The Deni Rovers faced another stern test on Saturday, hosting the powerful Katandra side at Memorial Park in tough conditions.
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The first quarter was even with Katandra kicking the first two goals, before Rovers hit back with goals to Tyson Willis and playing coach Alex Hay.
Katandra led by one goal at quarter time.
Rovers kicked the first three goals of the second quarter with youngster Tyson Willis a real focal point up forward.
The Rovers got out to a 14 point lead midway through the quarter, but Katandra kicked the next couple to bounce back and lead by one point at half-time.
Katandra’s skills came to the fore during the third quarter, adding four goals for the quarter to Rovers three behinds.
The experience of the Katandra side once again showed out in the last quarter and they increased their lead by another three goals to run out comfortable winners.
The young Rovers side showed the ability to be competitive for large portions of the game, but need to learn to play out the full four quarters.
Terry Lumbar came off the ground with an injury in the second quarter which upset the forward structure.
Other better players were Brendan Hope, who played a great game at full back, and Raymond Murphy who provided plenty of drive out of the centre.
Hay, who gives 100 per cent every week and whose long direct kicks into the forward line provide good scoring opportunities, was also strong.
Tyson Willis kicked four goals by game’s end and was a constant threat up forward, while Thomas Chandler tried hard all day and newcomer Brady Trotman put in a good first up performance and will be an asset going forward.
Logan Leiper made his senior debut and is another of the club’s thirds players to get a taste of senior football, showing plenty of promise.
Final score: Deni Rovers 8.7 (55) lost to Katandra 15.11 (101).
Goals: Tyson Willis (4), Ray Murphy (3), Alex Hay.
Best players: Brendan Hope, Ray Murphy, Alex Hay, Tyson Willis, Tom Chandler, Brady Trotman.
Awards: Deni Clothing Co - Tyson Willis; Barber & Threadz - Ray Murphy; Myo on the Move - Brendan Hope; Physiofit with Britt - Thomas Chandler; Frank n Beans - James Kirby; Evolve - Brady Trotman.
The Rovers reserves had a few players returning, but it was set to be a hard contest against Katandra.
Rovers played a solid first quarter with plenty of footy in the forward half.
Inaccuracy was costly early, with several squandered chances in front of goal going into the quarter time break - Rovers led 1.4 (10) to Katandra 0.2 (2).
The second quarter saw Katandra fight back with a couple of majors on the board while the Rovers only managed the one and a few behinds.
Rovers went into the long break with a solid lead.
The third was played on the Rovers’ terms with Caleb Weir and Brett Rose showing their speed and fitness around the ground. This gave the forwards plenty of good looks at the big sticks.
Rovers kicked four to take a good lead into the last quarter.
Katandra fought hard in the last quarter but were no match for the Rovers.
The mids got first hands to the ball through the ruck work of John Allitt, and the home side kicked away with a couple of good goals from Matt Wade.
Bailey Caruso was very elusive in the forward line and also kicked three goals.
Final score: Deni Rovers 9.10 (64) defeated Katandra 4.3 (27).
Goals: Matt Wade (3), Bailey Caruso (2), Cam Robinson, Jayden Lehmann, Tim McDonnell, Leigh O''Sullivan.
Best players: John Allitt, Matt Wade, Caleb Weir, Matt Horne, Brett Rose, Bailey Caruso.
Awards: Cin's Massage - Matthew Johnson; Frank n Beans- Matt Wade; Evolve Sauna - Caleb Weir; Keet's Hair - Bailey Caruso; Deniligun Jewellers - Mitch Jefferies; Evolve Class Pass - Brett Rose.
The thirds boys turned it on from the get go.
They dominated centre clearances, and the forward line delivery was exceptional.
Cam Wills was up forward with Brylcreem still on his hands, making the ball stick to him at every contest.
Baxter Cowley, Tyson Willis and Jackson Leetham added to the seven goal first quarter.
Katandra came out fired up in the second quarter but couldn’t penetrate through the back line.
Connor Didcock’s run and carry and great ball movement left Katandra with no answers and Rovers piled on another five unanswered goals.
In the third quarter, the boys kept the hurt coming and Katandra started to show their frustration. But Deni kept their composure.
Eddie Dudley played out of his skin and the opposition couldn’t get within six inches of him.
Coach Chris Maher threw Harry Way up forward. Too big, too tall and too strong, he booted four goals and let them know about it.
In the final quarter, Logan Leiper’s brute strength burst out of centre and fed the forward, while captain Liam East showed everyone who is boss and had an absolute cracker.
The coach had plenty of rotations allowing the boys to run Katandra off their feet, keeping them to only one behind.
Congratulations to Tyson Willis, Logan Leiper and Jackson Leetham on their senior selections.
Final score: Deni Rovers 22.13 (145) def Katandra 0.1 (1).
Goals: Tyson Willis (5), Cameron Wills (4), Harry Way (3), Jackson Muldoon-Leetham (3), Baxter Cowley (2), Logan Leiper, Jack Van Lieshout, Brody Wills, Max Caruso.
Awards: T McCully Constructions - Connor Didcock; Glow Beauty - Liam East; Barber & Threadz - Harry Way; Fanmac Logistics - Tyson Willis; Rovers Canteen - Logan Lieper; Rovers Dinner - Baxter Cowley; Subway - Edward Dudley.
It was a tough start for the fourths on Saturday with a very strong Katandra opposition.
The young Roos fought hard in the middle of the ground, keeping it to a one goal difference at quarter time.
They gave it their all in the second quarter, keeping Katranda to just two points.
Bentley Hardman controlled the ball through the middle of the ground with support from Isaac Behsman and Sam Conallin.
Bentley slotted one through the middle, leaving them down by two going into the main break.
Katandra came out firing after half-time and took an impressive lead in the third quarter.
The Roos’ defense worked tirelessly in the back line with Jacob Seal and Stuart Benger putting the pressure on the Katandra forwards.
The boys bounced back in the fourth by managing to keep the scores even.
Defensive pressure in the midfield slowed up the Katandra outfit from moving the ball into their forward 50.
Some good clearances from Bentley helped Spencer Cowley notch up the second goal for the Roos.
Final score: Deni Rovers 5.10 (40) lt Katandra 2.3 (15).
Better players: Bentley Hardman, Jacob Seal, Isaac Behsman, Sam Conallin, Stuart Benger.
Awards: Fanmac Ag & Logistics – Jacob Seal and Bentley Hardman; Rovers Canteen – Sam Conallin; Rovers Dinner – Stuart Benger; Cruzin Diner– Isaac Behsman; Macca’s – Ollie Dunmore; Subway – Kelsey Clark.
The fifths had a great game against Katandra.
“There were plenty of positive plays and great sportsmanship from both teams which is terrific to see,” said coach Shayne Knuckey.
“I was really happy to see all the kids having a go in different positions and applying themselves to the game.”
Awards: Fanmac Logistics – Lennie Leetham; Rovers Canteen – Angus Knuckey; Rovers Dinner – Mannix Taylor; Maccas – Cruz Leetham and Xavier Collihole; Subway – Nixon Sartore and Brax Leetham; CWS – Jett Boyer; BLT Fabrication – Taj McCully.
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