In round 13 of the Picola League season on Saturday, the Deniliquin Rovers travelled to take on an undefeated Katandra Kats team.
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The Kats signalled their intentions early, kicking the first goal of the game through a long shot that was toe-poked over the line by Katandra speedster Mitchell Black.
The Rovers then worked their way into the game, going goal for goal with their more heavily fancied opponents.
The away side showed they were up for the challenge, producing several moments to spark the team - including milestone man Allan Bond, who played on and slotted a goal in his 400th club game for the Deni Rovers.
Katandra’s Joshua Kezerle kicked a goal late in the first quarter to give the Kats a small buffer, but the Rovers’ defence responded well, pushing Katandra’s scoring shots wide and conceding just 4.6 (30) to the Rovers’ 3.1 (19).
In the second quarter, the see-sawing affair continued.
The Rovers didn’t allow Katandra to play their preferred switching, overlapping run and uncontested mark style of game, keeping them trapped in their defensive half.
Goals from Tyson Willis, Isaac Behsman and Jackson Muldoon-Leetham in the second quarter, along with one from Hayden Barker in the first, meant the Rovers were well and truly taking the challenge to Katandra.
The Rovers won the second quarter, trimming the margin to just four points, with the scoreboard reading 8.7 (55) to 8.3 (51).
Less than a goal behind, the Rovers could sense they were right in the contest.
At the start of the third quarter, the Rovers had the first clearance, immediately from Tyson Willis, which resulted in a behind.
From there, Katandra sprung into life, using their trademark ball movement to full effect. They won the centre clearances consistently, moved the ball efficiently inside 50, and made the most of their opportunities.
The Kats gained plenty of confidence and all the momentum for the remainder of the second half.
Katandra piled on nine goals and three behinds in a dominant third quarter that left the Rovers shell-shocked after being in a strong position at half-time.
In a tighter final term, Katandra kept up the pressure, kicking four goals and four behinds, with the majors shared around.
Mitchell Black and Joshua Kezerle did the most damage for the home side, finishing with four goals each.
The Kats had an 85-point to nine-point second half, keeping their opponents goalless in the final term and shutting down the Rovers in a torrid finish, running out 80-point winners.
The Rovers’ best players across four quarters included James Kirby, who was immense in the ruck and kept the Rovers in the game, undaunted by Katandra’s big man.
Tyson Willis showed how clinical he can be up forward, kicking five goals, the Rovers’ only multiple goal kicker, and taking several contested marks, proving to be a key link in their chains forward.
Under the radar, Ethan Connolly was again outstanding. Since making his senior debut, he’s shown courage running straight at the ball, strong work rate in defence and continues to show plenty of promise.
Alex Hay, Waylon Johncock and Rhys McCulloch also stood tall, using their experience to impact the first half and continuing to battle hard until the final siren.
Final score: Rovers 9.6 (60) def by Katandra 21.14 (140).
Goal kickers: Tyson Willis 5, Hayden Barker, Allan Bond, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Isaac Behsman.
Best players: James Kirby, Tyson Willis, Alex Hay, Waylon Johncock, Rhys McCulloch, Ethan Connolly.
Awards: James Kirby, Tyson Willis, Rhys McCulloch, Ethan Connolly, Harry Mcilwain, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham.
Reserves
Katandra is always a tough trip, and Saturday proved no different.
Their speed and clean ball movement were on display early, with a strong running game that tested the Rovers from the outset.
But the Rovers responded with some good old-fashioned hard football, managing to slow the tempo and turn it into a low-scoring contest.
The Rovers got off to a great start, winning the first centre clearance thanks to Dylan Mills’ work in the ruck.
He tapped it perfectly to the midfielders, who delivered it to Blake Norris on the lead.
Norris slotted it through for the opening goal, but unfortunately, nothing else came as easily.
Harry Turner, Jordyn McCulloch, Ben McCalman, and Sam Richardson worked tirelessly all day, creating opportunities through sheer effort.
The backline lost Nick Stubbings early, but Daniel Mison, Cooper King, and the rest of the defensive unit stood tall, keeping the Rovers in the contest.
Goals were difficult to come by for both sides.
Blake Norris, Ben Littman, and Hayden Gardiner hit the scoreboard for the Rovers, with Littman having a standout performance setting up multiple forward entries.
There were moments in the final quarter when it looked like the Rovers might steal the win, but Katandra held firm and edged ahead late.
A massive thank you to Spencer Cowley, who doubled up on the day and looked right at home out there.
Final score: Rovers 3.10 (28) def by Katandra 5.6 (36).
Goal kickers: Blake Norris, Ben Littmann, Hayden Gardiner.
Best players: Harry Turner, Jordyn McCulloch, Ben McCalman, Sam Richardson, Ben Littmann, Daniel Mison.
Awards: Harry Turner, Sam Richardson, Connor Didcock, Ben Littman, Jordyn McCulloch, Alex Rourke, Matthew Wade.
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