With drizzling rain around and the remainder of some from earlier in the week, the ground was a bit wet under foot when the Rovers took on Tungamah away on Saturday.
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The home side was hosting a reunion day, with teams playing in retro jerseys and the crowd adding some extra atmosphere to the match.
Tungamah started the game a bit sharper out of the middle.
By quarter time the Rovers had wrestled back some momentum but were trailing 2.4 (16) to 3.2 (20).
In the second quarter, crucial turnovers and execution errors cost the visitors.
These led to Tungamah kicking five goals and one behind for the quarter, to the Rovers one goal and four behinds.
This left the score at 3.8 (26) to 8.3 (51) with the hosts taking a 25-point lead into half time.
After half time, the Rovers were out to turn around the deficit.
However, like the first quarter, Tungamah took the early momentum before the Rovers came back in a quarter of free-flowing football.
Kicking more accurately, the Rovers stayed in touch with four goals and one behind but still lost the quarter by six points, conceding five goals and one behind.
This meant the Rovers went into three-quarter time down by 31 points.
Needing a lot to go right, the team got five goals for the quarter. They were up and about, running out the game stronger than their opposition with hopes of a comeback win.
But it was too little too late, as the Rovers conceded some goals and territory deep in the last quarter and Tungamah held on by 14 points.
In a disappointing result for the Rovers, Tyson Willis was a standout with six goals, largely from the midfield.
Alex Hay was the other multiple goal kicker, getting two and doing his best to lift the team over the line.
Kyle Magro, in the ruck, and midfielder Logan Ives worked well together, getting plenty of the ball around and out of stoppages.
Down back, Rowan Frazer and Bobby Hall were heavily involved and did their best to get the team in front.
Final score: Deni Rovers 12.10 (82) def by Tungamah 15.6 (96).
Goals: Tyson Willis 6, Alex Hay 2, Hayden Barker, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Andrew Simpson, Isaac Behsman.
Best: Tyson Willis, Alex Hay, Rowan Frazer, Logan Ives, Kyle Magro, Bobby Hall.
Reserves
Tungamah on their home deck is always a tough task.
The first quarter was fast-paced, with both sides applying plenty of pressure.
Tungamah were able to capitalise on their forward entries and took a two-goal lead into the first break.
The second quarter was another hard-fought battle, with both sides adding just one goal each.
Tungamah’s class stood out in the third, adding a couple of goals and making it difficult for the Rovers to generate attacking opportunities.
Although Deni won the final quarter, Tungamah’s lead was enough to secure the win.
The forwards were forced to work hard against quality defenders, with Bailey Caruso, Ben Littmann and Harry Turner each contributing a goal.
The midfield worked tirelessly all day, with Harry Turner having a standout game and earning best-on-ground honours alongside Andrew May, Ben McCalman and Aden Bermingham.
Daniel Mison also earned his place among the best with another huge performance down back. It was great to have John Allitt back in the ruck and seeing him recognised among the best players as well.
Final score: Deni Rovers 3.5 (23) def by Tungamah 7.7 (49).
Goals: Bailey Caruso, Ben Littmann, Harry Turner.
Best: Harry Turner, Andrew May, Ben McCalman, Daniel Mison, John Allitt, Aden Bermingham.
Thirds
As expected, the game began with the ball moving between both forward lines before the Rovers were able to lock the ball inside their forward half through persistent pressure and strong tackling efforts.
This resulted in repeat forward entries and eventually broke down the Bears’ defensive line, with the Rovers leading 3.2 (20) to 1.3 (9) at quarter time.
The pressure came from every area of the ground, with big numbers from centre halfback Fletcher Campion and a huge three-tackle effort from ruckman Lincoln Meharry.
Although both teams kicked the same number of goals in the second quarter, the Rovers finished the term one point ahead.
Strong ball movement through the middle from players like Thomas Ives, Haydn Sampson and Dannon Leetham helped create opportunities, with full forward Charlie Rennie kicking three goals for the term.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with both sides again matching each other on the scoreboard. Deni edged ahead through another strong effort.
The Rovers began to gain control as their pressure and intensity started to take its toll.
Continuing to apply pressure, the Rovers pulled away in the final term, kicking four goals to one to record one of their most consistent efforts of the season.
Final score: Deni Rovers 11.9 (75) def Tungamah 6.5 (41).
Goals: Charlie Rennie 8, Lyam Taylor, Ryan Squires, Dannon Leetham
Best: Lincoln Meharry, Ryan Squires, Thomas Ives, Haydn Sampson, Fletcher Campion, Stuart Benger.
Fourths
It was a special day for the Rovers, with youngster Cormick ‘Mim’ Hardman playing his 50th fourths game. The boys responded in style, playing some outstanding football in the opening quarter to kick two goals while keeping Tungamah scoreless.
Ged O’Donnell was outstanding in the ruck, while Carter Sartore dominated at centre halfback. Callan Leiper, Jett Boyer and Cormick Hardman provided plenty of danger in the forward line.
In the second quarter, the Rovers produced their best football of the year, piling on six unanswered goals.
Michael Benger and Taj McCully were everywhere, while Jed Fitzmaurice moved into the ruck to cover the injured Sam Strong and was dominant, winning numerous centre clearances.
The second half tightened up, but the Rovers maintained control and ran out 59-point winners, moving into third position on the ladder.
Final score: Deni Rovers 11.5 (71) def Tungamah 2.0 (12).
Goals: Michael Benger 2, Callan Leiper 2, Lucas Braybon, Harry Rennie, Jack Brown, Jett Boyer, Cormick Hardman, Carter Sartore, Ged O'Donnell.
Best: Carter Sartore, Ged O'Donnell, Beau Jervis, Harry Rennie, Jed Fitzmaurice, Taj McCully.
Fifths
The Rovers faced a challenging Tungamah side and set up strongly in defence after half time, with Ollie Walker, Matthew Hood, Jack Priest and Levi Norris helping to regain control.
Henry Braybon stood strong on the wing alongside Lincoln Sartore, helping drive the ball forward and create opportunities.
Up forward, Cruz Leetham kicked his first goal of the season, while Will Kirby was strong in attack and provided several dangerous kicks towards goal.
Final score: Not scored.