Rovers shine in junior grades

By half-time, they had extended the margin to 89, leaving Mathoura scoreless and struggling to gain any momentum.

The Rovers continued their stranglehold through the second half, with their forwards proving too strong and their defenders keeping the Timbercutters to just one goal for the entire match.

Spencer Cowley led the charge in front of goal with five majors, while Brody Wills and Isaac Behsman each added three.

Other contributors included Nick Fanning (2), and singles from Ben Hayes, Stuart Benger, Lincoln Meharry, Ethan Connolly, Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson and Dannon Leetham.

Around the ground, Ben Hayes was instrumental off half-back, providing run and composure, while Jesse Jervis impressed on the wing.

Cowley’s presence at centre half-forward was pivotal, and Leetham’s workrate up forward added plenty of pressure.

Meharry and Sam Conallin also stood tall in defence.

The Rovers’ starting line-up reflected their depth, with Fanning anchoring the defence at fullback, Meharry commanding centre half-back and Behsman controlling the centre.

Fletcher Campion was solid in the ruck, feeding a dynamic on-ball brigade of Connolly and Wills.

Up forward, Cowley and Leetham were constant threats, supported by strong efforts from Benger, Dunn and Watson.

With finals approaching, this emphatic performance sends a clear message: the Rovers thirds are a force to be reckoned with.

Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 20.12 (132) def Mathoura 1.2 (8).

Goals: Spencer Cowley 5, Brody Wills 3, Isaac Behsman 3, Nick Fanning 2, Ben Hayes, Stuart Benger, Lincoln Meharry, Ethan Connolly, Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson, Dannon Leetham.

Best players: Ben Hayes, Jesse Jervis, Spencer Cowley, Dannon Leetham, Lincoln Meharry, Sam Conallin.

Awards: Ben Hayes, Brody Wills, Jesse Jervis, Spencer Cowley, Dannon Leetham, Lincoln Meharry, Sam Conallin, Henry Learmonth.

Fourths

The fourths produced a dominant display in round 17, overpowering Mathoura at Memorial Park.

The young side started strongly, slamming through seven unanswered goals in the opening term, with Jobe Unwin and Callan Leiper proving dangerous in attack.

Around the ground, Haydn Sampson, Taj McCully and Ryan Bulmer were influential, winning plenty of clearances and driving the ball forward.

By half-time, the Rovers had stretched their lead to 11.7 (73) to nil.

Ruthless after the break, the Rovers piled on another 12.10 (82) without reply, showcasing a polished and disciplined performance across all four quarters.

Unwin was the standout, booting five goals and earning best-on-ground honours in his 50th fourths game for the club - a milestone he marked in style.

Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 23.17 (155) Mathoura (0).

Goals: Jobe Unwin 5, Callan Leiper 4, Lucas Braybon 2, Michael Benger 2, Jett Boyer 2, Cormick Hardman 2, Haydn Sampson 2, Reece King, Hunter Dunn, Ryan Squires, Ryan Bulmer.

Best players: Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson, Taj McCully, Ryan Bulmer, Jed Fitzmaurice, Callan Leiper.

Awards: Will Reid, Taj McCully, Callan Leiper, Jed Fitzmaurice, Ryan Bulmer, Jobe Unwin, Ryan Squires, Haydn Sampson.

Fifths

With Mathoura not fielding a fifths side, the Deniliquin Rovers turned the weekend into an opportunity to showcase their future stars.

Two matches were held at Memorial Park, with the Rovers combining forces with the Deniliquin Auskick program to give the kids plenty of game time.

The focus was on fun and skill development, and the young players didn’t disappoint.

Across both games, they showed off their kicking, marking and teamwork, with plenty of goals celebrated just as hard as those in the senior grades.

Coaches and parents praised the effort and enthusiasm on display, and the smiles on the kids’ faces said it all.