Rovers ressies in prelim

(Back, from left) Lachlan Holschier, Tom Beames, Damian Hope, John Glowrey, co-coach Matt Horne, Cameron Robinson, Daniel Mison, John Allitt, Caleb Weir, Tim McDonnell, Mitch Jefferies and Jake Mercer; (front) Brett Rose, Jay McCully, co-coach Ben McCalman, Lachie Trotman, Bailey Caruso, Nicholas Stubbings, Blake Norris and Matt Dowling. Absent - Jackson Campbell, Peter Lewis, Jack Pekin, Zack Thompson, Ryan Hetherington, Jaydyn Lehmann, Terry Lumbar, Matthew Johnson, Matthew Wade, Alex Rourke, Dylan Mills, Hayden Doncon and Josh Bode.

The Deni Rovers reserves were rewarded for a good effort against Katandra in Saturday’s first semi final and now advance to the Picola League preliminary final this weekend.

Deni jumped out of the blocks quickly and kicked 2.2 to Katandra’s 0.1 at the first break.

The second quarter was completely dominated by Katandra though.

The Kats piled on five goals to Rovers’ two and they looked to be in control of the game.

Rovers co-coaches Matt Horne and Ben McCalman pulled some changes at half-time, but also led the way on field setting a great example for their team mates.

As a result Rovers regained the initiative in a see-sawing game.

They led by 10 points heading into the final stanza, but it was anyone’s game.

The last quarter was of a very good standard, as both sides tried to establish the break.

Terry Lumbar’s experience was vital in this quarter, consistently getting to the right spots.

Both sides finished out the quarter with three goals each.

The Rovers were able to take the win and advance to this Sunday’s preliminary final at Mathoura, where they will meet Strathmerton.

Final score: Deni Rovers 10.6 (66) def Katandra 8.9 (57).

Goal kickers: Matthew Wade 3, Jack Pekin 2, Matthew Horne 2, Bailey Caruso 1, Tim McDonnell 1 and Terry Lumbar 1.

Better players: Jack Pekin, Cameron Robinson, Matthew Horne, Ben McCalman, Lachie Holschier and Daniel Mison.