Plenty of positives for junior Rovers

Coach Stewart ‘Wally’ Bulmer took three players off to even up the contest until extra players arrived.

The Rovers wasted no time, winning the opening clearance and leading to Haydn Sampson kicking the first goal of the match for the third consecutive week.

Archer Moodie, Dannon Leetham, Lincoln Meharry, Charlie Rennie, Ryan Squires and Liam Taylor all added first-quarter goals as the visitors took control.

The dominance continued in the second term with another five goals, while keeping Rennie scoreless.

Although the Rovers generated plenty of forward entries, eight behinds for the quarter meant they left several opportunities on the table.

Defensively, Stuart Benger, Fletcher Campion and Darcy Finn provided outstanding leadership, maintaining the team's structure and launching countless rebounds from defence.

At half time the message was simple: lower the eyes inside forward 50 and look for the higher percentage option.

The players responded superbly, adding another five goals while again restricting Rennie to no score.

Their tackling pressure was relentless and their run and carry continued to break the game open.

The final quarter allowed several players to be rested ahead of senior duties, while others were given opportunities in different positions.

Darcy Finn and Callan Glenn both celebrated their first goals of the season, while Reece King was thrown forward late searching for a major but could only manage a behind despite plenty of encouragement from teammates.

Rennie finally broke through with a goal in the closing stages, but the Rovers comfortably finished the match as a united and selfless outfit.

Credit must also go to the Rennie thirds, who never dropped their heads and competed strongly until the final siren despite the scoreboard.

Final score: Rovers 20.25 (145) defeated Rennie 1.1 (7).

Goals: Dannon Leetham 5, Liam Taylor 4, Charlie Rennie 2, Archer Moodie 2, Callan Glenn, Darcy Finn, Reagan Macdonald, Thomas Ives, Lincoln Meharry, Haydn Sampson and Ryan Squires.

Best: Callan Glenn, Darcy Finn, Archer Moodie, Lincoln Meharry, Reece King and Fletcher Campion.

Fourths

Third-placed Rovers took on second-placed Rennie in a highly anticipated clash that had been circled on the calendar all season.

The side was without state representatives Jed Fitzmaurice and Jett Boyer, but still produced a terrific performance against quality opposition.

The game was close from start to finish. The Rovers held a narrow lead at quarter-time before the scores were level at the final change.

Sam Strong, Taj McCully and Ged O'Donnell worked tirelessly through the midfield, while Carter Sartore and Braxton Leetham were outstanding in defence.

Up forward, Cormick Hardman and Lucas Braybon continually tested the Rennie backline and provided plenty of scoring opportunities.

The Rovers led by a point with just two minutes remaining, before a free kick in the goal square gifted Rennie the match-winning goal.

Despite the heartbreaking finish, the boys can be proud of their effort. They fought right to the end against a quality opponent and had every chance to claim an important victory in the closing stages.

Final score: Rovers 3.6 (24) defeated by Rennie 4.5 (29).

Goals: Cormick Hardman 2, Lucas Braybon.

Best: Sam Strong, Taj McCully, Ged O’Donnell, Carter Sartore, Harry Rennie, Cormick Hardman.