Deni Rovers seniors take the field on Saturday against Tungamah. Photo by Judith Harvey.
The Deniliquin Rovers fell to a “slick and talented” Tungamah side in round five of the Picola and District Football League.
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While the Rovers have been very competitive in their first three games of the season, the Bears proved to be too tough at their home ground.
Tungamah, who were one of the competition’s better sides last year, have improved significantly this year and were superior in most positions.
To the Rovers’ credit, they fought hard to the very end and never gave up.
But they were unable to convert their opportunities up forward and the strong Tungamah defence kept the pressure up all day.
On top of a long injury and illness list, the loss of key defender Jack O’Callaghan shortly after half time with a hamstring injury was a big blow.
O’Callaghan was one of the best on field until injured and his absence put even more pressure on a young defence.
One of the best on ground, Ryan Brunker fights for the ball against two Bears players.
A bright point was the performance of Tom Blake who played a great game at centre half back.
The 18 year-old was under plenty of pressure with the slick Tungamah ball pressure, but showed his class under that pressure to play by far his best senior game and be named as the Rovers best player.
Other good players were James Gilligan (on ball), Jack O’Callaghan (defence), Brendan Hope at full back, Brock Reddan who presented all day up forward and Ryan Brunker.
Rovers will be back at home this weekend to take on Strathmerton, who suffered a surprise loss to Berrigan .
They will be hoping to be able to convert their opportunities to put pressure on Strathmerton and get a better reward for the effort being put in.
Final score: Rovers 2.4 (16) to Tungamah 21.17 (143).
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