Rovers pull away from Picola United

The game started quite contested, with the Rovers getting on top in transition and on the scoreboard.

They kicked three goals and five behinds to one Picola rushed behind from a set shot that didn’t make the distance.

In the second quarter, Picola started better with the breeze.

They got the ball forward and had four accurate shots on goal against the run of play.

Meanwhile, the Rovers had plenty of plays forward of centre but rushed their opportunities, kicking one goal and seven behinds for the quarter to keep Picola in the game.

The Rovers led by 11, having kicked 11 more behinds.

From the resumption in the second half, the Rovers improved their ball movement, winning the ball out of the middle and using it more efficiently through the wings and in the forward half.

This led to the Rovers pulling away, kicking seven goals and five behinds for the quarter.

Picola stuck around with two goals and two behinds, but the Rovers had a 44 point lead at three-quarter time.

Determined to finish strongly, the Rovers had plenty of opportunities in the last quarter.

But they were only able to get into a back and forth with two goals and two behinds to Picola’s four behinds for the quarter, to win by 54 points.

Tyson Willis was the Rovers’ main avenue to goal, with seven goals and plenty of highlights.

Also dominant was Kyle Magro, who had his way in the ruck as the game went on.

He and the rest of the team were aided by the damaging run and usage of Waylon Johncock and Jimmy Falcone in combination.

Cam Wills showed his ability in the middle and forward, kicking two goals, with Alex Hay doing similarly, kicking one.

Taj Payne was again one of the Rovers’ best with his link-up play.

Forward of centre Nick Hay had two goals and Isaac Behsman one to finish the hard work on the scoreboard.

Final score: Deni Rovers 13.19 (97) def Picola United 6.7 (43).

Goals: Tyson Willis 7, Nick Hay 2, Cam Wills 2, Isaac Behsman, Alex Hay.

Best: Tyson Willis, Waylon Johncock, Kyle Magro, Alex Hay, Jimmy Falcone, Taj Payne.

Reserves

Another perfect day for football greeted the Reserves at Memorial Park, and the side knew there was added motivation to secure the win in Alex Rourke’s 300th club game milestone.

The opening quarter was a hard-fought contest, with Picola managing the only goal of the term.

The Rovers worked their way back into the game in the second quarter, with the backline rebounding strongly and the midfield linking up well to move the ball quickly into attack.

Their efforts saw the boys take a narrow lead into the main break.

The second half produced a far more dominant display from the Rovers, with plenty of run and carry around the ground helping the side pull away to record an impressive 41-point victory.

Harry Turner returned to his best form with four goals and was named among the best players, alongside Daniel Mison and Nick Stubbings, who both played important roles in defence.

Dylan May continued his strong form up forward with two goals, while Lachlan Holschier, Brody Wills and Brayden Jones each added singles.

Dylan Mills battled hard in the ruck all day and was again named among the best, together with Andrew May, who was influential around stoppages and clearances.

A warm welcome was extended to Taj’s brothers, Callum Haynes and Liam Klowss, with Liam earning best on ground honours in an impressive performance.

It was also fantastic to welcome back Scott Atley and Tom Beames, with both looking right at home once again in the blue and white.

Final score: Deni Rovers 9.7 (61) def Picola United 3.2 (20).

Goals: Harry Turner 4, Dylan May 2, Lachlan Holschier, Brody Wills, Brayden Jones.

Best: Liam Klowss, Daniel Mison, Harry Turner, Nick Stubbings, Andrew May, Dylan Mills.

• Reports for other grades will be included in Friday’s Pastoral Times.