Blighty hosted the Deni Rovers at the Blighty Recreation Reserve in round three of the Picola League on Saturday for the Warner Tasker Cup.

The Rovers started the match kicking with a consistent breeze towards the netball court end.

It was Blighty who got off to a fast start, kicking the first goal of the game from the goal square through Brock Thomson.

From there, Blighty were on top for much of the first quarter, making the Rovers look panicked.

At quarter time Blighty were in front by a goal 3.2 (20) to 2.2 (14) with the scoreline flattering the visitors with the Redeyes missing some gettable opportunities.

Blighty continued their good play with Mitch Ross having kicked two goals with some strong contested marks, Matthew Macansh kicking one with Jai Park and Andrew Simpson kicking one each earlier and Brock Thomson having already kicked another from a set shot.

Midway through the second half the Rovers were sparked into action by Tyson Willis who got the ball moving the Rovers way and kicked some goals from the midfield.

Dannon Leetham’s collected play in the forward line kicking multiple goals also had the Rovers back in the game at the end of the second quarter, leading 9.3 (57) to 7.4 (46).

From the start of the second half the Redeyes had some bursts of good play, but the Rovers’ ball movement was better, running away with the game as injured bodies for the home team took their toll.

Sam Singleton continued to stand up for Blighty as one of their best, also kicking a set shot goal.

Meanwhile, for the Rovers Hayden Barker and Alex Hay embodied the execution that got the Rovers back into the game kicking four goals and two goals respectively.

Jimmy Falcone and Joey Hay provided impact for the Rovers with their dash and contest off halfback.

Kyle Magro was also important in the ruck, giving the Rovers midfielders first use.

At the end of the day, Dannon Leetham finished with four goals while Tyson Willis stood out from the midfield all day kicking four goals and winning another Warner Tasker Cup medallion at Blighty for best on ground as the Rovers finished with a 55 point win.

Final score: Blighty 8.11 (59) def by Deni Rovers 18.6 (114).

Reserves

The ground looked magnificent as the seconds ran out to face the Redeyes in what is always a hard-fought contest.

The side had a slightly different look from last week, with several players elevated and a few sidelined through injury.

However, the return of Brayden Jones and John Allitt, the inclusion of newcomer Jade Stewart, and the remarkable comeback of Brendan East had the group confident of a strong performance.

Ben McCalman won the toss and elected to kick with the wind.

The opening quarter was fiercely contested, but Rovers managed to capitalise, kicking 2.5 while holding Blighty scoreless.

The second term was more even, with Blighty adding a goal and Rovers contributing six behinds.

In the second half, Rovers were able to find more space and open the game up, though their inaccuracy in front of goal was a talking point, finishing with 11.21.

Goal-kicking practice will no doubt be on the agenda this week.

Ben McCalman was named best on ground, winning plenty of the ball and finishing with three goals from the midfield.

Matt Horne, who started in the back pocket, pushed forward effectively to kick two goals, as did Dylan May.

Andrew May continued his strong form with another solid performance and a goal, while Ben Littmann, Alex Rourke, and Harry Turner each added one. Jordyn McCulloch also impressed, throwing himself into every contest.

The Deni Rovers class and cohesion with their link-up play proved to be the difference, not from a lack of effort from Blighty’s Danyon Williams and crew down the back. Great hard head over the ball footy from Jack Sander and the midfield crew of Nash Suckling and Giuseppe McMillan.

Final score: Blighty 1.1 (7) def by Deni Rovers 11.21 (87).

Thirds

Facing a newly reformed Blighty outfit, the thirds knew they were in for a challenge. After losing the toss, Rovers kicked against the breeze in the opening quarter.

Despite the conditions, Rovers made a strong start, kicking four goals to one. Dominance through the middle allowed Isaac Behsman to slot three majors, while strong defensive rebound from Thomas Ives and Archer Moodie helped set up another goal for Haydn Sampson.

With the breeze in the second quarter, Rovers took full advantage, adding seven goals while restricting Blighty to just one.

The defensive unit - led by Reece King, Fletcher Campion, and Darcy Finn - was outstanding, providing a solid foundation for Callan Glenn and teammates to deliver quality ball inside 50.

Dannon Leetham added three goals for the quarter, while Liam Taylor chipped in with two.

The third quarter mirrored the first, with Rovers again kicking into the breeze but still managing 2.5, while holding Blighty to just three points.

Finishing with the wind in the final term, Rovers found their accuracy again, adding 5.1 to cap off a dominant performance.

Overall, it was a very solid team effort. Pressure and tackling have been key focuses throughout the preseason, and that work was evident across the ground.

Liam Taylor took out the tackling award, narrowly ahead of Noah Dunn and Haydn Sampson.

Other awards went to Fletcher Campion, Archer Moodie, and with strong contributions from Lincoln Meharry, Thomas Ives, Noah Dunn, Isaac Behsman, and Haydn Sampson.

For Blighty, better players for the day were Mark Godfrey, Harry Nolan, Will Frost, and Xander Strong. Seth Fuess and Hudson Kelly got the good sports award.

Final score: Blighty 3.9 (27) def by 18.12 (120).

Fourths

The Blighty fourths came up against a well-oiled Deni Rovers outfit in what is always one of the highlights of the season— a game everyone looks forward to.

Blighty came out with grit and determination, ready to take it up to a strong opposition.

They welcomed Maddy Hunter and Jordy Brain for their first games this season, along with Ollie Bull, who stepped in for the weekend.

It was also great to see Jack Napier have his first run with the fourths after stepping up from the fifths.

While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the quality of football Blighty produced, the effort and intensity were there all day.

A strong first quarter from Rovers made it difficult to claw our way back, but the boys never stopped working.

Best on ground honours went to Daniel Burns, who delivered another standout performance.

Deagan Morgan was solid as ever at full back, while Andrew Frost continued his consistent form with plenty of touches across the ground.

Ben Macdonald had a huge final quarter, really stepping up when it counted and earning himself an award.

Langa Fevaleaki put in a terrific effort in the ruck, winning the majority of the hit-outs and showing great determination around the contest.

Jordy Brain was a deserving recipient of the Good Sportsman Award, recognised for his encouragement, teamwork, and positive attitude throughout the game.

Tommy also impressed with his versatility and hunger for the ball—always exciting to watch.

For the Rovers, the backline of Beau Jervis, Henry Campion and Angus Knuckey repelled many Blighty forward 50 entries.

Meanwhile, Taj McCully, Sam Strong and Ryan Bulmer played well in the midfield with Ged O’Donnell doing well in the ruck.

Up forward, Lucas Braybon kicked five goals and was well supported by Cormick Hardman with two goals.

Harry Rennie was dominant on the wing, gaining many possessions and award Rovers’ best player.

Final score: Deni Rovers 16.14 (110) def Blighty 2.1 (13).

Fifths

It was a great morning at Blighty, with the team setting the tone early with a strong start.

All players held their positions well throughout the game, showing great discipline and teamwork.

Lenny Parker had an excellent run through the midfield, while Bertie Landale was consistently ready to apply pressure with strong tackling efforts.

It was fantastic to see Bentley Hill having a crack in the centre, supported by Kayden Atley in the ruck.

The use of the interchange bench was also a positive, giving all players valuable game time and learning opportunities.

A big thank you to the Blighty coach for also running a bench and supporting the development of the kids.

For Blighty, the junior Redeyes took to the field for the first time this year after a long buildup.

They took on a skilful Deni Rovers outfit.

After a slow start in the first quarter, Blighty worked their way into the game once we all settled, providing great pressure around the contest and linking up well, moving the ball forward.

Onwards and upwards going forward for our little stars.

Blighty awards went to Jack M, Clancy, Gideon, Jack N and Olivia.

Final score: Not scored.

Deniliquin Pastoral Times Google News Panels

Monday, 14th January 2030

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