Tussle goes Swans’ way

Katunga were able to establish a lead of seven points at quarter time, but Deni could be satisfied with their efforts against one of the better sides in the competition.

The Rovers played very well in the second quarter, with the two sides going goal-for-goal.

Ray Murphy and Hayden Barker were two standouts for Rovers in this quarter.

Murphy's pace and ability to break the lines were the source of many attacks and his ability to find Barker with pin-point passes were a highlight.

A set shot from 50m after the half-time siren gave Barker his fifth goal for the half, and meant that Rovers went into the break leading by eight points.

Rovers had an early lapse after the break that allowed Katunga to establish a handy lead, and they looked as though they may run away with the game.

However, as has been the case on many occasions this year, Rovers showed the ability to fight back.

They were able to get back into the game even though Katunga led by 21 points at three quarter time.

The last quarter was another even affair, with Rovers kicking 3.4 to Katunga's 3.3 to mean a final margin of 20 points.

Final score: Katunga 16.11 (107) def Rovers 13.9 (87).

The loss means that Rovers will be playing in what amounts to an elimination final next weekend at Picola.

The winner of this game will most likely move on to the finals series.

Goals: Hayden Barker 9, Joey Hay 2, Tyson Willis, Connor Didcock.

Best Players: Ray Murphy, Hayden Barker, Harry Turner, Liam East, Brady Trotman, Harry Way.

Awards: Cin’s Massage – Ray Murphy; Globe Hotel – Hayden Barker; Frank n Beans – Harry Turner; Barber & Threadz – Liam East; Myo on the Move – Brady Trotman; Deniliquin Jewellers - Harry Way.

The Rovers reserves continued on with their good form when they had an impressive 69 point victory over the top eight Katunga side.

The win moves the side up to third spot on the ladder, but they do meet two of the top sides in Waaia and Katandra over the next three weeks.

It was a good even team effort that meant they outscored their opponents in each of the four quarters, and their fitness levels allowed them to become dominant in the last half.

Final score: Katunga 2.3 (15) def by Rovers 13.6 (84).

Better players were Caleb Weir across half back, Matt Dowling, Nick Stubbings, John Glowrey who enjoyed the dampish conditions, Terry Lumbar coming back after a knee injury and the ever reliable Alex Rourke.

Goals: Terry Lumbar 5, Matt Horne 4, Cam Robinson 2, Tim McDonnell, Blake Norris

Awards: Physiofit with Britt – Caleb Weir; Globe Hotel – Nick Stubbings; Frank n Beans - Matt Dowling; Barber & Threadz – John Glowrey; N8 Health – Terry Lumbar; Evolve – Alex Rourke.

Katunga’s thirds came out strong in the first 10 minutes of Saturday’s game, but in typical Rovers fashion the boys absorbed the pressure well.

Hayden Doncon hit hard and Cam and Benny Hayes’ work rate was 110 per cent, which eventually turned our back line pressure into forward line pressure and saw a quick three goals in the last seven minutes of the first quarter.

The start of the second saw the ball in our forward line a lot, but Katunga’s pressure and big bodies made it extremely hard for our boys to convert.

Dexter Hardman found the goals with his second effort and hard running.

The Swans kept the pressure coming and Tyson Wills, playing at the opposite end of what he is used to, was equally damaging with his run and carry out of defence.

At the start of the third quarter two quick goals saw the game starting to open up.

With a 15 point lead heading into the final stanza, the hard work on the training track paid off.

Tyson Willis kicked his 10th goal about five minutes in, and ended up with 11 for the day, and Cam Wills booted six.

Final score: Katunga (0) def by Rovers 24.10 (154).

Goal kickers: Tyson Willis 11, Cameron Wills 6, Jordan Stafford 2, Cooper King, Liam East, Connor Didcock, Harry McIlwain, Eddie Dudley.

Best players: Harry McIlwain, Tyson Willis, Cam Wills, Hayden Doncon, Jesse Jervis, Liam East.

Awards: Deni Driver Training – Harry McIlwain; T McCully Construction – Cam Wills; Glow Beauty – Tyson Willis; Fanmac Ag – Hayden Doncon; Barber & Threadz – Dexter Hardman; That Pizza – Liam East; Rovers Awards – Ben Hayes and Jesse Jervis; Subway – Andrew Smith.

It was a very slow start for the young fourths this week.

Katunga applied pressure early and were able to come away on top in the first quarter.

The second quarter showed some nice passages of play and entries into the forward 50. Logan Elphick was able to convert through the big sticks.

Some great defensive pressure across the half back line made it a tightly contested quarter.

A blistering third quarter opened the game with Isaac Behsman, Logan Elphick and Spencer Cowley all kicking a goal each to reduce the scoreline to 11 points.

Connor Wilson was dominant in the ruck, winning 90 per cent of tap outs.

Both offensive and defensive pressure was fantastic all over the ground but just not enough to take the win this week.

Final score: Katunga 8.8 (56) def Rovers 5.1 (31).

Goals: Logan Elphick 3, Isaac Behsman, Spencer Cowley

Best players: Jacob Seal, Zachary Grimison, Isaac Behsman, Logan Elphick, Connor Wilson, Bentley Hardman

Awards: Barber & Threadz – Nick Fanning; Fanmac Ag – Connor Wilson and Henry Learmonth; Nourish Deniliquin – Jacob Seal; Rovers Awards – Zachary Grimison and Darcy Finn; McDonald’s – Callum Glenn; Subway – Jake Harvey; Wilson Family – Fletcher Campion; Intersport Deniliquin – Jobe Unwin.

The fifths game between Rovers and Katunga was a good, competitive match.

Plenty of numbers for both teams saw some congestion around the ball.

There was some good handballing and shepherding from the kids, which was great to see.

Awards: Cruizin* Diner – Beau Jervis; Fanmac Ag – Rhys King; Rovers Awards – Jed O’Donnell and Angus Knuckey; McDnald’s – Zac Germano, Jett Boyer and Mason Williams; Subway – Henry Campion; BLT Fabrication – Connor Sampson; CWS – Asher Parsons.