Thirds
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The Rovers thirds travelled to Berrigan full of optimism, despite knowing the Saints are shaping as one of the teams to beat this season.
To make the challenge even tougher, several players were unavailable due to injury and work commitments.
Despite the setbacks, the boys came out firing. Their pressure around the contest and commitment to the ball made it hard to tell they were undermanned.
With coach Stewart ‘Wally’ Bulmer’s continued emphasis on tackling pressure, the side responded brilliantly, trailing by just two points at the first break after a determined opening quarter.
The second term proved to be the decisive one, with Berrigan gaining the upper hand by kicking four goals to none.
After half time, Rovers rallied strongly to take the third quarter, booting two goals to one.
Stuart Benger, Reece King and Fletcher Champion were once again rock solid in defence, while Archer Moodie and Ryan Squires provided plenty of run and carry through the midfield.
Goals to Moodie and Dannon Leetham highlighted the fighting spirit of the side and showed the Rovers are capable of matching it with any team, even while undermanned.
The pressure and intensity never dropped in the final term, with the team conceding just a single goal.
Coach Wally said he was extremely pleased with the effort and believes the squad is developing well and will be a force to be reckoned with once back at full strength.
A big thank you also goes to the fourths boys for not only helping out, but more than holding their own.
Final score: Deni Rovers 3.2 (20) def by Berrigan 7.7 (49).
Goals: Dannon Leetham 2, Archer Moodie.
Best: Reece King, Ryan Squires, Stuart Benger, Dannon Leetham, Thomas Ives, Lincoln Meharry.
Fourths
The Rovers started strongly, taking a six-point lead into quarter time.
Sam Strong, Taj McCully and Ryan Bulmer were impressive through the midfield, while Carter Sartore and Braxton Leetham stood tall in defence.
Up forward, Cormick Hardman and Callan Leiper created plenty of scoring opportunities.
In a tight contest, Rovers held on to secure a hard-fought six-point victory.
Inaccurate kicking was the only downside on an otherwise strong performance, with the boys playing an exciting brand of free-flowing football.
Final score: Deni Rovers 4.10 (34) def Berrigan 4.4 (28).
Goals: Cormick Hardman 3, Jett Boyer.
Best: Sam Strong, Taj McCully, Carter Sartore, Cormick Hardman, Lucas Braybon, Ryan Bulmer.
Fifths
No game.