Sport

Juniors Rovers continue strong form

By Supplied

Jul 2, 2026

Darcy Finn gets a kick away with assistance from Liam Taylor shepherding. Photos by Mel Sampson. Photo by Mel Sampson

Thirds

After a few weeks of less-than-ideal weather conditions, the footy gods delivered spectacular conditions as the thirds travelled to Katamatite to take on the Tigers.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Rovers lads started extremely well, with some strong work through the middle led by ruckman Lincoln Meharry, who provided first use of the ball and helped the Rovers kick a very respectable five goals in the opening quarter.

Solid defensive work from the backline, led by Fletcher Campion, Stuart Benger, Reece King, Liam Knuckey and Darcy Finn, allowed the Rovers to rebound from half-back and kept Katamatite scoreless in the first term.

Continuing the momentum from recent weeks and focusing on not taking their foot off the gas, the Rovers added another two goals in the second quarter. Although they could have extended their lead further after also adding four behinds.

The tackling intensity remained unwavering, especially as the ball entered the defensive half, with Fletcher Campion, Noah Dunn and fourths players Michael Benger and Taj McCully applying consistent pressure.

At half-time, the boys were challenged to keep pushing hard, be ruthless at the contest and continue working for each other. They responded exactly as asked, with the third quarter producing three straight goals and another four goals in the final term.

The backline continued to work hard, allowing just one goal in the third quarter and only four behinds in the final term. Consistent tackling pressure from Fletcher Campion and strong gut-running from winger Jobe Unwin were also highlights.

Final score: Katamatite 2.6 (18) def by Deni Rovers 14.7 (91).

Goals: Dannon Leetham 6, Charlie Rennie 3, Noah Dunn, Liam Taylor, Haydn Sampson, Archer Moodie, Ryan Squires.

Best players: Ryan Squires, Lincoln Meharry, Stuart Benger, Fletcher Campion, Archer Moodie, Jobe Unwin.

Fourths

The Rovers took on sixth-placed Katamatite in dewy conditions under sunny skies and continued their strong recent form, recording a convincing 65-point victory.

Jett Boyer was outstanding on the wing, putting together a strong four-quarter performance.

Through the middle, Ged O’Donnell, Taj McCully and Sam Strong were great contributors, while forwards Callan Leiper, Lennix Leetham and Cormick Hardman all played well.

Down back, Michael Benger, Mannix Taylor and Henry Campion were excellent, keeping the opposition scoreless for the match.

Inaccuracy prevented the margin from being even greater, something the boys will look to improve on in the coming weeks.

Final Score: Deniliquin Rovers 8.17 (65) def Katamatite 0.0 (0).

Goal: Callan Leiper 2, Ged O'Donnell 2, Sam Strong, Cormick Hardman, Taj McCully, Lennix Leetham.

Best players: Jett Boyer, Ged O'Donnell, Taj McCully, Callan Leiper, Sam Strong, Michael Benger.