A big challenge was ahead of Jerilderie on Saturday, with round five of the Picola & District Football League fixture seeing the Demons take on the top of the ladder Deni Rovers.
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Both sides settled early, and it was an open and attacking first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Rovers made the most of some ill-discipline by the Dees and some bad skill errors to take a two-goal lead in the break.
Coach Sam Sleigh took the chance over the long break to give an honest assessment of the team’s performance and what the club expects of their senior team.
Following half-time, wow, what a response by the players with a seven-to-one goal third quarter.
A very even performance by the team, with three goals two, to three goals three, to finish the game meant we could enjoy our best win for the season by 14 points.
Ben Neesson, Nick Lunn, Max Bruton, and Brad Norton were all standout players, starting to find their feet in our senior teams.
Final score: Jerilderie 14.7 (91) def Deni Rovers 11.11 (77).
Chris Marshall (Eagle I BOG) led from the front in the first half. He drove the ball forward with the support of Chris Lockhart (Colony Inn).
Tom Sleigh (Jerilderie Sports Club) and Kane Hawkins (North Deni Steel) were the other award winners.
This week, we will travel to Katunga, which should be another big challenge. They are always hard to beat at home.
Reserves:
It was a hard day at the office for the boys, playing one of the league’s leading teams.
Deni took a good lead into the first break, keeping our boys scoreless.
In the second quarter, we were able to lock it in our forward line a bit more, with Luke Keating kicking our only goal.
The boys all worked really hard for the rest of the game, but unfortunately, Deni was able to run away to take the win.
Final score: Jerilderie 1.1 (7) def by Deni Rovers 15.17 (107).
Standout players were Haz Curtin (Jer Vet Clinic BOG), Harry Sutton (Colony Inn Award), Ash Hines (Lawton Ag Spraying) and Josh Curtis (Yanco Delta Wind Farm).
Thirds:
It was another exciting game and another exciting win.
The team is playing a great brand of footy when they can field a nearly full squad.
Deni Rovers have a very slick and skilful team, and they made the running in the first half, but to the Jerilderie team’s credit, they never gave up.
Ultimately, the Dees stormed home over the Rovers for a seven-point win.
Final score: Jerilderie 11.10 (76) def Deni Rovers 11.3 (69).
Issac Lunn was dominant in the middle and used his great skills to drive the ball forward to win the MAKATAK BOG.
Harvey Sneddon had a great battle with his taller opponent to win the Congram’s Transport award.
Dom Gurciullo (Hair 4 U), George Koschel (Colony Inn) and Jonty Bull King (Coach’s Award) all also stepped up.
Fourths:
The young Dees battled hard all day against a quicker and stronger outfit in Deni.
The Rovers jumped out of the blocks to kick five goals in the first quarter.
Coach Dave Hercus made some changes and focused on defensive pressure, and the team responded to stem the flow of goals to hold the Rovers to 11 for the day, a great sign for such a young team.
Final score: Jerilderie 0.0 (0) def by Deni Rovers 11.7 (73).
Evan Lawton (Favara Farms BOG) was outstanding in his ability to run the entire game.
Coco Rossato battled hard all day in the ruck to win the Colony Inn award.
Jackson Pitt is compiling a consistent season and took out the Supporters’ Award.
Harry Rorato won the Jerilderie Bakery award after some hard defensive acts, and Charlie Rorato was again a solid contributor to receive the Ted Nugent Award.
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