The Deniliquin Rovers travelled through fog and temporary sunshine on Saturday to take on the Strathmerton Bulldogs.
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In the seniors, the ninth placed Rovers required a win to stay within striking distance of the top eight against the third placed Bulldogs.
The last match of the day got under way in fairly muddy conditions and overcast skies.
Both teams were raring to go, but the home side started better, kicking the first three goals of the match in the first ten minutes.
The Rovers weathered the Bulldogs’ fiery momentum before getting goals through Hayden Barker and forward line pressure.
By quarter time, the Rovers had got it back to three goals a piece, trailing 20 to 23.
At the start of the second quarter, it was the Rovers who started much better.
A Rovers onslaught saw the visiting team hold a five goal lead at one stage.
Despite an injury to Barker early in the second, the away side held a four goal lead at half-time.
In the third quarter, Strathy fired some warning shots by kicking two straight goals. But the Rovers increased their buffer by kicking four.
Holding a 37 point lead at three-quarter time, the Rovers were determined for a crucial win.
In a cagey last term, the Rovers only conceded one point while adding one goal and four behinds of their own to complete the match 46 points up.
The Rovers team performance was led by the midfield contributors Alex Hay, Tyson Willis and Cam Wills who all rotated forward, each kicking a goal with Willis kicking two.
Jayden Pitts led the forward line with three goals, with spearhead Hayden Barker going off after kicking two.
Brody Wills was the other critical multiple goal kicker, with Jimmy Falcone and Joey Hay also each kicking one.
Coming into the ruck, Bobby Hall helped get the Rovers over the line, with Taj Payne also important with his connection and attack on the ball.
It was an important win, but the Rovers remain in ninth and will need to continue to win and boost their percentage to keep up their end of season hopes.
Final score: Strathmerton 6.7 (43) def by Deni Rovers 13.11 (89).
Goals: Jayden Pitts 3, Brody Wills 2, Hayden Barker 2, Tyson Willis 2, Jimmy Falcone, Cam Wills, Joey Hay, Alex Hay.
Best: Alex Hay, Bobby Hall, Jayden Pitts, Taj Payne, Cam Wills, Tyson Willis.
Reserves
As the boys edge closer to finals, the stage was set for a huge clash against Strathmerton.
Both sides were fighting for a top-four spot and the valuable double chance.
Rovers exploded out of the blocks, getting numbers to every contest and linking up well to move the ball into attack.
Their fast start earned them a two-goal lead at quarter time.
The Bulldogs responded in the second term with a couple of majors of their own, but the Rovers maintained the pressure, adding another three goals before the main break.
The home side continued to dominate the contested ball in the second half, running away with the match to record a convincing seven-goal-plus victory.
Harry Mcilwain made an outstanding return from injury, kicking five goals and earning a place among the best players.
Harry Turner also made a successful comeback after a few weeks on the sidelines, finishing with three goals.
Ben Littmann provided a strong target up forward, kicking one goal, while Hayden Gardiner capped off a strong performance with a cracking goal on the run.
Dylan Mills was shifted into the ruck and dominated the contest to be named best on ground, closely followed by Andy May, who produced a master class in the midfield.
Darby Watson and James Gilligan were also among the best, providing plenty of run, drive and leadership throughout the day.
Final score: Strathmerton 4.1 (25) def by Deni Rovers 11.8 (74).
Goals: Harry Mcilwain 5, Harry Turner 3, Ben Littmann, Hayden Gardiner.
Best: Dylan Mills, Andrew May, Darby Watson, Harry Mcilwain, James Gilligan.