The Deni Rovers go into the last round of Picola League football in eighth place and clinging onto a finals spot by 2.5 per cent after Rovers and the ninth placed Jerilderie were both defeated over the weekend.
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Rovers face a tough task next weekend when they host league leaders Katandra with Jerilderie taking on Mathoura.
Saturday’s match was an even affair for the first three quarters before Picola’s edge in class saw them draw away in the final quarter.
Rovers started well to lead by seven points at quarter time after kicking with a slight breeze.
Picola used the breeze well in the second quarter, kicking 3.4 to 1.1 to lead by eight points at half-time as the rain started to fall, making for tough conditions in the second half.
The third quarter was a real slog, with both sides only being able to kick a goal each, which meant that Picola led by nine points at three-quarter time.
Picola attacked for much of the last quarter and looked the better side as they put on five goals to score a comfortable win.
Once again, Rovers tried very hard and their effort could not be faulted, but they were beaten by a better side who are now assured of a finals spot.
Better players for Rovers were Tom Blake at centre halfback, Rowan Frazer who has had a great season in the backline, on-baller Logan Leiper, Logan Ives in the centre, Cam Wills and Josh Flight.
Final score: Deni Rovers 4.8 (32) def by Picola United 10.11 (71).
Goals: Tyson Willis, Joey Hay, Alex Hay, Josh Flight.
Awards: Cin’s Remedial Massage – Tom Blake, Deni RSL – Rowan Frazer, Frank n Beans – Logan Leiper, Barber & Threadz – Logan Ives, N8 Health – Cameron Wills, Wired Entertainment – Josh Flight.
Reserves
The reserves side had a slow start to their game and were three goals behind at half-time.
The second half was much better as they gradually got a bit of momentum and defended much better to restrict Picola’s scoring while kicking two goals themselves in the third quarter.
Two early goals in the last quarter put Rovers in front for the first time, but they failed to build on that, and Picola scored the previous two goals of the game to secure the points.
Better players were Daniel Mison, Aden Birmingham, Jack Pekin, Matt Horne, Nick Stubbings and Alex Rourke.
Final score: Deni Rovers 6.3 (39) def by Picola United 7.5 (47).
Goals: Tristan Fitzsimmons 2, Jack Pekin, Matthew Wade, Taj Payne, Scott Howard.
Best players: Daniel Mison, Aden Bermingham, Jack Pekin, Matthew Horne, Nicholas Stubbings, Alex Rourke.
Awards: Cin’s Remedial Massage – Dylan Mills, Deni RSL – Aden Bermingham, Frank n Beans – Jack Pekin, Intersport Deniliquin – Nick Stubbings, Wired Entertainment – Alex Rourke, Pattison Pastoral Butchery – Scott Howard, Smoko Shak – Will Dudley.
Thirds
It was a big game for the Rovers, as they faced an excellent Picola United side looking to cement their place in the top four spot for the finals.
From the first bounce, the Rovers’ tackling pressure was first-class, and the Rovers’ big guns fired early as Andrew Smith and Spencer and Baxter Cowley hit the scoreboard in the first quarter.
The Rovers led by three goals at quarter time.
In the second quarter, Jack Hussey moved into the ruck and gave his onballers first use of the footy, Andrew Smith competed at everything, and Jesse Jervis cut them up on the wing.
The Rovers kicked five goals to nil in the second quarter.
The third quarter was another good quarter for the Rovers as they kicked another five goals for the term.
Baxter Cowley kicked one, Jack Van Leishout intercepted a kick-in and kicked the goal, Jesse Jervis kicked two spectacular running goals, and Brody Wills stole a sneaky goal as well.
The last quarter saw the Picola United team kick four goals to two, but the Rovers’ all-around team effort earned the win.
Jesse Jervis finished his best game for the year with another fine running goal, giving him three for the day, and Andrew Smith kicked his second of the day.
Final score: Deni Rovers 15.12 (102) def Picola United 4.7 (31).
Goals: Spencer Cowley 3, Baxter Cowley 3, Jesse Jervis 3, Brody Wills 2, Andrew Smith 2, Jack Van Lieshout, Alex Harvey.
Better players: Jesse Jervis, Ethan Connolly, Baxter Cowley, Andrew Smith, Jack Hussey, Spencer Cowley.
Awards: Fanmac Ag – Jesse Jervis and Andrew Smith, Terry Blake Bar Services – Baxter Cowley, BLT Fabrication – Jack Hussey, Barber & Threadz – Isaac Behsman, That Pizza – Spencer Cowley, Wired Entertainment – Jack Van Lieshout, Subway – Luke Holloway, Dexter Hardman, Brody Wills.
Fourths
The sun was shining as Stuart Benger led the team out for his 50th club game this week. From the first bounce the Rovers were out to show they had come to play.
Stuart and Lincoln Meharry were powerhouses up forward combining well to put three majors on the board.
The young roos continued to assert their dominance in the second term, with Dannon Leetham controlling the ruck all over the ground and onballers Bentley Hardman and Sam Conallin clearing the ruck to our advantage. The Benger brothers took charge up forward, with Michael kicking two and Stu booting one for the term.
As the second half started, Picola picked up their defensive play, making it difficult to score. Despite the many attempts up forward, Rovers were unable to put a major on the board. Jake Harvey and Alex Ledwidge were solid in defence, spoiling Picola’s attempts at goal.
A pep talk by the coach at three-quarter time boosted the efforts of the players in the final term, with Dannon, Stuart and Bentley all kicking one apiece. Continued pressure all over the ground held Picola goalless for the game, giving the fourths a good percentage boost heading into finals. Congratulations Stu on 50 club games and a solid effort throughout the game.
Final score: Deni Rovers 9.7 (61) def Picola United 0.2 (2).
Goals: Stuart Benger 4, Michael Benger 2, Lincoln Meharry, Dannon Leetham, Bentley Hardman.
Best players: Bentley Hardman, Sam Conallin, Dannon Leetham, Jacob Holton, Stuart Benger, Xander Strong.
Awards: Barber & Threadz – Lincoln Meharry, BLT Fabrication – Sam Conallin, Riverside Bookkeeping Services – Sam Strong, That Pizza – Jake Harvey, Cruizin* Diner – Jacob Holton, McDonald’s – Ryan Bulmer and Ged O’Donnell, Subway – Mark Godfrey and Xander Strong.
Fifths
On Saturday, the fifths footballers took to the field against Picola United, bringing their practised skills and boundless enthusiasm.
The game showcased teamwork and fun, with highlights including great passes, solid defence and energetic play from all. Well done.
Awards: Intersport Deniliquin – William Reid, BLT Fabrication – Nixon Sartore and Jake Horne, McDonald’s – Logan Littmann, Enzo Craig, Subway - Bella Leetham, Cruz Leetham and Jye Benger.
Final score: Not scored.
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