Katamatite Tigers tame Rovers

The Rovers then won back ascendancy, kicking the next three goals to get ahead on the scoreboard.

Just before the quarter-time siren, Katamatite’s Mitchell Coleman took a mark on the goal line, putting through a goal to put the Tigers in front 3.2 (20) to the Rovers 3.1 (19).

In the second quarter, the Tigers created separation, getting service and space between their midfielders and forwards, leading to a 20-point gap midway through the match.

After half-time, the Rovers kicked two goals to the Tigers’ three goals, which saw the home team keep the margin to 26 points, staying in the fight at the final break.

Still not unreachable, the Rovers required their biggest comeback of the season so far.

In the last quarter, Deni kicked an early goal with the home crowd behind them.

But the glimmer of hope was not to be fulfilled, with the Tigers running rampant - getting seven goals and five behinds to the Rovers’ four goals and one behind for the quarter - to win by 48 points.

Will Gorman led the way for the Tigers, providing service to the forwards as Mitch Coleman kicked eight goals. Mitch Ward kicked another four and Ben Bray three.

For the Rovers, Waylon Johncock was the best on-field with his midfield expertise, shining all day and also kicking a goal.

He fought well next to Tyson Willis, who was also strong in the middle, as was James Kirby, who was important in the ruck, making his presence felt all day in the contests.

On the wing, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham kicked two goals and got the Rovers out of trouble with his run, as did Jai Ezard, who provided plenty of stability down back.

Up forward, Alex Hay finished the game with a flurry, kicking three goals for the day.

Hayden Barker slotted one, as did Allan Bond and Logan Ives, who both roosted long set shots. Nick Hay also finished his hard work in the middle with one goal.

The Rovers get a chance to put in a better performance in a challenge next week away against Katandra.

Final score: Deni Rovers 10.5 (65) def by Katamatite 17.11 (113).

Goal kickers: Alex Hay 3, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham 2, Waylon Johncock, Hayden Barker, Allan Bond, Logan Ives, Nick Hay

Best Players: Waylon Johncock, Tyson Willis, James Kirby, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Jai Ezard.

Awards: James Kirby, Tyson Willis, Alex Hay, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Jai Ezard, Jayden Pitts.

Reserves

With only four points separating Deni and Katamatitie on the reserves ladder, and with both teams fighting to hold their place in the top four, the stage was set for a cracking contest on Saturday.

Katamatite’s ball movement had the home side on the back foot early, with the Tigers drawing first blood and taking a one-goal lead into the first break.

Both backlines worked tirelessly, conceding little, but Katamatite managed to find the goals again, while keeping the Rovers to just two points for the half.

The visitors held a two-goal advantage at the main break.

Stuck coaching from the sidelines, Matthew Horne demanded more intensity and smarter football, and the team responded in the third.

The Rovers shut down Katamatite’s free-flowing midfield game, with goals coming from Tristan Fitzsimmons, Hayden Gardner, and Jack Pekin.

Rovers’ accuracy in front of goal proved crucial in the final term, with three straight goals sealing the comeback, courtesy of Fitzsimmons, Pekin, and Scott Howard.

Daniel Mison and Dylan Mills led the way from the backline with repeated efforts, while Ben McCalman worked tirelessly in the midfield to be named best on ground.

John Allitt dominated in the ruck, with Pekin and Howard rounding out the best from the forward line.

Final score: Deni Rovers 6.5 (41) def Katamatite 4.7 (31).

Goal kickers: Tristan Fitzsimmons 2, Jack Pekin 2, Hayden Gardiner, Scott Howard.

Best players: Ben McCalman, Scott Howard, Dylan Mills, John Allitt, Jack Pekin, Daniel Mison.

Awards: Rylan Wade, Scott Howard, Daniel Mison, John Allitt, Dylan Mills, Jack Pekin, Aden Bermingham, Jordyn McCulloch.

• Reports from other grades will be in Friday’s edition.