When the Deniliquin Rovers thirds and Jerilderie met on Saturday, it turned out to be a fun and spirited game.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
With Jerilderie short a few players, we sent three of our boys across to even up the numbers.
It made for some great contests (and a few laughs) as they battled against their own teammates.
We started strongly, with Max Watson kicking the opening goal to get us underway.
Jerilderie hit back quickly, and midway through the quarter, scores were tied.
Isaac Behsman then showed his class with a running goal, followed by a goal to Brody Wills after a great intercept mark by Isaac.
Spencer Cowley also got involved, taking a strong mark and finding Brody with a kick that led to another major.
Right on the quarter-time siren, Isaac pulled down a huge hanger and slotted his set shot to give us a 16-point lead at the first break - Rovers 5.2 (32) to Jerilderie 2.4 (16).
The second quarter saw the boys continue to move the ball well.
Noah Dunn picked up a loose ball, linking up with Isaac, who found Brody for his third goal.
Isaac followed up with a big kick from 50m for another major, before Ethan Connolly delivered a great kick into Brody once again.
Isaac then kicked his third goal, helping us hit the 50-point mark, with 11 minutes still left in the quarter.
Dannon Leetham was strong in the ruck, Isaac laid a brilliant tackle, and some great ball movement from Ben Hayes, Callan Glenn and Ethan Connolly set Brody up once again.
At half-time, we led 8.5 (53) to Jerilderie’s 3.4 (22).
After the break, Isaac wasted no time, kicking the first goal of the third quarter to take his tally to four.
In defence, Alex Ledwidge took a big intercept mark right in the Jerilderie goal square to turn the momentum our way.
Spencer Cowley got on the board with a goal on the run, while Jake Harvey laid a brilliant tackle to keep the pressure on. Isaac showed his marking skills again with a mini hanger, and Dannon unleashed a big kick that just missed for a behind.
Brody kicked his fourth, Callan took another important intercept, and Nick Fanning pulled down a strong mark.
Stuart Benger then marked in front of goal and calmly slotted his first major.
Not to be outdone, Brody finished the quarter with a big hanger.
We went into the final change in a commanding position.
In the last quarter, Spencer kicked truly again, Brody slotted his fifth, and Isaac bagged his sixth for the day.
Ben Hayes had a long-range shot that just clipped the post, and Max Watson finished the day with his second goal.
The final siren sounded with the Rovers running out convincing winners.
Final score: 16.12 (108) to Jerilderie 5.5 (35).
After the game, coach Scott Howard praised the team for their efforts and gave a special thanks to those who filled in for Jerilderie, showing fantastic club spirit and sportsmanship.
Scott spoke about how much he enjoyed coaching his first game with the group and reminded the boys about the importance of having fun, congratulating teammates, and always showing support on and off the field.
Goals: Isaac Behsman 6, Brody Wills 5, Max Watson 2, Spencer Cowley 2, Stuart Benger.
Best Players: Isaac Behsman, Brody Wills, Ethan Connolly, Jesse Jervis, Henry Learmonth.
Awards: Isaac Behsman, Ethan Connolly, Henry Learmonth, Jett Lynch, Jesse Jervis, Xander Strong, Alex Ledwidge.
Fourths:
The fourths travelled to Jerilderie and, with both teams undefeated, a close game was expected.
Rovers started well, with Hadyn Sampson dominating the ruck and Ryan Bulmer and Taj McCully both gaining many possessions through the midfield.
Up forward, the mosquito fleet consisting of Callan Leiper, Jett Boyer and Cormick Hardman were causing Jerilderie all sorts of problems and Mikey Benger and Ged O’Donnell were leading and marking well.
As the game progressed, the Rovers took control.
Every time Jerilderie went forward, they were repelled by a solid defence led by Angus Knuckey, Carter Sartore, Henry Campion and Reece King, holding Jerilderie goalless for the game.
A solid four quarter effort by everyone lead to a strong 55 point victory.
The young Roos are showing improvement and great teamwork each week.
The willingness to share the football is a highlight.
Final score: Rovers 8.10 (58) def Jerilderie 0.3 (3).
Goals: Callan Leiper 3, Michael Benger 2, Jett Boyer, Connor Sampson, Jobe Unwin.
Best players: Taj McCully, Haydn Sampson, Connor Sampson, Reece King, Ryan Bulmer, Callan Leiper.
Awards: Angus Knuckey, Carter Sartore, Callan Leiper, Ged O’Donnell, Henry Campion, Reece King, Connor Sampson.
Contributed content