It was an overcast winter’s day, with the occasional sprinkling of rain, but the weather didn’t stop either team competing hard from the start of the match.
The Rovers got more goals on the board early.
Toc had several forward 50 entries of their own, but didn’t capitalise, with the score in the home side’s favour at 5.3 (33) to the Bloods’ 2.2 (14) at quarter time.
In the second quarter, Toc built momentum and the Rovers were unable to effectively transition the ball without mistakes.
They were made to pay, with the Bloods winning the second quarter with four goals and seven behinds.
The Rovers kicked two goals and four behinds for the quarter, just holding on to the lead by four points at half-time.
After a rev up at half-time, the Rovers kicked four straight goals while repelling Toc’s attack.
The Bloods managed two goals and two behinds, and with only a 14 point gap, the game wasn’t over yet.
With momentum on their side, the Rovers took control of the game and created a solid buffer with four more goals.
Toc kicked a few goals late, but they were merely a consolation as the Rovers held on for a 26 point victory.
Out of the middle, the Rovers were led by Tyson Willis (four goals), Logan Ives (1) and Alex Hay (2).
Helping the side’s goal kicking was Hayden Barker (4), Jayden Pitts (2) on his return from injury and a relentless Brody Wills (1).
Brad Taylor also kicked one and had the special experience of playing as a father-son duo, with son Liam debuting in the seniors.
Defensively Brendan Hope was essential all day, contesting some of Toc’s bigger bodies while James Falcone provided consistent class and run as usual.
Final score: Deni Rovers 15.9 (99) def Tocumwal 10.13 (73).
Goals: Hayden Barker 4, Tyson Willis 4, Jayden Pitts 2, Alex Hay 2, Brad Taylor, Brody Wills, Logan Ives.
Best: Alex Hay, Logan Ives, Brendan Hope, Tyson Willis, James Falcone, Hayden Barker.
Reserves
With some familiar faces back in the side, the Rovers were ready to bounce back after last week’s loss.
It was great to see Jordyn McCulloch, James Gilligan, Peter Lewis and Scott Atley back running around.
The boys had control of the game from the start, working together to dominate their opposition.
The backline did not give Toc any opportunities and conceded only one point for the game, and the midfield and forward line linked up and applied plenty of pressure on the field and the scoreboard.
Andrew May had an absolute day out, kicking six goals and being named best on.
Bailey Caruso continues to be his dangerous up forward, kicking four goals for the day, with Jaydyn Lehmann also kicking three goals.
Birthday boy Pete Lewis chimed in for one goal along with Dylan May, Jack Pekin and Ethan Connolly.
Harry Turner was again among the best, with Ben McCalman and Sam Richardson doing the hard stuff and also being named.
Rylan Wade and Bailey Caruso both got the better of their respective opponents using their speed and rounded off the Rovers' best players for the day.
Final score: Deni Rovers 17.9 (111) def Tocumwal 0.1 (1).
Goals: Andrew May 6, Bailey Caruso 4, Jaydyn Lehmann 3, Pete Lewis, Dylan May, Jack Pekin, Ethan Connolly.
Best: Andrew May, Harry Turner, Ben McCalman, Sam Richardson, Rylan Wade, Bailey Caruso.
• Reports for other grades will be in Friday’s edition.
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