 2.10 (22)
Goals: Isaac Behsman, Carter Sartore, Haydn Sampson.
Best: Jobe Unwin, Darcy Finn, Haydn Sampson, Lincoln Meharry, Archer Moodie and Fletcher Campion.
Fourths
The fourths also faced Strathmerton in extremely heavy fog, with visibility making conditions difficult for both players and spectators.
Despite the challenging weather, the Rovers adapted brilliantly and produced some excellent passages of football that would have impressed even on a fine day.
Small forwards Callan Leiper, Cormick Hardman and Harry Rennie combined superbly, sharing eight goals between them while proving dangerous both in the air and at ground level.
Ged O'Donnell gave the side first use of the ball in the ruck, while captain Taj McCully led from the front with another outstanding performance.
He was well supported by Mikey Benger, Jed Fitzmaurice and Carter Sartore, while youngster Connor Sampson produced his best game of the season on the wing.
It was one of the fourths' most complete team performances of the year, with every player contributing to an impressive win in very testing conditions.
Final score: Deni Rovers 14.11(95) def Strathmerton (0).
Goals: Callan Leiper 4, Cormick Hardman 3, Carter Sartore 2, Lucas Braybon, Harry Rennie, Sam Strong, Jed Fitzmaurice, Ged O'Donnell
Best Players: Taj McCully, Carter Sartore, Angus Knuckey, Jed Fitzmaurice, Callan Leiper, Michael Benger.
Fifths
No report provided.