A six-goal haul to Picola United midfielder Blake Jorgensen failed to help the Blues overcome Deniliquin Rovers on the weekend, but the result will matter little as United prepares for finals.
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The Rovers handed the Blues an upset 13.14 (92) to 10.6 (66) loss at Memorial Park on the back of star performances from Alex Hay and Ray Murphy, bringing a winning end to Deniliquin’s season.
United booted one goal to Deni’s wayward six behinds in the first quarter, before the Rovers finally managed to strike with a major in a low-scoring first half.
Deniliquin opened up the contest — and reclaimed its accuracy in front of goal — with a six-goal to three third quarter, and despite a late Blues resistance, the Rovers managed to walk away with a 26-point win.
Jorgensen’s six goals were undone by three apiece to Hay and Terry Lumbar, and while Jai Morrison and Jordan Gattuso starred for the Blues, the combined efforts of the Rovers ensured they ended the season in 11th with six wins and 10 losses.
For Picola, it will be raring to go for Picola and District League finals, which will be under way next Saturday, August 13.
Finishing in eighth, the Blues have booked themselves a ticket to the first elimination final out at Jerilderie, and if they want to keep their season alive, they will have to overcome Katandra following their result over the weekend.
Tungamah finished atop the ladder on percentage, with both the Bears and Waaia sharing 56 premiership points.
Strathmerton, Katunga, Katamatite, and Jerilderie round out the finalists, with the top four securing another chance should they lose this weekend’s clashes.
In the netball, Picola primed itself for finals with a strong 63-19 victory over the Rovers.
The Blues’ 11th win was one of its most dominant for the season, and that result has seen them finish the home-and-away campaign in sixth place.
United is now booked in for an elimination final of its own, and the weekend’s PDNL results mean it will face Jerilderie for the honour of keeping its premiership aspirations alive.
Strathmerton ended the A-grade season as minor premier, sitting two games clear of second-placed Tungamah.
Waaia and Katamatite are the other two clubs to secure a double chance, while Katunga and Tocumwal will contest the other elimination final.
The Game
Picola United: 1.0, 1.3, 4.3, 10.6 (66)
Deniliquin Rovers: 0.6, 2.8, 8.11, 13.14 (92)
Goals
Picola United: B. Jorgensen 6, T. Beard, D. Walsh, M. Heggart, C. Haub
Deniliquin Rovers: A. Hay 3, T. Lumbar 3, R. Murphy 3, C. Wills, B. Redden, S. Howard, J. Hay
Best
Picola United: J. Morrison, J. Gattuso, S. Boyd, C. Barnes, B. Jorgensen, M. Heggart
Deniliquin Rovers: A. Hay, R. Murphy, J. O’Callaghan, J. Falcone, B. Redden, J. Ezard