The Deni Rovers faced the Berrigan Saints in the first semi-final of the Picola League seniors football on Saturday at Jerilderie.
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The fifth-placed Rovers came in with a week off after an elimination win against Jerilderie, facing the fourth-placed Saints following a qualifying final loss last week against Waaia.
After some wild weather the day before, wind gusts towards the Jerilderie scoreboard end at the northeast of the ground were the main meteorological factor affecting the day.
While losing the toss and starting into the wind, once play got under way the Rovers had a dream start.
The Rovers midfielders got the ball going forward in transition from the outset.
Nick Hay kicked the opening goal, bouncing via the goal square shepherded through by full forward Hayden Barker.
From there, the Rovers forwards were clinical, kicking their first four goals with no blemishes on the scoreboard and putting on great pressure in the forward half.
Given confidence by the fast start, the Rovers defence held off the Saints, keeping them to two goals and five behinds, taking shots from the scoreboard pocket to the Rovers’ five goals and one behind into the wind.
The Rovers continued their fast start into the second quarter with the wind but were less accurate with their shots on goal.
Despite this, a Hayden Barker goal after the half-time siren had the Rovers carrying plenty of momentum.
Their second-quarter total of four goals and five behinds to the Saints’ one goal and three behinds had the Rovers take a 34-point lead into the third quarter.
While the Rovers emerged from the main break well, the Saints sprung to life, stringing together four goals that had the makings of a comeback.
A Saints injury in their defensive half late into the third quarter requiring a stretcher provided a break for both teams.
Following the match interruption, a Waylon Johncock running goal pushed the Rovers in front, halting the Saints’ surge ahead of three-quarter time.
However, on the scoreboard, the Saints had closed the margin to 19 points, 7.12 (54) to 11.7 (73).
Doing their best to hold onto the lead in the last quarter, the Rovers defence, led by the actions of Liam East, only conceded one goal and five behinds, with the Rovers kicking two goals and three behinds to seal a 23-point win.
Ultra-reliable for the Rovers were Liam East, Rivva Karpany, and Brad Taylor, standing up every time they were needed.
Leading the way with timely goals were Alex Hay, Waylon Johncock, and Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson.
Kicking the team to a win with the positioning forward of the ball were Hayden Barker with four goals, as well as Tyson Willis and Nick Hay with two each.
Jackson Muldoon-Leetham was again dominant when the ball was in his vicinity, kicking a goal, with Ethan Connolly also popping up and playing well as the substitute.
The Rovers senior footballers now play Katamatite at Katamatite this Sunday for a spot in the Picola League grand final at Deniliquin.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 13.10 (88) def Berrigan 8.17 (65).
Goals: Hayden Barker 4, Nick Hay 2, Tyson Willis 2, Waylon Johncock, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Ryan Lovegrove - Hudson, Ethan Connolly, Alex Hay.
Best players: Liam East, Rivva Karpany, Brad Taylor, Alex Hay, Nick Hay, Hayden Barker.
Thirds
The Deniliquin Rovers thirds produced a thrilling performance in their semi-final against Dookie United on Saturday at Jerilderie, holding on for a dramatic three point victory.
From the first bounce, the Rovers imposed themselves on the game.
Quarter one saw Rovers dominate with precision and intensity, kicking 4.3 to Dookie’s scoreless start.
Their defence held firm under Dookie’s pressure, with Nick Fanning, Jake Harvey, and Jacob Holton keeping the Dookie forwards at bay while Lincoln Meharry marshalled the backline with composure and leadership.
Dookie responded in the second quarter, finding space through the midfield and kicking 2.3.
However, the Rovers’ structured play through Brody Wills at centre and the work of Ethan Connolly around the stoppages ensured Rovers maintained a comfortable 19-point lead at halftime, 5.4 (34) to 2.3 (15).
The third term was pivotal. Rovers’ forwards came alive, with Spencer Cowley, Stuart Benger, and Brody Wills combining for six goals.
The Rovers’ ability to move the ball quickly from defence to attack, particularly through the wings of Callan Glenn and Jesse Jervis, created scoring opportunities and stretched Dookie’s defence.
By the final change, the Rovers had built a 41-point buffer, leading 10.9 (69) to 4.4 (28).
The final quarter brought tension as Dookie mounted a spirited comeback, booting seven of their final nine goals.
Despite the pressure, the Rovers’ determination and teamwork saw them hold on for a nail-biting three-point victory.
Spencer Cowley’s six-goal haul proved crucial, complemented by Stuart Benger’s three and Brody Wills’ two, while key performances across the field from Lincoln Meharry, Ben Hayes, and Ethan Connolly provided stability and drive when it mattered most.
The Rovers now advance to the next stage, a testament to their resilience, skill, and collective determination.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 11.10 (76) def Dookie United 11.7 (73).
Goals: Spencer Cowley 6, Stuart Benger 3, Brody Wills 2.
Best players: Brody Wills, Spencer Cowley, Lincoln Meharry, Ben Hayes, Stuart Benger, Ethan Connolly.
Fourths
The Deniliquin Rovers fourths faced off against Dookie United in the first semi-final at Jerilderie on Saturday.
With a strong wind favouring one end, Dookie kicked with the breeze in the first quarter, posting 1.3 to nil and taking a 9-point lead into the first break.
Rovers’ defence stood strong under extreme pressure from multiple forward 50 entries, with Reece King, Carter Sartore, and Sam Strong leading the charge.
A second-quarter goal to Ryan Squires, despite kicking into the breeze, brought the boys within five points at halftime.
Squires was rampant through the centre, creating numerous attacking opportunities for the Rovers.
The young Roos held tall in the third quarter, restricting Dookie to just one goal and setting up a thrilling final term.
In the last quarter, the boys lifted their intensity, with everyone contributing.
Tough, contested footy saw Dookie flood the forward line, making scoring difficult.
However, a free kick and 25m penalty allowed Cormick Hardman to step up and kick the sealer.
It was a fantastic team effort against a strong side featuring some big, skillful players.
With the win, the Rovers fourths now progress to the preliminary final this weekend against Berrigan.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 2.5 (17) def Dookie United 2.3 (15).
Goals: Cormick Hardman, Ryan Squires.
Best players: Reece King, Jed Fitzmaurice, Ryan Squires, Carter Sartore, Haydn Sampson, Jobe Unwin.