Deni Rovers put in a vastly improved performance and took the game to the league leaders Strathmerton in their match at Memorial Park on Saturday.
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Strathmerton won the toss and kicked with the breeze in the first quarter and was able to establish a three-goal lead at quarter time.
The Rovers added 3.4 when they used the breeze in the second quarter and had plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
Their experienced, finals-hardened opponents retained their composure to add 3.5 of their own in what was a very entertaining contest.
Rovers put their opponents under plenty of pressure in the third quarter and held Strathmerton to 2.5 while adding 1.1 of their own to go into three quarter time with a deficit of 29 points but close enough to challenge.
The last quarter was very even, and a couple of early goals gave Rovers some hope of challenging the league leaders.
Strathmerton was good enough to steady and eventually win by 30 points in what was a very good effort.
Coach Alex Hay praised the effort but emphasised to his young team that they should never be satisfied with a loss.
He also stressed the importance of preparing for games with the right attitude, comparing Saturday’s performance with the previous week.
The game provided evidence of the young side’s potential and they applied themselves for the full four quarters against a very strong opposition.
Cam Wills played a great game in the centre and showed great class, while young ruckman Harry Way was another standout.
Alex Hay was his usual creative self and Rowan Frazer and Logan Ives contributed well.
Logan Leiper was back from a hamstring injury and was another youngster to show his talent.
The side has a bye this week which will provide a welcome break before playing Rennie the following weekend.
Final score: Rovers 8.9 (57) def by Strathmerton 12.15 (87).
Goal kickers: Alex Hay 2, Allan Bond 2, Tyson Willis, Logan Leiper, Joey Hay, Jai Ezard.
Best players: Cam Wills, Alex Hay, Harry Way, Logan Ives, Rowan Frazer, Logan Leiper.
Awards: Deni RSL - Cam Wills, Frank n Beans - Rowan Frazer, N8 Health - Logan Leiper, Wired Entertainment - Logan Ives, Deniliquin Jewellers - Harry Way, Barber & Threadz - Jai Ezard.
Reserves:
The Rovers reserves turned in a poor performance against league leaders Strathmerton on Saturday.
To be fair, it was a very uncharacteristic performance from the normally competitive side, and coaches Matt Horne and Ben McCalman will be looking for a vastly improved performance going forward.
The early part of the game was even, but Strathmerton kicked two late goals with the breeze and from that point on dominated the game.
Final score: Rovers 0.5 (5) def by Strathmerton 10.5 (65).
Best players: Daniel Mison, Dylan Mills, Alex Rourke, Ben McCalman, Matthew Horne, Shannon Sampson.
Awards: Physiofit with Britt - Daniel Mison, Deni RSL - Dylan Mills, Frank n Beans - Alex Rourke, Hardman’s Intersport - Shannon Sampson, Myo on the Move - John Glowrey, Wired Entertainment - Will Dudley, Smoko Shak - Nick Stubbings.
Thirds:
On a fresh morning, the Rovers took on a good Strathmerton side.
Cayden Hawley’s ruck work got the boys off to a great start, with Ethan Connolly and Baxter Cowley’s hard running giving the Rovers plenty of inside fifties.
But the Rovers were unable to convert, kicking one goal nine for the quarter.
In the second quarter the Rovers’ tackle pressure lifted.
Alex Harvey’s tackling was first class, and a Cayden Hawley tackle led to a goal.
Dexter Hardman came into the game, kicking a great roving goal.
Further goals to Brody Wills and Isaac Behsman gave the Rovers a five-goal quarter.
Isaac’s goal was his first for the thirds.
The third quarter started evenly, but it was some great ruck work from Andrew Smith inside the forward 50 that led to a Luke Holloway goal.
Ethan Connolly continued to run hard, leading Spencer Cowley to kick his first goal for the game.
The Rovers kicked two goals for the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw plenty of rotations, with Landon Flisher going into the ruck and dominating.
Ethan and Baxter finished strong with another good quarter, and Nick Fanning was dangerous up forward, kicking his first goal for the thirds.
Final score: Rovers 10.18 (78) def Strathmerton 0.0 (0).
Goal kickers: Baxter Cowley 3, Dexter Hardman 2, Luke Holloway, Brody Wills, Isaac Behsman, Nick Fanning, Spencer Cowley.
Best players: Ethan Connolly, Alex Harvey, Baxter Cowley, Cayden Hawley, Jesse Jervis, Luke Holloway.
Awards: BLT Fabrication - Ethan Connolly, Fanmac Ag - Alex Harvey, Fanmac Ag - Baxter Cowley, That Pizza - Cayden Hawley, Hardman’s Intersport - Jesse Jervis, Wired Entertainment - Luke Holloway, Subway - Isaac Behsman, Max Watson and Landon Flisher.
Fourths:
It was a cold and windy morning at Memorial Park this weekend for the young Roos making game play tough.
Midfield pressure from Bentley Hardman, Sam Conallin, Callan Glenn and Jacob Holton helped the Roos maintain an even first quarter, with Cormick Hardman snagging a sneaky goal.
Coming up against the wind in the second quarter was going to provide a challenge for the young Roos, however they stepped up their game play and created nice passages of play to give the forwards every opportunity to score.
Stuart Benger steadied in front of the goal and put two majors on the board for the quarter.
Kelsey roved the pack like a pro and slotted her first for the game.
The young Roos continued to apply pressure all over the ground.
Great defensive work from Alex, Haydn and Jake stopped all opportunities Strathmerton had to increase the scoreline.
Going into the last quarter the tough conditions throughout the game started to take effect on the young Roos.
They dug deep and fought hard to maintain control of the game and managed to stop Strathmerton scoring in the second half.
Dannon Leetham was instrumental in the middle and gave the rovers every opportunity to clear the centre.
Mikey Benger as always put his body on the line across half-back halting Strathmerton’s entries into their forward 50.
It was a great game to watch, and they should all be proud of their courage and determination.
Final score: Deni Rovers 8.6 (54) def Strathmerton 2.1 (13).
Goal kickers: Stuart Benger 3, Kelsey Clark 2, Cormick Hardman 2, Xander Strong.
Best players: Bentley Hardman, Dannon Leetham, Sam Conallin, Callan Glenn, Stuart Benger, Jacob Holton.
Awards: Riverside Bookkeeping Services – Bentley Hardman, Barber & Threadz – Jett Lynch, BLT Fabrication – Kelsey Clark, Cruizin* Diner – Sam Conallin, Hardman’s Intersport Deniliquin – Mark Godfrey, McDonald’s – Kywann Button and Callan Glenn, Nourish Deniliquin – Dannon Leetham, Lick it Quick – Angus Knuckey.
Fifths:
Saturday morning was a special day for the Rovers fifths footballers as they proudly donned their new playing jumpers, generously sponsored by ToyWorld Deniliquin.
The team took to the field with great excitement and showcased the skills they’ve been honing during training sessions.
Every player put in a fantastic effort, demonstrating teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.
It was a joy to see their hard work pay off on the oval. Well done, Rovers.
Awards: Not available at time of print.
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