The Deni Rovers hosted Blighty at Memorial Park for the last round of the Picola League home and away season.
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It was good conditions for football, with only a slight breeze towards the Deniliquin CBD/cricket ground end.
The game got under way with physicality, with the Rovers getting the best out of the midfield battle.
Blighty, however, found joy on the counter-attack off turnovers.
At quarter time, the Rovers led 5.2 (32) to Blighty’s 2.1 (13).
The second quarter was closer, but the Rovers took their chances, kicking three goals one while keeping Blighty to four behinds.
After half-time, the game broke open with Blighty getting two goals early, but the home side had seven straight goals for the quarter.
Although the scoreline suggested the game was nearly over, both sides went at it, with the Rovers pushing to the end better, kicking five goals and four behinds to Blighty’s two behinds.
A well fought match, the Rovers put in a good performance before finals, winning by 94 points.
Blighty had hopes to make it a closer contest, but after some missed opportunities early to put scoreboard pressure on, the Rovers ran away with the game.
Credit to the home side, who were slick with ball movement and pressured hard all day.
Blighty didn’t bring enough energy to start the game, which was disappointing.
For the visitors, Matt Macansh stood tough, as did Elijah Swiggs.
Blighty’s Ari Glover worked hard on the forward flank, and Mason Coote was desperate down back.
For the Rovers, Tyson Willis finished with eight goals out of the midfield and Cam Wills was on with his marks and contested possessions while also kicking two goals.
Alex Hay with two goals led from the front again, while the other multiple goal kicker Isaac Behsman had three.
Brody Wills, Bailey Caruso and Jayden Pitts were dangerous up forward kicking singles, while Jai Ezard and Bobby Hall both sprung up kicking one each.
Down back Liam East and Brendan Hope repeatedly shutdown Blighty attacks, while Waylon Johncock was a magnet to the footy and was damaging off halfback.
Deni now go on to face Strathmerton in the elimination final at Tocumwal.
Final score: Deni Rovers 20.7 (127) def Blighty 4.9 (33).
Rovers goals: Tyson Willis 8, Isaac Behsman 3, Cameron Wills 2, Alex Hay 2, Bailey Caruso, Jayden Pitts, Brody Wills, Bobby Hall, Jai Ezard.
Rovers best: Tyson Willis, Cameron Wills, Brendan Hope, Liam East, Alex Hay, Waylon Johncock.
Reserves
The Rovers struck quickly through John Mitchell to start the day, and the seconds boys rolled on from there.
Blighty applied pressure throughout the game, however Rovers capitalised on every opportunity, with the Rovers backline keeping the Redeyes scoreless in the second half.
For the Rovers, Harry McIlwain was back in the side and asserted his dominance in the forward line, finishing with four goals.
Brad Taylor had another great game in the midfield, being named best on ground and also contributing two goals.
Damian Hope and John Mitchell also kicked a couple each, while Andrew and Dylan May, Andrew Simpson, Jack Pekin, Scott Atley and Mitch Jefferies all contributed with goals.
Andrew May, Harry Mcilwain, Dylan Mills, Johnny Allitt and Jack Pekin were all named among the best for Deni.
The day was made even more special with Rovers’ coach Matt Horne playing his 200th game for Rovers.
Blighty wanted to end positively and celebrate an improved year.
The team matched Deni for most of the day around the ground, but their work and set up around contests broke the team open.
Blake Charlton was the best performing Charlton brother for Blighty on the day.
Backline boys of Brodie Park and George ‘Chopper’ Reid fought hard all day.
It was fantastic to see such a huge crowd of locals from clubs right across the district come along to spectate and support the footy and netball.
The atmosphere around the ground was a great reflection of the strong local football and netball community.
Final score: Deni Rovers 16.14 (110) def Blighty 2.0 (12).
Rovers goals: Harry Mcilwain 4, Brad Taylor 2, Damian Hope 2, John Mitchell 2, Andrew May, Dylan May, Andrew Simpson, Jack Pekin, Scott Atley, Mitch Jefferies.
Rovers best: Brad Taylor, Andrew May, Harry Mcilwain, Dylan Mills, John Allitt, Jack Pekin.
• Junior reports will feature in Friday’s edition.