Deni Rovers bounced back this week to record their best win for the season when they defeated Katamatite.
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Both sides were on the same number of wins going into the game, but Katamatite had a couple of big scalps, having defeated two of the top sides in Katandra and Tungamah in their past two games.
The game was very even in the first quarter, with Katamatite looking dangerous up forward, kicking the first two goals of the game.
James Kirby opened the goal scoring with a good snap shot followed by Hayden Barker, who marked and goaled which set the tone for his day.
A late goal to the Tigers saw them go in 7 points up at quarter time.
The second quarter was another tight affair with both sides kicking three goals.
Katamatite looked to be the better side early in the quarter, but Rovers dominated the second part of the quarter without that dominance showing on the scoreboard.
Hayden Barker continued to be the focal point up forward kicking two for the quarter.
Another highlight was Tyson Willis’s goal, where he gathered the ball close to the centre, took three bounces and then kicked a great running goal to keep Rovers in the hunt at half time with Katamatite leading by a solitary goal.
The gap narrowed again in the third quarter with Rovers kicking two goals to Katamatite’s one goal, narrowing the gap to three points at third quarter time, in Kati’s favour.
Rovers suffered a blow in the third quarter, when star defender James Gilligan suffered a leg injury and had to sit out the rest of the game.
Katamatite took the honours at the start of the last quarter, kicking the first two goals, establishing a 19 point lead which looked to be a match winning break.
However, Rovers lifted from the midway point of the quarter and started to win plenty of the ball, creating opportunities with more effective disposal into the forward line.
Hayden Barker had been dangerous all game but his last ten minutes and proved to be a match winning effort.
Rovers had kicked five points midway through the quarter, which threatened to be costly.
Barker then took two strong marks and converted to narrow the Katamatite lead to two points with not much time left.
Rovers had really lifted their running and broke out of the centre again to provide another opportunity.
With 40 seconds left on the time clock, Barker marked again to kick his seventh of the game and put Rovers four points in front.
A strong mark to Adam Bodey from the bounce meant that Rovers were in attack as the siren sounded.
The crowd’s cheering at the siren could be heard from blocks away.
It was a fantastic, nail biting game in front of the crowd gathered for Past Players day.
A large number of supporters followed the boys into the change rooms for celebrations with coach Alex Hay, congratulating the boys on a good reward for a good effort.
The result was a huge morale booster.
Rovers had trailed narrowly all day but showed heaps of belief and courage to keep fighting and to come home with a narrow win which should provide plenty of belief going forward.
It was a great team effort with everyone contributing, but Hayden Barker with his seven goals straight was named best.
Tyson Willis continues to impress and won plenty of the ball and used it well.
Ray Murphy continues to step up in the absence of injured coach Alex Hay and provided plenty of drive out of the centre.
Youngster Liam East really stood up after being assigned the job of standing Katamatite’s most dangerous forward, performing his job very well.
Adam Bodey in the ruck and Brady Trotman across half back also had great games.
Another big game at home next weekend when Tungamah are the visitors, a challenge to look forward to.
Final score: Deni Rovers 10.11 (71) def Katamatite 9.13 (67).
Goal: Hayden Barker 7, Tyson Willis 1, Harry Turner, James Kirby.
Best: Hayden Barker, Tyson Willis, Ray Murphy, Liam East, Adam Bodey, Brady Trotman.
Awards: Physioft with Britt - Hayden Barker; Deni Clothing Co. - Tyson Willis; Frank n Beans - Liam East; Globe Hotel - Adam Bodey; Keet's Hair - Ray Murphy.
The Reserves had a very frustrating game against a determined Tigers side.
They eventually got over the line but it was only in the last ten minutes that they were able to get the ball out into the open and kick three goals to seal the game.
The side was performing very well apart from the last two weeks and coaches Matt Horne and Ben McCalman will be expecting improved performances going forward.
Better players were Caleb Weir who really stood out on-ball.
Matt Dowling was clean across half back, Cam Robertson, Damian Hope, John Glowrey and Jay McCully were other good players.
Final score: deni rovers 6.7 (43) def Katamatite 2.3 (15).
Goals: Jay McCully, Bailey Caruso, Matt Wade, Blake Norris, Matt Horne, Zack Thompson.
Best: Caleb Weir, Matt Dowling , Cam Robinson, Damian Hope, John Glowrey, Jay McCully.
Awards: Cin’s Massage - Caleb Weir; Frank n Beans - Matt Dowling; Barber & Threadz - Cam Robinson; Globe Hotel - Damian Hope; Myo on the Move - John Glowrey; Keet’s Hair - Jay McCully.
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