Deniliquin Rovers’ reserves put up a gallant performance before going down to Katandra in Saturday’s first semi-final in the Picola League.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The first quarter was very even, although Katandra were inaccurate up forward, and a goal from an acute angle from Rovers co-coach Ben McCalman opened the scoring for Rovers.
Katandra dominated the second quarter and appeared to be heading towards a comfortable win when they established a half-time lead of 17 points.
However, the third quarter saw Rovers burst back into the game with a 3.3 burst and there was only a difference of two points at three-quarter time.
An early goal in the last quarter saw Rovers take a small lead.
However, Katandra had headed the ladder all season, and they steadied, kicking the last two goals of the game to win by 10 points.
Better players included Adam Bodey, who dominated in the ruck all day and gave his on-ball division plenty of opportunities.
Other good players were Ben McCalman, James Kirby, Jaidyn Druitt, Taj Payne and Aden Bermingham.
Tristan Fitzsimmons, with two goals, was the leading goal kicker.
Final score: Katandra 6.11 (47) def Deni Rovers 5.7 (37).
Goal kickers: Tristan Fitzsimmons 2, Dylan Mills, Taj Payne, Ben McCalman.
Thirds
The Rovers came up against an excellent Katunga side in the first semi-final at Picola on Saturday.
The Rovers’ pressure was good early, leading to the team’s first goal through Isaac Behsman.
But Katunga were able to steady and kick two late goals going in two goals to one at quarter time.
In the second quarter both sides were looking to get on top.
Alex Harvey floated forward to take a mark and kick the Rovers first goal of the quarter, but Katunga hit back and kicked the next two goals.
The Rovers responded and kicked the last two goals of the quarter through an Alex Harvey snap, and a long-running goal through Baxter Cowley.
The Rovers went in at half-time up by two points.
In the third quarter Katunga came out firing, kicking the first two goals of the quarter.
But the Rovers backing line was holding strong through Andrew Croker, Nick Fanning and Ben Hayes, and with the hard running of Ben Hayes leading to a fantastic running goal.
Unfortunately, the Rovers’ kicking was not accurate, so they kicked seven points for the quarter as well.
At three-quarter time, the Rovers were up by only one point.
The nail-biting last quarter was anyone’s game, and Katunga were strong and kicked the first two goals of the quarter.
With the Rovers behind, everyone dug deep.
The Rovers had all the play, but could not kick a goal until Baxter Cowley slotted one late to get the Rovers over the line by just three points.
The Rovers thirds will travel to Yarroweyah this Sunday and will take on Katandra at 10.25am.
Better players were Ben Hayes, Isaac Behsman, Jesse Jervis, Jack Van Lieshout, Alex Harvey, Austin Armytage and Dexter Hardman.
Final score: Katunga 9.6 (60) def by Deni Rovers 7.21 (63).
Goal kickers: Baxter Cowley 2, Alex Harvey 2, Ben Hayes, Isaac Behsman, Spencer Cowley.
Fourths:
The fourths made their way to Blighty for the semi final on Sunday against a very strong Katunga side.
Aggressive play from both sides saw lots of congested play all over the ground.
Defensive pressure was intense, with only two points scored for the first quarter.
Continued pressure by both sides in the second term kept the scoreboard low.
Katunga were able to break through and put a major on the board.
Jake Harvey, Alex Ledwidge and Haydn Sampson displayed phenomenal drive for the ball and halted many attempts from Katunga to enter the forward line.
They say the third quarter is the premiership quarter, and the young Roos proved it.
An inspirational speech at half-time from coach Pete Wills got the kids up and about, coming out of the main break at full force.
Dannon Leetham’s ruck clearances to speedy onballers Bentley Hardman and Sam Conallin gained momentum into the forward 50, where Stuart Benger was able to convert two majors.
Xander Strong stepped it up a notch with his defensive pressure in the forward 50 enabling him to put a goal on the board.
Dannon chipped in totalling four for the quarter.
With Katunga also contributing two goals for the term, it was going to be a stellar last quarter.
The last term was hard fought by both teams.
Continued pressure all over the ground made it difficult for either team to score.
Rovers and Katunga had equal opportunities to score, however the lead gained in the third quarter gave Rovers the edge.
They took home the victory in a nail-biter.
The Rovers fourths go on to play Berrigan this Saturday in the preliminary final at Mathoura, at 9.15am.
Final score: Deni Rovers 4.3 (27) def Katunga 3.4 (22).
Goal kickers: Stuart Benger 2, Dannon Leetham, Xander Strong.
Best players: Dannon Leetham, Bentley Hardman, Sam Conallin, Jacob Holton, Haydn Sampson, Stuart Benger.
Contributed content