The Deni Rovers face a traditionally tough hurdle on Saturday, playing away against Tungamah in round 10 of the Picola League.

The Rovers haven’t played a home and away fixture at Tungamah since 2022, but regardless, the Rovers senior footballers haven’t beaten the Bears since they returned to the league in 2021.

Adding to the rivalry in this weekend’s contests, the Bears beat the Rovers’ reserves in the grand final at Deniliquin last season.

It won’t be an easy set of fixtures for the visitors this weekend, as Tungamah remain powerhouses of the competition. They have a top five side in every netball and football grade, barring the seniors' football.

Even in the seniors, as history shows, it is likely to be a challenge for the Rovers.

Deni seniors coach Alex Hay said he was pleased to get the result in a 49-point win against Dookie United last week.

Meanwhile, the Bears are coming off a 24-point loss 14.9 (93) to 18.9 (117) against Jerilderie.

But the Bears showed they can be a high scoring team, notching up a 222-point win against Katunga in round five.

“We were pretty happy to be back on the winners’ list after a tough game the week before,” Hay said.

“I thought our defensive pressure was excellent, which allowed us to get repeat entries.

“Pressure at the contest has been a bit of a feature, and I was really pleased that we reinforced that on the weekend.

“I suppose the challenge is to maintain that level each week now, because a lot of what contributes to our performance requires no talent if the attitude and application are there, so that’s something we’re always working towards.

“Liam East also did just an outstanding job on one of the best forwards in country football (Chris Nield), which was crucial for the outcome.”

Hay said he is wary of the threat Tungamah pose, which the team will prepare for.

“Tungamah are a consistently high performing team who are traditionally tough in the contest. They know how to win, so it’s going to be a great challenge.

“I think their performance last week will sting them a bit, so we will expect their very best on their home deck.

“It’s likely going to be wet as well, so we can expect a pretty tight contest.

“They have a few key players forward of the ball in particular, so again team defence will be the focus.

“But we will be treating this as a crucial game, as we’ve done with others in recent weeks.”

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Friday, 20th April 2029

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