It was a big day for the home side, with the clubrooms packed for Sponsors’ Day.
On an overcast day, the Rovers were out to deliver a convincing win against the 16th placed side on the ladder.
The Rovers held out a spirited Katunga in the first quarter, getting a run of goals near the end, while the Swans were unable to capitalise on any of their chances.
The quarter time margin was 45 points, with Katunga goalless.
The second quarter was a much closer affair with Katunga kicking three goals, three behinds to the Rovers’ four goals and two behinds.
Katunga brought strong pressure around the contest and adjusted better to the umpire’s whistle for the match.
After halftime, the Rovers put on six goals and three behinds.
But Katunga did not go away, kicking four goals and one behind of their own in an entertaining contest.
Each side added four goals and two behinds in the final stanza.
Both sides were a bit sloppy and lackadaisical, in particular the home side, but the Rovers still came away with a 64 point win against a fiery opposition.
Best players included playing coach Alex Hay, who spent significant portions of the match coming out as a traditional full forward, kicking five goals.
Jayden Pitts kicked the next most with four goals as the forward line spearhead rotating through the ruck.
Out of the midfield, Tyson Willis had his head over the ball for much of the game kicking three goals, and Cam Wills and Rivva Karpany both showed their class bursting from stoppages and kicking two goals each.
Using the ball from the halfback flank and looking dangerous once again was Waylon Johncock, who helped assure the Rovers and supporters on Sponsors’ Day of a strong win.
Final score: Deni Rovers 21.12 (138) def Katunga 11.8 (74).
Goals: Alex Hay 5, Jayden Pitts 4, Tyson Willis 3, Brody Wills 2, Rivva Karpany 2, Nick Hay 2, Cam Wills 2, Jimmy Falcone.
Best: Alex Hay, Waylon Johncock, Rivva Karpany, Jayden Pitts, Tyson Willis, Cam Wills.
Reserves
Rovers were full of confidence after last week’s win and eager to put on a show in front of the big Sponsors’ Day crowd.
Aden Bermingham, who was named best on ground, set the tone from the first bounce, bursting out of the middle from the first two centre clearances before hitting Ben Littmann out in front both times.
The Rovers kicked eight goals in the first quarter and another six in the second, with Katunga denied any scoring opportunity.
Katunga tried to rally in the second half, kicking the first two goals of the third quarter, but Rovers regained composure and went on to record a big win.
Harry Mcilwain, who kicked eight, and Ben Littmann, who kicked six, proved too strong for their Katunga opponents and were named in the best.
The midfield linked up well and proved dangerous in front of goals with Andrew May (three goals), Brad Taylor (three goals), and Aden Bermingham (two goals) all being named in the best.
Damian Hope had a good first game back, kicking two goals. Dylan May, Hayden Gardiner and Johnny Mitchell were the other contributors.
Not even a dog and a trip to the hospital could slow Sam Richardson down on the halfback line, also named in the best.
Final score: Deni Rovers 27.18 (180) def Katunga 2.2 (14).
Goals: Harry Mcilwain 8, Ben Littmann 6, Brad Taylor 3, Andrew May 3, Damian Hope 2, Aden Bermingham 2, Dylan May, Hayden Gardiner, John Mitchell.
Best: Aden Bermingham, Harry Mcilwain, Ben Littmann, Andrew May, Brad Taylor, Sam Richardson.
• Reports for other grades will be included in Friday’s edition.
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