Round six of the Picola and District Football League saw the Deni Rovers take on Strathmerton at Memorial Park.
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The Rovers seniors outfit had an exciting game against the highly favoured Strathmerton outfit.
The Roos started strong, kicking the first goal of the game through the agency of coach Alex Hay who returned to the side.
Another followed shortly after when Nick Sheldon kicked the first of his five goals for the day.
Unfortunately, the concentration levels dropped and Strathy kicked six goals for the quarter to lead by 24 points at quarter time.
The second quarter was very even with Rovers outscoring Strathmerton by a point, and the two sides going goal for goal.
The third quarter was a replica of the second, with both sides kicking four goals.
It meant Strathy went into the final quarter leading by 25 points, and with the wind advantage.
Rovers have shown good fitness and the ability to fight until the end all season.
This quality was on display when they kept Strathmerton down to a single goal.
Unfortunately, they were not accurate in front of goal and kicked 2.5, which meant they finished 17 points down at the final siren.
Coach Alex Hay said with the side having been close enough to have won several games this year, the close losses are frustrating.
But he did say the ability to play four consistent quarters and close out games is continuing to develop over the season.
Recruits Nick Sheldon (five goals) and Jim Falcone were very good contributors and with Raymond Murphy back due to the Bendigo Pioneers having the bye, his contribution was outstanding.
Alex Hay and Brock Redden were other good players.
Final score: Rovers 11.10 (76) to Strathmerton 14.9 (93).
After a tough couple of weeks, the Rover reserves looked rejuvenated with some very handy inclusions.
Caleb Weir, Matt Horne and Thomas Chandler came back from the seniors and Tommy Banks and Malaki Lake joined the team for their first game for the year.
The first quarter was even with both sides kicking two goals two.
Rovers tightened up on Jade Shannon and Shannon Edger, who found plenty of the ball for Strathy in the first quarter.
Deni took advantage of the breeze in the second quarter piling on another 3.3, and keeping Strathy scoreless.
The team played a great third quarter, beating Strathy even with the wind against them and went on to finish the job off in the last quarter.
Big Tim McDonnell had a standout game, playing in the ruck all day and Ben McCalman was again in the best after busting packs all day.
Jack Woodcock kicked three for the day and was named in the best together with Thomas Chandler, Caleb Weir and Dom Read.
Final score: Rovers 12.13 (85) to Strathmerton 3.3 (21).