Deni Rovers’ reserves have progressed to the next round of finals after defeating Berrigan in the first elimination final at Tungamah on Saturday.
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Rovers overcame a slow start against an experienced opponent, but an edge in fitness told in the second half.
The first quarter was very tight, and it took a snap goal from Tristan Fitzsimmons right on the siren to record Rovers’ first goal.
This trend continued in the second quarter, with coach Matt Horne scoring a goal from a set shot after the siren.
Rovers had an edge in running ability, which started to show in the third quarter, with players such as Aden Bermingham providing plenty of drive.
Tristan Fitzsimmons was a real focal point with strong leads and accurate kicking for goal and kicked three goals in the third quarter to give Rovers a 12-point lead at three-quarter time.
Another four goals in the final quarter meant a 35-point win, and the side have now progressed to the first semi-final in a fortnight.
Final score: Deni Rovers 10.8 (68) def Berrigan 5.5 (35).
Goals: Tristan Fitzsimmons 5, Matthew Horne 2, Harry Mcilwain, Matthew Wade, Cooper King.
Better players: Aden Bermingham, Tristan Fitzsimmons with five goals, James Kirby in the ruck, Matt Horne, Nick Stubbings and Connor Didcock.
Thirds
On a fresh and slippery morning, the Rovers came up against a very determined Strathmerton side in the elimination final.
Strathy got off to a fast start and kicked the first goal of the game.
The Rovers’ tackling pressure was awesome, led by Andrew Smith, which resulted in the first goal through Brody Wills.
Soon after, Andrew snapped truly for his first goal, but Strathy finished well with a goal as both sides finished with two goals each in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Rovers got their running game going, led by Jesse Jervis.
Spencer Cowley kicked his first, followed by Andrew kicking another.
It was some courageous play from Jack Hussey backing into a pack that led to a great crumbing goal from Baxter Cowley.
Austin Armytage finished the quarter with some great play and kicked his first for the day.
The third quarter saw Strathmerton come out and take it up to the Rovers.
With the Rovers needing someone to stand up, enter vice captain Alex Harvey, who went forward and kicked three goals straight.
Ethan Connolly kicked a long-running goal and Spencer Cowley finished the quarter by selling some candy and snapping from deep in the pocket.
With a couple of rotations in the last quarter, the Rovers continued to run the ball.
Austin capped off a fine game with his second goal of the game, Andrew kicked his third, and fullback Andrew Croker hit the scoreboard as well.
Jesse kicked another running goal, Spencer snapped his third and Isaac Behsman finished off a great game with his first for the game.
Final score: Deni Rovers 17.14 (116) def Strathmerton 7.6 (48).
Goals: Andrew Smith 3, Alex Harvey 3, Spencer Cowley 3, Isaac Behsman 2, Brody Wills, Jesse Jervis, Andrew Croker, Austin Armytage, Ethan Connolly, Baxter Cowley.
Better players: Austin Armytage, Andrew Smith, Baxter Cowley, Jesse Jervis, Jack Hussey, Nick Fanning and Isaac Behsman.
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