Tocumwal’s Jack Tyndall spoils Waylon Johncock, who was key in the Rovers’ late comeback win.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
In Round 11 of the Picola League senior football, the Deniliquin Rovers travelled to take on the Bloods of Tocumwal.
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In the first quarter, the Rovers started well, getting the first goal on the board through a snap from Isaac Behsman, his first senior goal, with players coming from everywhere to get around him.
From there, the away side had plenty of possession, however, turnovers against the run of play in damaging areas helped Tocumwal.
From the turnovers, the Bloods countered, putting the ball on the head of their full forward Brock Close, who kicked Tocumwal’s three goals in the first quarter, taking a mark whenever the ball got near his hands with a vice-like grip.
He was the Bloods’ main avenue to goal from close range.
This, combined with the Rovers not taking any of their other chances in front of goal in the first quarter, saw them trail at the first break 1.6 (12) to Tocumwal’s 3.4 (22).
In the second quarter, the Rovers managed to turn their possession into goals.
Not to be outdone by Close down the other end, the Rovers’ Hayden Barker got better service and started to take contested marks, one-out, on his opponent, slotting goals from the tougher opportunities.
The Rovers had a lead at half-time: 5.8 (38) to Tocumwal’s 5.4 (34).
In the third quarter, the Bloods came out very hard, with a rampaging Ricky Gittens leading the way out of the midfield and a composed Lachie MacDonald leading the way from behind the ball, as Close continued to look dangerous up forward.
The game was in the balance, with the Rovers having several good moments, including a Damian Hope spectacular mark on a set of shoulders in front of the Tocumwal Clubrooms crowd, as well as a long-range Tyson Willis goal getting the away side to 7.9 (51).
Despite this, the Bloods kicked five goals and two behinds for the quarter to lead by 15 points at three-quarter time.
The Rovers were undermanned with several injuries, meaning there was some change in positional placements and a serious challenge to overcome a three-goal final quarter deficit.
From the start of the last quarter, the Rovers’ midfielders and forwards stood up in the clutch, getting the ball going their way and tightening the scoreboard.
James Kirby in the ruck, who had fought strongly all day in contests, kept going, with Rhys McCulloch, Tyson Willis, Waylon Johncock and Alex Hay instrumental in surging the ball forward.
The Rovers’ forwards got goals, with Isaac Behsman getting his second goal of the day off a great leading mark and a subsequent 50m penalty. Hayden Barker was dominant with his marks and kicked straight.
With three goals in less than 15 minutes, the Rovers just surpassed Tocumwal’s quarter-time score of 66.
From there, Tocumwal again looked threatening, with Gittens running unmarked forward to receive a short pass for his second goal from a set shot to put the Bloods back in front with 10 minutes left.
The Rovers responded with another big moment from Damian Hope, roosting an important kick just over the goal line to again get the Rovers in front on the scoreboard.
Tocumwal then had two more scoring chances, but thankfully for the Rovers, they missed both.
With the ball back in Rovers' end, Hay ran into the vacant goal square to kick what was ultimately the sealer.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 12.10 (82) def Tocumwal 11.8 (74).
For the Rovers, Rhys McCulloch again led his side charging out of congestion with his sweeping runs from the contests and inimitable Rovers spirit.
Embodying the trend of elite small forwards able to impact games from stoppages all around the ground, Tyson Willis was huge, stepping up with increased midfield minutes.
Waylon Johncock was again crucial in the Rovers’ comeback, giving the Rovers composed run and carry in getting the ball forward.
Up forward, Hayden Barker shrugged off any doubts with plenty of hard work, helping the Rovers get the win with a crucial six goals, and Alex Hay was again damaging, finding ways to carve through and create havoc forward of the ball while also taking two huge goal-scoring opportunities on the run.
Goals: Hayden Barker 6, Isaac Behsman 2, Alex Hay 2, Damian Hope, Tyson Willis.
Best players: Rhys McCulloch, Tyson Willis, Waylon Johncock, Hayden Barker, Alex Hay, Rowan Frazer.
Awards: Tyson Willis, Hayden Barker, Rhys McCulloch, James Gilligan, Rowan Frazer, James Kirby.
Rovers midfielder Bobby Hall drives the ball forward during Saturday’s clash with Tocumwal.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
Rovers’ Jayden Pitts fends off a tackle as he looks to break clear.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
Rovers’ Cameron Wills fends off a strong challenge as he looks to move the ball forward.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
Rowan Frazer launches a powerful kick during the Rovers’ win over Tocumwal.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
Rowan Frazer flies to spoil a Tocumwal opponent during a marking contest.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
Jayden Pitts drives the ball downfield as Deniliquin looks to gain territory.
Photo by
Mel Sampson
Reserves
The message to the team was clear: “You don’t lose on ball night”.
The boys responded emphatically, kicking six goals and three behinds to no score by quarter time.
With the return of big Harry Way straight into the ruck, the midfield fired early, finding Tristan Fitzsimmons, Blake Norris, and Hayden Gardiner regularly.
The backline, strengthened by Tom Dowling’s comeback, held firm and kept Tocumwal scoreless all day.
Harry Turner was involved in everything, with Sam Richardson and Jordyn McCulloch linking up smoothly to move the ball forward.
Ben McCalman was named best on ground for his relentless work, winning hardball gets.
Hayden Gardiner was dangerous forward of centre, while Scott Howard continues to defy the clock with his consistent performances.
Blake Norris booted four goals, while Harry Turner, Tristan Fitzsimmons, and Taj Payne kicked three each.
Hayden Gardiner contributed two goals, with Rylan Wade and Brett Rose adding goals from the wings.
The boys’ ball movement around the ground was impressive, particularly in the final quarter, sealing a dominant performance.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 19.14 (128) def Tocumwal 2.4 (16).
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