A-grade: Deni Rovers 44 def Strathmerton 36.
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The Deniliquin Rovers A-grade team took on the Strathmerton Bulldogs in a one versus two on the ladder showdown, and the match lived up to the hype.
Despite wintery conditions, Strathmerton settled first, quickly slotting the initial goals and taking an 11-6 lead by the end of the first quarter.
After a reset and some strategic positional changes, the Rovers fought back to win the second quarter, though they still trailed.
Carissa Bulmer orchestrated the attack with precision, her structure and accurate passes into the ring being pivotal.
Abbey Wills showcased immense strength, dominating in the ring alongside Chloe Brown.
Hazel Glowrey found her form in the second half, and her speed and determination caused significant issues for the Strathmerton attack.
Defensively, Natalie Sampson and Ella Park were outstanding, generating numerous turnovers.
Their efforts fuelled a strong third-quarter surge, allowing the Rovers to gain the upper hand.
Winning both the third and final quarters, the Deniliquin Rovers secured a well-deserved victory.
The team’s resilience and strategic adjustments were key in overcoming the early deficit and claiming the win.
Awards: Coach’s Award – Hazel Glowrey, Timbrr Firewood – Ella Park, Barber & Threadz – Carissa Bulmer and Players’ Player – Abbey Wills.
B-grade: Deni Rovers 41 def Strathmerton 35.
In a highly anticipated clash at Memorial Park, the Deniliquin Rovers B-grade team faced off against the Strathmerton Bulldogs in a top-of-the-ladder battle.
The Rovers took an early lead, thanks to a stellar performance by young gun Ruby Cowley, who dominated in the goal ring.
Georgia Van Lieshout also stood out, shooting beautifully and providing positive vocal support for her teammates.
In defence, Bell Mcilwain was a formidable presence, using her reach to disrupt the Bulldogs’ plays effectively.
Sophie Dudley applied relentless pressure, wearing down her opponent and contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength.
By half-time, the Rovers had extended their lead to 19-16.
In the second half, Monty Jones and Montana Muldoon-Leetham controlled the centre court, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining the team’s momentum.
Olivia Park’s precise feeds into the shooting circle kept the scoreboard ticking over.
At the final whistle, the Deniliquin Rovers emerged victorious.
Awards: Timbrr Firewood – Bell Mcilwain, Myo on the Move – Sophie Dudley, Wisteria & Willow – Ruby Cowley and Players’ Player – Bell Mcilwain.
C-grade: Deni Rovers 48 def Strathmerton 20.
It was a defensive masterclass in C-grade this week, with Jemma Smith and Erika Martin providing countless turnovers in the team’s dominant win.
The other youngsters in the team also showed skill in their drives and feeds, thanks to Matilda Glowrey and Shané Bothma.
The team’s versatility shone through, with changes being able to be made while still increasing the margin at each break.
Enjoy the week off next weekend before coming up against the hoppers in Rennie.
Awards: Olivia’s Lash Cave – Jemma Smith, Stronger Minds Deniliquin – Erika Martin and Barber & Threadz – Matilda Glowrey.
C-Reserve: Deni Rovers 35 def Strathmerton 26.
Another great game from the C-Reserve Deni Rovers team.
It was a good first quarter, with players settling quickly to take a four-goal lead into the first break.
The second quarter saw Strathmerton match Rovers goal for goal.
The Rovers reset and settled at the half-time break and increased their lead in the second half, eventually winning the game with a nine-goal win.
Mollie Leetham’s versatility in shifting positions and sinking long-range shots was a game-changer, and Emma East and Kelly Thorpe’s defensive partnership is rock solid.
Rovers will enjoy their bye and come out fresh and ready for Rennie.
Awards: Stronger Minds Deniliquin – Kelly Thorpe, Deni RSL – Emma East, and Total Bliss – Millie Joice.
Under-17s: Deni Rovers 40 def Strathmerton 19.
Rovers under-17s came out firing down at Memorial Park on Saturday.
Coming up against Strathmerton with composure, the girls walked away with a win.
The defensive pressure was commendable, with great hands to the ball both in and out of the ring.
Reagan Behsman, a key asset to the team, provided numerous turnovers and brought the ball down the court with great speed and drive.
Throughout the attack and the midcourt, the girls displayed great teamwork, implementing seamless plays.
Bae Willis moved effortlessly in the ring, shooting precisely and asserting her dominance as a strong attacker.
Awards: Fitzpatrick Family award – Reagan Behsman, and Nourish Deniliquin – Bae Wills.
Under-15s: Deni Rovers 48 def Strathmerton 11.
The under-15s got off to a slow start and ended up just three goals ahead at quarter-time due to a few key players missing from the line-up.
The coach needed to make a few strategic position changes to get the girls back on track.
The second quarter was much better scoring-wise and defensively.
This continued for the remainder of the game, even with a pivotal shooter given a rest in the final quarter.
Strong defence by the Rovers played an essential part in keeping Strathmerton to only 11 goals.
Accurate shooting once the ball was delivered to the scoring end provided the game-winning result.
Awards: Aria & Harper – Zoe Bassett, Subway – Amelie Bulmer, Wired Entertainment – Lexi Hussey, That Pizza – Eve Meharry, and Players’ Player – Bae Willis.
Under-13s: Deni Rovers 38 def Strathmerton 6.
The under-13s game was fought with determination, cold hands and overall strength.
Nina Glowrey and Meg Meharry displayed their cohesiveness and ability to read the play perfectly.
In the defensive end, Marlie Mison and Jorja Woolston, another dynamic duo, used their stamina to play in the midcourt, making it easy for the shooters to get the ball.
Awards: Intersport – Nina Glowrey, Aria & Harper – Meg Meharry, McDonald’s – Marlie Mison, and Subway – Jorja Woolston.
Under-11s: Not scored.
The under-11 team’s dedication and determination is truly impressive.
It’s clear that they’ve been working hard in training, and they demonstrated that on the court against Strathmerton. Maintaining consistent pressure and forcing turnovers is a testament to their defensive effort and teamwork.
Their focus on leading forward and spreading out indicates a strong understanding of offensive strategies and the importance of spacing on the court.
By executing their game plan effectively, the girls showed that they were not just physically prepared but also mentally focused.
It was great to see them channelling their energy and enthusiasm into productive and disciplined play.
Awards: Aria & Harper – Lexi Maher, McDonald’s – Myla Parker and Maddie Hunter, Lick it Quick – Sophie Bulmer, and Hardman’s Intersport – Gabi Dunmore.
Minis: Not scored.
The little Rovers’ minis displayed resilience, great sportsmanship and a positive attitude all game.
It’s always heartening to see young athletes playing with enthusiasm and energy, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
The Rovers coaches will keep nurturing the spirit of camaraderie and fair play, an essential part of the game.
Awards: Hardman’s Intersport – Oaklee Morrison and Evie Hunter.
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