A later start ensured the day was at its hottest as the Deni Rovers reserves ran out against Blighty on Saturday, but it wasn’t just the sun that was on fire.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Rovers kicked five goals and four behinds in the opening quarter, keeping Blighty scoreless.
Harry Turner once again ran the opposition off their feet, while Scott Howard, Damien Hope and Cooper King found the goals on multiple occasions.
The heat tested the players’ fitness, and Blighty’s big bench allowed them to rotate frequently in the third quarter, slowing the Rovers down.
But the Rovers boys found some fuel left in the tank in the final term, and the run of Aden Bermingham, Bobby Hall and Rylan Wade pushed Blighty out of the contest.
Dylan Mills’ 75m torpedo out of the backline deserves a mention.
Final score: Deni Rovers 26.13 (169) def Blighty 0.0 (0).
Goals: Damien Hope (6), Scott Howard (5), Jack Pekin (4), Cooper King (4), Harry Turner (3), Aden Bermingham (3), Bobby Hall.
Best players: Aden Bermingham, Damien Hope, Matt Horne, Bobby Hall, Jack Pekin, Cooper King.
Thirds
No opposition team.
Fourths
With a twilight meeting announced at Memorial Park, the young Roos started playing at 2pm.
Although conditions were hot, the Roos did not falter in the match against Blighty.
Michael Benger led the way in the first quarter, kicking three goals.
His presence up forward proved too difficult for the Blighty defence as he charged out from full forward.
Midfielders Connor Sampson, Haydn Sampson and Ryan Bulmer made it easy for the forwards to convert, delivering the ball into the forward fifty with precision.
The dominance continued into the second term, with first-year players proving their spot in the team.
Jett Boyer slotted one through the middle, quickly followed by a superb goal from Callan Leiper.
Reece King provided strong skills in the midfield, clearing the ball from the centre.
It was a day out for the Benger brothers, with Harley kicking a three-goal third term in his first game back for the fourths.
Mikey chipped in, kicking another major, taking his tally to four for the game.
Another first-year player in Mannix Taylor joined the list, kicking his first major for the Roos.
Hunter Dunn assisted the goal kickers, earning some hard ball gets.
As the heat started to slow up play, the young Roos kept driving the ball forward, with Beau Jervis slotting his first major.
Henry Campion was solid in defence, halting any attempt Blighty made to enter their forward fifty.
A solid team effort displayed by the young Roos again this week.
Final score: Deni Rovers 18.18 (126) def Blighty 0.0 (0).
Goals: Michael Benger (4), Harley Benger (3), Taj McCully (2), Cormick Hardman (2), Mannix Taylor, Jett Boyer, Callan Leiper, Sam Strong, Beau Jervis, Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson.
Best players: Haydn Sampson, Harley Benger, Cormick Hardman, Ryan Bulmer, Taj McCully, Jett Boyer.
Awards: Mannix Taylor, Sam Strong, Hunter Dunn, Harley Benger, Connor Sampson, Braxton Leetham, Jett Boyer, Callan Leiper.
Fifths
Our youngest Rovers took to the main oval at 1pm on Saturday, taking on Blighty in front of a huge and supportive crowd.
Despite the warm conditions, the kids were in their element and full of energy.
It was a great start to the season, with all the new young boys and girl having a good go at chasing the ball and getting involved.
There was some fantastic play across the ground, with every player putting their training into action and showing great teamwork and determination.
Carter Parsons had the backline sorted, stopping nearly every ball that came his way, while Nixon Sartore impressed with some strong runs out of the middle.
Jake Horne showed some impressive tackling, putting pressure on the opposition all game.
With three weeks off now, it’s the perfect time to reset and learn some more skills as the season continues.
Awards: Carter Parsons, William Kirby, Lenny Parker, Kayden Atley, Bertie Landale, Leo Herberte, Ollie Walker.
Contributed content