Thirds
In the second Picola League preliminary final on Sunday, the Rovers came up against a big Katandra team in windy conditions at Yarroweyah.
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After a tight first few minutes, Katandra kicked the first goal of the game.
The Rovers steadied and kicked a long goal from Isaac Behsman, but the Rovers went into quarter time down by 10 points.
The Rovers took it up to Katandra in the second quarter, even though undersized, the boys did not take a backward step.
The Rovers only goal coming through a brilliant snap from Brody Wills.
But the boys went in at half time down by 11 points.
In the third quarter the Rovers needed to lift, the back line was holding strong and the boys were throwing everything at it.
Andrew Smith kicked a great goal to give the boys some momentum, but Katandra were able to kick five goals for the quarter.
In the last quarter the boys were just asked to have a crack, and the boys dug in.
Alex Harvey kicked a long goal, and Jesse Jervis finished off another great game with a running goal.
But Katandra kicked away in the last quarter.
After the game coach Brendan East spoke about the effort and resilience of the team and was so proud that such a fresh side made it so far.
He praised the Rovers for their determination and commitment throughout the season.
Coach East acknowledged that while the final score might not have reflected it, the players' performance showed they never gave up and fought hard until the end.
East mentioned that the Rovers' ability to stay competitive against a strong Katandra team was a testament to their hard work and character.
The Rovers' supporters also recognised the team's effort, applauding their spirit and tenacity.
The season might not have ended as they hoped, but the Rovers can hold their heads high knowing they gave it their all.
Final score: Katandra 12.12 (84) def Rovers 5.4 (34).
Goal kickers: Brody Wills, Jesse Jervis, Isaac Behsman, Andrew Smith, Alex Harvey.
Better players: Dexter Hardman, Jesse Jervis, Baxter Cowley, Andrew Croker, Jack Van Lieshout, Alex Harvey.
Fourths
Blustery conditions at Mathoura on Saturday made it hard for the young Roos as they came up against Berrigan in the first preliminary final.
Berrigan had the breeze advantage in the first quarter putting pressure on our defensive players.
Dannon Leetham, Alex Ledwidge, Jake Harvey and Haydn Sampson fought well under pressure halting numerous entries into the forward fifty.
At the other end of the ground, Xander Strong put a major on the board.
The second quarter gave us the breeze advantage with the ball spending more time in our forward 50.
Stuart Benger was able to convert one through the big sticks.
Unfortunately, Rovers couldn’t capitalise enough in the second term.
Our defensive structure was put to the test in the third with Berrigan controlling the play.
Sam Conallin laid some beautiful tackles throughout the midfield to try and gain the advantage however Berrigan were just far too strong.
The young Roos gave it their all in the last with Michael Benger and brother Stu kicking a goal apiece.
To the kids’ credit they never gave up.
Pressure over the ball was applied all over the ground.
Despite the scoreline they should be super proud of their efforts to get this far.
They have had an incredible season and grown so much as individuals and as a team.
Final score: Berrigan 11.4 (70) def Deni Rovers 4.2 (26).
Goal kickers: Stuart Benger 2, Michael Benger, Xander Strong.
Best players: Dannon Leetham, Bentley Hardman, Jake Harvey, Alexander Ledwidge, Stuart Benger, Taj McCully.
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