The Deni Rovers were at the Berrigan Recreation Reserve on Saturday to take on the Saints for what loomed as an important match for both teams.
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A 2025 semi final rematch, both teams were looking to regroup from a loss last round.
In sunny late autumn conditions, the match got under way.
It was the Saints who got off to a dominant start, kicking the first four goals mainly through getting supply to full forward Adrian Pilgram who kicked three goals early.
However, as would be the tale for most of the match the Rovers responded, getting the margin back to seven points at quarter time.
Then in the second quarter the Saints again stretched out a lead before the Rovers reeled it back in through some great ball movement hitting their leads.
It was a high standard of play from both teams going into halftime, level at 8.6 (54) a piece.
At the start of the third quarter, the Rovers defence was resolute against the Saints’ attacks.
From there the game started to break open, including a period where both sides had a player sent off for 15 minutes.
The Rovers got the ball moving their way, getting it into the hands of their smooth movers before finishing with goals in the forward line.
Slightly more accurate, the Rovers kicked three goals and two behinds to the Saints two goals and five behinds.
This gave the Rovers a three point lead at three quarter time.
The last quarter saw both teams wrestle momentum their way, with the Rovers kicking the first two goals followed by the Saints kicking one.
However, from there it was the Rovers who ran over the top, finishing three goals ahead of the Saints.
Providing damaging run and carry, James Falcone with two goals and the reintroduction of Waylon Johncock with one goal was key for the Rovers win.
Similarly, up forward Alex Hay and Jackson Muldoon-Leetham with two goals gave some spark for Deni.
Cam Wills, Tyson Willis, Dannon Leetham and Allan Bond also got on the end of a goal.
Out of the middle, Logan Ives provided the Rovers first use, while down back Connor Didcock did a great shutdown role on dangerous Saints’ forward Keith Tallent.
Brendan Hope was reliable defensively all game with the inclusions of James Scott who charged relentlessly down back and Jacob Knight crafty up forward kicking three goals.
The inclusions in their first games for the side made a difference in assisting the team to a win.
Final score: Berrigan 11.12 (78) def by Deni Rovers 14.12 (96).
Goals: Jacob Knight 3, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham 2, James Falcone 2, Alex Hay 2, Waylon Johncock, Cam Wills, Tyson Willis, Dannon Leetham, Allan Bond.
Best: James Falcone, Waylon Johncock, Brendan Hope, Alex Hay, Connor Didcock, Logan Ives.
Reserves
A much younger and fitter seconds side took the field this week to face their long times rivals in the Berrigan Saints, and perhaps with a point to prove after last week.
The Rovers started with a dominant first quarter, piling on five unanswered goals, keeping Berrigan to just 1 point.
The second quarter was far more even, with both sides working hard in a physical contest.
The second half was all Rovers, however, who were relentless with their attack.
Brody Wills put on a master class from the middle being named best on and kicking four goals for the day and was well supported by Andrew May and Aden Bermingham in the midfield also being named in the best.
Bobby Hall was able to rise above the attention he was getting to be named among the best along with Dylan Mills (three goals) and Dylan May (one goal) who provided plenty of options up forward.
Bailey Caruso was back in dangerous form kicking two and young Stuart Benger stood up kicking two goals and stood out with a very questionable hairdo.
Andrew May, Bobby Hall, Johnny Mitchell and big Tim McDonnell also contributed with goals.
Welcome aboard Adam Letton who played his first game for the club and welcome back Lachie Holschier and Matt Atley.
Final score: Berrigan 1.3 (9) def by Deni Rovers 16.10 (106).
Goals: Brody Wills 4, Dylan Mills 3, Bailey Caruso 2, Stuart Benger 2, Andrew May, Dylan May, Bobby Hall, John Mitchell, Tim McDonnell.
Best: Brody Wills, Andrew May, Bobby Hall, Aden Bermingham, Dylan Mills, Dylan May.