Strathmerton is closing in on an elusive finals spot after a boilover away victory against Deniliquin Rovers in Picola District Football League.
A loss to eighth-placed Jerilderie in round 13 put Strathmerton behind the eight-ball, making a rebound victory in response necessary if the Bulldogs were to continue contending for finals action.
After the Strathmerton players made the hour-long drive to Deniliquin, they continued putting the pedal to the metal in the contest, tallying eight scoring shots to two in the opening term.
However, inaccuracy in front of the sticks kept the Rovers alive, as Strathmerton’s 3.5 (23) led Deniliquin’s two straight by 11 points.
The Bulldogs continued to rue missed opportunities in front of goal in the next term, converting one goal from five scores as Deniliquin clicked into gear to square the ledger at 33-apiece at half-time.
However, the Rovers had scored 5.3, while the Bulldogs were left to lament a scoreline of 4.9.
Bulldogs co-coach Zack Betson delivered a calming message at half-time, instructing the troops to continue playing to their strengths after Strathmerton had dominated all aspects of the game, bar the scoreboard.
“(The message) was to just keep doing what we were doing in the first half,” Betson said.
“We were really good around the contest all day and to just stick to the plan.
“We know that what we try to do works and we just had to stick to that.”
Strathmerton began finding form in front of goal in the second half though, extending its advantage to seven points at three-quarter time.
Although Deniliquin remained in the contest, the Bulldogs kept the Rovers’ surge at an arm’s-length, holding firm for a 13-point win as the final siren rang out at Memorial Park.
Betson was proud of his side’s efforts to respond from the previous week’s loss.
“We were pretty disappointed last week and asked for a response from the boys with a few players out and that’s what they did,” Betson said.
“Myself and (co-coach) Tim Looby were super proud of their efforts yesterday, it was good to get a win on the road.
“Big Aubrey Coote was terrific in the ruck, he set up the midfielders all day with Brock Palmer in there as well.”
Betson also championed forwards Adrian Crestani and Looby, as the pair combined for nine of Strathmerton’s 11 goals.
The Bulldogs now sit percentage out of finals calculations with the victory, but will be tasked to cause another upset over Berrigan in round 15 if they are to climb the ladder further.
Berrigan heads into this week off an upset victory of its own, handing Katandra its first loss of 2025 by nine points.
Across the competition, Blighty had its most valiant effort to secure its first win in 2025, but fell one kick short to Rennie, while Jerilderie trounced Katunga by 70.
Tungamah and Waaia sliced up Dookie United and Tocumwal like hot knives through butter, recording percentage-boosting results of 139-35 and 148-8 respectively,
The round’s results closed out through Katamatite and Picola United’s clash, with the Tigers defeating their top-eight rival by 42 points.
In the A-grade netball, Rennie beat Blighty by 17, Katamatite dismissed Picola United with ease in a 47-goal win, as Deniliquin claimed a 32-goal victory over Strathmerton.
Katunga defeated Jerilderie by 15, Katandra walloped Berrigan by 46, Tocumwal cruised home by 17 over Waaia, while Tungamah pulled off an away victory heist against Dookie United in a two-goal thriller.