Thirds
With fourth place locked up for the Rovers thirds, the focus in the final round of the home-and-away season against Blighty was on playing out every contest as if the score was nil-all.
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From the first bounce, the Rovers were strong at the ball and won straight out of the centre, with the drills from the last few weeks at training paying dividends.
Lincoln Meharry in the ruck was able to provide first use to the onballers and hit up the leading forwards. At the end of the first quarter, the Rovers had a six-goal to zero lead.
The way Blighty applied pressure and made Deni work for it in the first quarter was pleasing. But the Redeyes just could not convert a score once they entered their 50.
In the second quarter, the Rovers had the assistance of a slight breeze and used it to their fullest advantage, adding nine more unanswered goals. Attack at the ball was high from both teams, but the Rovers' structure held firm.
The second half mirrored the first for the most part, as Deni kicked five more goals in the third and eight in the last. Again, the opportunity was taken to reward the backmen who have been solid all year with a run in the forward line and a chance to kick a goal for the season.
Better Blighty players were Nick Rosbiffi, Xander Strong, Nut Goodsell, Andrew Frost, Mark Godfrey, and Hudson Kelly, and Sam Conallin got the Good Sport award.
Final Score: Deniliquin Rovers 28.8 (176) def Blighty 0.1 (1).
Rovers goals: Dannon Leetham 6, Liam Taylor 3, Archer Moodie 3, Callan Glenn 2, Charlie Rennie 2, Thomas Ives 2, Jobe Unwin 2, Ryan Squires 2, Darcy Finn, Michael Benger, Stuart Benger, Reagan Macdonald, Lincoln Meharry, Haydn Sampson.
Rovers best: Noah Dunn, Lincoln Meharry, Ryan Squires, Liam Taylor, Jobe Unwin and Callan Glenn.
Fourths
Blighty starting strongly and putting plenty of pressure on the boys early.
Rovers responded well, however, with some great passages of unselfish team play setting the tone for the rest of the game.
The Rovers were too fast and accurate with their passes, but Blighty didn’t stop trying all game - which is one of their strengths.
Deni’s Cormick Hardman was the main target up forward, finishing with an impressive six goals, while Lucas Braybon, Callan Leiper and Connor Sampson also provided strong options inside 50.
Ged O’Donnell was everywhere in the ruck, while onballers Taj McCully, Sam Strong and Carter Sartore were on top through the midfield.
Angus Knuckey, playing his 50th game for Rovers, controlled the back half superbly and even managed to sneak forward for a goal in the final quarter.
Best on for Blighty went to Jordy Brain, and other awards went to Andrew Frost, Harlem Morgan and Charlie Tremble.
Daniel Burn got the Blighty Good Sport award, and other honourable mentions went to Langa Fevaleaki and Degan Morgan.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 21.11 (137) def Blighty 0.0 (0).
Rovers goals: Cormick Hardman 6, Lucas Braybon 4, Callan Leiper 2, Connor Sampson 2, Ged O’Donnell 2, Ryan Bulmer 2, Angus Knuckey, Taj McCully, Lennix Leetham.
Rovers best: Ged O’Donnell, Cormick Hardman, Carter Sartore, Connor Sampson, Sam Strong, Angus Knuckey.
Fifths
With a later start and a purpose built fifths oval to play on, the youngest footballers of Deni and Blighty were excited for the challenge.
After a tough first game early in the season, Blighty were keen to test themselves and see how much they have improved.
The first quarter was a cracking contest. Blighty adapted well to the larger ground, working well as a team, playing good link-up footy.
In the second quarter, Deni showed their opponents they are a quality outfit by gaining first possession of the footy.
In reply, Blighty applied great pressure.
The Redeyes’ effort didn’t drop in the last half. They kept taking the game on, resulting in a great goal to Clancy.
Final score: Not scored.6
Blighty awards: Ari, Franklin, Clancy, Gideon, Jack M, Bill and Felix.