The Deni Rovers seniors travelled to Picola on Saturday to take on the home side in what was effectively an elimination final - the winner likely to progress to the finals and the loser to miss out in the Picola League action.
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Picola started off particularly well and jumped out to a six point lead at quarter-time.
Rovers accuracy and efficiency in attack kept them in the hunt as they kicked 5.0 to Picola’s 5.6.
Picola again had more opportunities in the second quarter kicking 3.4 to Rovers 2.2, to lead by 14 points at half-time.
The game was of a high standard with the ball pinging around the ground with plenty of good movement from both sides.
The half-time address from Alex Hay asked for more consistency from his side, as there were some good patches of play but then periods when they lapsed and allowed Picola to get back on top.
The third quarter saw Rovers starting to claw back the ascendancy and they kicked 5.1 to Picola’s 3.2.
This meant that Picola were clinging on to a three point lead at three quarter-time with the game and the season completely up for grabs.
Rovers ball movement into the forward line and the resultant accuracy was probably their best for the season, and they had everything to play for going into the last quarter.
The last quarter was by far their best quarter for the season with every player lifting and contributing to the effort.
The Rovers used their pace and kicked the ball long and direct into the forward line.
They slammed on 7.5 for the quarter and restricted Picola to 2.3, and dominated over the entire ground.
The final margin of 29 points reflected a very good team effort and was another performance that will build belief and confidence in the young side.
Final Score: Picola 13.15 (93) def by Deni Rovers 19.8 (122).
Coach Alex Hay praised the efforts after the game, but was quick to point out the challenges that still lie ahead with games against Waaia at home and then Katandra away.
Hay emphasised “that each game is important and that the side needed to challenge themselves to go as far into the season and the finals series as possible.”
It was a difficult exercise to pick out best players because so many players lifted when the game was to be won and there were many heroic efforts in the last quarter.
Harry Turner played another great game, and Brady Trotman was another four quarter performer.
Experienced players in James Gilligan and Brendan Hope gave plenty of drive, and Joey Hay showed absolute desperation to ensure that the ball remained in the Rovers forward line.
Ray Murphy copped plenty of attention but still continued to win possessions and delivered the ball well into the forward line.
Goals: Hayden Barker 5, Terry Lumbar 3, Harry Turner 2, Tyson Willis, Scott Howard, James Kirby 1, Cameron Wills, Allan Bond, Raymond Murphy, Thomas Chandler.
Best: Harry Turner, Brady Trotman, James Gilligan, Raymond Murphy, Joey Hay, Brendan Hope.
Awards: Physiofit with Britt - Harry Turner; Frank n Beans - Brady Trotman; Globe Hotel - James Gilligan; Myo on the Move - Raymond Murphy; Keet’s Hair - Joey Hay; Deniliquin Jewellers - Brendan Hope.
The reserves turned in a workman like performance to run out 62 point winners over Picola.
Inaccuracy in front of goal prevented a bigger margin, with a final tally of 9.16.
The backline played very well to restrict Picola to 1.2 and set up the win.
The win should guarantee a top four finish, although there are tough matches to come against Waaia and Katandra who are also in the top four and will provide a solid lead up to the finals series.
Better players on Saturday were Caleb Weir, Matt Dowling, Daniel Mison, Jack Pekin, Cam Robertson and Dylan Mills.
Pekin, with three goals, defied the inaccuracy curse, whilst Matthew Wade, Blake Norris and Matt Horne kicked two goals each.
Final Score: Picola 1.2 (8) def by Deni Rovers 9.16 (70).
Goals: Jack Pekin 3, Matthew Wade 2, Blake Norris, Matthew Horne.
Best: Caleb Weir, Matthew Dowling, Daniel Mison, Jack Pekin, Cameron Robinson, Dylan Mills.
Awards: Cin’s Remedial Massage - Caleb Weir; Frank n Beans - Matt Dowling; Barber & Threadz - Daniel Mison; Globe Hotel - Jack Pekin; N8 Health - Cam Robinson; Keet’s Hair - Dylan Mills.
The thirds boys were switched on from the get go.
With our centre clearances dominating once again, we saw Tyson Willis with a bag in the first quarter.
Cam Wills was running hard and Alex Harvey was bursting packs.
Cooper King was also making himself well known up in the forward line.
Picola had no answers and Rovers kept putting on the hurt.
Captain Liam East kicked a couple of rippers and Tyson Willis was kicking them from everywhere on the ground.
Harry McIlwain’s beautiful deliveries through the centre of the ground made it very easy for our forwards to kick goals.
Willis ended up with 12 for the day and Cam Wills ended up with five.
The boys’ teamwork and pressure was exceptional all over the ground.
Final Score: Picola 0.0 (0) Deni Rovers 26.20 (176).
Goals: Tyson Willis 12, Cam Wills 5, Liam East 4, Cooper King 2, Max Caruso, Dexter Hardman, Eddie Dudley.
Best: Liam East, Cam Wills, Tyson Willis, Harry McIlwain, Connor Didcock, Alex Harvey.
Awards: T McCully Construction - Liam East; Glow Beauty - Cam Wills; Barber & Threadz - Tyson Willis; Fanmac Ag - Harry McIlwain; Nourish Deniliquin - Alex Harvey; Rovers Awards - Cooper King and Connor Didcock; Subway – Eddie Dudley.
It was another week away for the fourths, and they started much better than the previous week.
They were switched on from the first whistle with Isaac Behsman, Logan Elphick and Bentley Hardman combining well through the midfield into the forward 50.
The defensive pressure across half back was solid, spoiling Picola’s attack.
The young Roo’s came out firing after an inspirational speech from the coach at half time.
Pressure on the ball and the determination of all players was outstanding.
Some of the youngest Roos from the fifths got their time to shine and did not disappoint with young gun Callan Leiper joining in the goal kicking.
With all players on the field in the last quarter, the top age players stood tall and provided assistance in defence against the Picola attack.
A solid effort from all players this week.
Final score: Picola United 3.5 (23) Deniliquin Rovers 10.8 (68).
Goal kickers: Isaac Behsman 4, Stuart Benger 2, Logan Elphick 2, Callan Leiper, Bentley Hardman.
Best: Isaac Behsman, Logan Elphick, Stuart Benger, Connor Wilson, Bentley Hardman, Nick Fanning.
Awards: That Pizza - Isaac Behsman; Fanmac Ag - Logan Elphick and Callan Leiper; Nourish Deniliquin - Jake Harvey; Rovers Canteen - Connor Wilson; McDonald’s - Callum Glenn; Subway - Oliver Dunmore; Wilson Family Award - Stuart Benger; Rover’s Thursday Dinner - Bentley Hardman; Intersport Deniliquin Footy - Henry Learmonth.
in the fifths there were plenty of numbers again for both teams.
It is great to see the older kids getting in and helping bring the younger players from both teams into the game.
It’s pleasing to see these kids help out on the ground and ensure the younger ones are getting a chance to be involved in the game.
Awards: Cruizin* Diner - Jake Woolston; Fanmac Ag - Kayden Atley; Rovers Awards - Xavier Collihole and Ged O’Donnell; McDonald’s - Oscar Cartwright, Mason Williams and Jye Benger; Subway - Ryan Bulmer; BLT Fabrication - Harrison Leetham; CWS - Lincoln Sartore.
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