Thirds
The Deniliquin Rovers Thirds faced a tough outing against a well-drilled Katamatite side, going down by almost 70 points.
Despite the final margin, the Rovers battled hard all day and showed patches of promising play across the four quarters.
Brody Wills was a standout up forward, booting two of the team’s three goals, while Max Watson added one of his own to the tally.
Ben Hayes worked tirelessly through the middle, providing drive and pressure, with support from Zac Grimison and Jesse Jervis around the contest.
Charlie Connor-Hetherington and Sam Conallin also put in solid performances, applying strong defensive efforts and linking up through the wings.
The scoreboard didn’t reflect the effort or commitment shown by the young Rovers, who continued to push until the final siren.
The team will look to regroup and take the positives into next week’s clash.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 3.5 (23) def by Katamatite 13.12 (90).
Goal kickers: Brody Wills 2, Max Watson.
Best players: Ben Hayes, Brody Wills, Zac Grimison, Jesse Jervis, Charlie Connor-Hetherington, Sam Conallin.
Awards: Callan Glenn, Zac Grimison, Charlie Connor-Hetherington, Ben Hayes, Max Watson, Brody Wills, Jacob Holton, Alex Ledwidge.
Fourths
Round 12 clash between seventh placed Katamatite and eighth placed Deni Rovers was always going to be a tight contest.
An even first half saw Rovers miss many chances, kicking 1.7 to 1.1 to lead by six points at half-time.
Haydn Sampson was playing well in the ruck, assisted by Michael Benger, Taj McCully, Ryan Bulmer and Cormick Hardman around the contest.
Down back, Reece King, Sam Strong and Henry Campion were repelling many forward entries from Katamatite.
In the third quarter, Katamatite hit the lead, kicking three quick goals to take the lead and looked like taking the win.
A few stern words from the coach and a reset at three-quarter time saw the young Roos come out with a new attitude.
A tough and tight last quarter saw the boys kick two goals through Angus Knuckey and Callan Leiper, who kicked the sealer with two minutes to go.
They held on to the win by five points and jumped to sixth on the ladder.
Final score: Deniliquin Rovers 4.8 (32) def Katamatite 4.3 (27).
Goal kickers: Lucas Braybon, Michael Benger, Callan Leiper, Angus Knuckey.
Best players: Haydn Sampson, Reece King, Sam Strong, Michael Benger, Ryan Bulmer, Cormick Hardman.
Awards: Reece King, Haydn Sampson, Callan Leiper, Cormick Hardman, Beau Jervis, Lucas Braybon, Jobe Irwin and Henry Campion.
Fifths
With a chill in the air but the sun shining, the boys hit the field to stay warm and give it their all.
Up against a strong Katamatite side with some bigger kids, we pushed hard in attack and kept the ball moving well throughout the game.
There was plenty of great teamwork and effort across the ground.
Jake Horne starred in the ruck during the final quarter, with little Knox Sartore also having a real crack.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: Henry Braybon, Max Horton, Lykien Buyers, Lincoln Arthur, Darcy Arthur, Logan Littman, Jake Horne, Will Reid.