Deniliquin finally got their chance at a rugby league home game after waiting 48 years and five rounds of the ProTen Cup competition.

Three men’s games were hosted at Deniliquin’s Rotary Park on Saturday.

While the ladies had a bye, a number still made their way to Deni to take part in an exhibition match before the Deniliquin Blue Heelers took to the field against Ivanhoe.

A Proten-combined team playing under Barellan (with five from Barellan, three from Rankins Springs, two from Goolgowi and Deniliquin’s Fiona Casey) won the exhibition match over Hay, 28-10.

Saturday’s match-up was a tough ask for the Deni Blue Heelers, facing up against the league’s equal-first team.

Despite some strong defence from Deni early, the Roosters got over through Thomas Lee and Ethan Harris and never looked back.

The lead blew out to 24-0 by half-time, although Deniliquin got one back through Trevor Morgan after some nice offloading play.

Ivanhoe ran up 50 points to regain first spot on the ladder, though goalkicking might cost them in the for-and-against columns after only kicking five from 10.

Final score: Ivanhoe 50 def Deni 4.

In the other games, Rankins Springs 22 defeated Goolgowi 0 and Hillston 14 def Narrandera 10.

The defending men’s premiers are the final team to host this season, with the Proten Cup’s first ever round seven being played at Rankins Springs tomorrow.

Barellan look to wrap up minor premierships in both competitions, playing the home side in the women’s and Deniliquin in the men’s.

Ivanhoe and Rankins Springs aim for a top two spot while their opponents, Hillston and Narrandera, respectively, are aiming for fourth spot.

Hillston’s women need a win to jump over Goolgowi for a finals appearance.

Barellan will be aiming for as many points against Deniliquin as possible to get that first spot on the ladder.

The Heelers have kept turning up every week despite big losses, and have one more chance to put on a good show.

Hopefully enough players make the trek over to keep them competitive in their final game of their first season.

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Saturday, 2nd September 2023

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