The Blues’ slow start quickly put them behind the pace in round seven, allowing the hometown Deniliquin Rovers to build an early lead at Memorial Park.
Up 23-1 after the first quarter, Deni lost its kicking boots in the second, spraying an inaccurate 1.7 at the sticks, and allowing an improved Picola back into the game.
A huge minor score count proved the difference at the main break as the Rovers went in ahead 4.12 (36) to 4.1 (25).
Deniliquin continued to have the superior pressure in midfield, again finding more scoring opportunities than Picola in the third term.
This time, the Rovers’ radar was more keyed in, and a seven-goal-to-two term put the game beyond Picola.
The Blues went goalless in the fourth as Deniliquin ran away with the 13.19 (97) to 6.7 (43) win.
Tyson Willis had a strong day in front of goals for the Rovers, kicking seven goals, while for Picola Joshua Vallender, Hayden Brown and Sean Solar shared scoring duties.
Picola is still in a strong position, sitting sixth on the table, but needs to arrest its losing run quickly to avoid a further decline.
After a general bye this weekend, Berrigan (3-3) will be visiting Picola Recreation Reserve on May 30 in an important clash for the tone of the Blues’ season.
The Game
Scores
Picola United: 0.1, 4.1, 6.3, 6.7 (43)
Deniliquin Rovers: 3.5, 4.12, 11.17, 13.19 (97)
Goals
Picola United: Joshua Vallender 2, Hayden Brown 2, Sean Solar 2
Deniliquin Rovers: Tyson Willis 7, Nicholas Hay 2, Cameron Wills 2, Isaac Behsman, Alexander Hay
Best
Picola United: Caden Ratcliffes, Sean Solar, Matthew Hore, Clinton Barnes, Dan Walters, Joshua Burns
Deniliquin Rovers: Tyson Willis, Waylan Johncock, Kyle Magro, Alexander Hay, James Falcone, Taj Payne
7°C