A young Deni Rovers side faced a big task when they took on a powerful Tungamah side at Memorial Park, but they put up a very spirited performance taking the game right up to last season’s grand finalist.
It was all Tungamah early in the game with the visitors scoring the first three goals and looking dangerous when they went forward.
Rovers played very well in the second quarter.
Their tackling and ability to pressure their opponents meant Tungamah did not get any easy kicks.
Ray Murphy was dominant at the stoppages and he provided plenty of opportunities for the forward line.
Another youngster, Tyson Willis, continues to show his ability each week and he kicked two of Rovers’ three goals for the quarter.
At half-time Tungamah led by 14 points but the game was still up for grabs.
The third quarter was really tight with Rovers applying plenty of pressure to their opponents which restricted Tungamah’s scoring opportunities and contributed to their inaccuracy in front of goal.
Tungamah were able to increase their lead to 3 goals at three quarter time but the young Rovers side was showing plenty of fight and belief and was still in with a chance at the final break.
A couple of early goals had the big local crowd in good voice as Hayden Barker kicked goals from a strong mark and then a free kick and brought the difference down to less than a goal eight minutes into the last quarter.
Tungamah then used their experience to steady and was able to run out the game eventually winning by 24 points.
Despite the loss, the game again showed how much Rovers have improved as the season has gone on.
Apart from a poor performance against Strathmerton, the side has been very competitive in all of its matches and are showing plenty of spirit.
Coach Alex Hay spoke after the game, reminding players they need to continue to work on areas of their game so they can reach a level everyone wants to get to, which is being able to win games consistently against the top sides.
There were lots of positives as they head into the general bye before taking on Jerilderie at home.
Rovers were missing coach Alex Hay, James Gilligan, James Kirby, Peter Lewis and Liam Headon on Saturday so the side should be strengthened on their return.
The team now has six wins and four losses and sits in sixth spot with five games left of the home and away season.
Ray Murphy has been good all season but he played a great game completely dominating the stoppages despite some strong opposition pressure. Recruit Harry Turner continued with his impressive season and contributed well from a forward flank.
Tyson Willis kicked three goals which was a great contribution from a young talented player.
Brady Trotman is another great pick up and has been amongst the best in most weeks whilst Adam Bodey and Joe Hay also played good games.
Hayden Barker and Tyson Willis with three goals each led the goal kicking tally.
Overall, a pleasing effort against a strong experienced opposition.
Still a couple of decision making errors and disposal errors to work out but heaps of young talent and enthusiasm and clear improvement being made.
Final Score: Tungamah 11.18 (84) def Rovers 8.12 (60).
Goals: Tyson Willis 3, Hayden Barker, Harry Turner 1, Logan Leiper.
Best: Ray Murphy, Harry Turner, Tyson Willis, Brady Trotman, Adam Bodey, Joe Hay.
Awards: Physiofit with Britt - Harry Turner; Frank n Beans - Ray Murphy; Globe Hotel - Brady Trotman; Myo on the Move - Tyson Willis; N8 Health - Adam Bodey; Keet’s Hair - Joey Hay.
The Reserves had started the season well but really struggled over the past fortnight as they took on the second placed Tungamah side.
The game was reasonably close early on, with Rovers having a two goal lead at quarter time which they were able to hold again at half-time.
The second half saw the side get back to where they were earlier in the season.
They kicked three goals to one in the third quarter and then breaking the game open with a seven goal to one final quarter.
Coach Matt Horne was on fire up forward kicking five goals while Blake Norris showed good marking skills and kicked three goals. Bailey Caruso and Damian Hope converted two goals each.
Good team effort with better players including Daniel Mison back from a calf injury dominating on the backline.
Matt Dowling started plenty of attacks from half-back together with Nick Stubbings.
Caleb Weir and John Allitt dominated the on ball division and Zack Thompson played another good game in the centre.
Final Score: Rovers 13.4 (82) def Tungamah 3.5 (23).
Goals: Matt Horne 5, Blake Norris 3, Bailey Caruso 2, Damian Hope, Matt Wade 1.
Best: Daniel Mison, Matt Dowling, Caleb Weir, Nick Stubbings, John Allitt, Zack Thompson.
Awards: Deni Clothing Co - Matt Dowling; Cin’s Remedial Massage - Daniel Mison; Frank n Beans - John Allitt; Barber & Threadz - Nick Stubbings; Globe Hotel - Zack Thompson; N8 Health - Caleb Weir.