Rovers' comeback thwarted by Bulldogs' late surge

In the first quarter, the Rovers scrapped with a distinct breeze to the western netball court end.

Throughout the day, Strathmerton’s best players got the ball from outside the stoppage, getting it forward, managing to score three goals and five behinds in the first quarter.

The Rovers did manage to transition the ball against the run of play and get into the game, kicking two straight goals of their own.

In the second quarter, the Rovers were more clinical, using the breeze to their advantage, kicking three goals and three behinds to Strathmerton’s one goal and four behinds.

With scores level at half-time, the Rovers were keen to put in a four-quarter effort after the week previous against Katandra.

Against the breeze, the Rovers scored three goals and one behind, rushing with the ball in hand, conceding four goals and two behinds to be trailing by seven points at three-quarter time.

Having successfully come from behind at three-quarter time to win on three other occasions this year, so the Rovers knew the game was not lost yet.

But they would need at least two goals to be convincingly back in the game, with a slight breeze at their side.

Strathmerton started the fourth quarter well, with the sides going goal-for-goal.

Both sides played with plenty of desperation for the win, and the Rovers got it back to level pegging at 10.6 to 9.12 with 10 minutes left in the game.

However, from there Strathmerton kicked a valuable point and then two goals as the Rovers made a last-ditch attempt to create chances with the game slipping away.

In a disappointing day for the Rovers, Strathmerton ultimately held on for a 13-point win.

On the field, the Rovers leaders were the predominant players to stand up and be counted with Alex Hay and James Gilligan again leading from the front, bursting through stoppages until the end of the day and providing an important connection to the Rovers forward line.

Cameron Wills and Waylon Johncock looked threatening with ball in hand, both also hitting the scoreboard with one goal each.

Young pocket rocket Isaac Behsman again provided a mature display with spark on the wing and Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson was good in his return up forward, kicking two goals.

Hayden Barker and Tyson Willis were the other multiple goal kickers for the Rovers. Both were dangerous all day with three goals each.

Final score: Deni Rovers 10.6 (66) def by Strathmerton 11.13 (79).

Goal kickers: Hayden Barker 3, Tyson Willis 3, Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson 2, Waylon Johncock, Cameron Wills.

Best players: Alex Hay, James Gilligan, Cameron Wills, Waylon Johncock, Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson, Isaac Behsman.

Awards: Alex Hay, James Gilligan, Isaac Behsman, James Gilligan, Cameron Wills, Hayden Barker, Tyson Willis.

Reserves

The Deniliquin Rovers fought hard in a determined effort to get back on the winner’s list, and ultimately emerged victorious.

Jordyn McCulloch was outstanding, effectively cutting off much of Strathmerton’s forward attack.

John Allitt dominated the ruck, while Harry Turner, Aden Bermingham, and Ben McCalman consistently won the majority of the contested football.

Dylan Mills’ move forward provided a reliable target with numerous strong leads, and Scott Howard once again stood out at centre half forward, finishing the game with four goals.

At the back, Daniel Mison, Alex Rourke, and Connor Didcock proved too strong for their opponents, rebounding the ball consistently throughout the match.

Final score: Deni Rovers 12.15 (87) def Strathmerton 1.1 (7).

Goal kickers: Scott Howard 4, Bailey Caruso 2, Harry Turner 2, John Allitt, Dylan Mills, Aden Bermingham, Bobby Hall.

Best players: Jordyn McCulloch, Scott Howard, Harry Turner, Alex Rourke, Aden Bermingham, Daniel Mison.

Awards: Jordyn McCulloch, Scott Howard, Harry Turner, Alex Rourke, Aden Bermingham, Daniel Mison, Connor Didcock.

• Reports for other grades will appear in Friday’s edition.