Rowe shines under the lights

RETURNING Renmark veteran Jaryd Rowe wound back the clock on Saturday night in round one of the Riverland Football League’s A grade competition, helping his side to a 25-point victory over Berri at Renmark Oval.

Rowe missed the entirety of last season with injury, and with a new role in the attacking part of the ground, he was able to stand tall in the absence of several star Rovers.

Renmark was taking on a Berri side which had a major off-season period, turning over several players, so there was a large level of unknown around the Demons’ setup.

In front of a healthy crowd under lights, it was Berri which got the jump early, taking a four-point lead into quarter time.

The Rovers were able to shift into gear soon after, kicking three goals to two, with Rowe making a genuine scoreboard impact.

Carrying a four-point lead into the second half, Renmark largely failed to make the most of its opportunities, converting just two of eight chances.

Berri were far more accurate, closing the deficit to nine points with two goals of its own in the quarter to remain in the match.

With the game in the balance ahead of the final term, Renmark put the result beyond doubt with four goals early, to two of Berri’s, enabling the healthy victory.

Rowe was a dominant force up forward, slotting five majors in a performance that was worthy of winning the Anzac Medal, while debutant Corey Munn booted two.

Experienced pair Liam Jackson and Dan Woolford both kicked one, while fellow debutant Lachlan Keynes also hit the scoreboard.

New Rovers skipper Zach Gartery gave his midfield first use, and Josh Vater reaped the rewards, while Declan Johnson thrived in a new role through the midfield.

Harrison Brown rebounded well out of the back half for the Rovers, while Berri recruit Bailey White was valiant against his former side, in a strong effort across the ground.

Renmark will remain at home this weekend to face off against a Loxton side that will be full of confidence after a win over Loxton North.

It’s set to be a healthy crowd at the Kennel yet again, as the Rovers celebrate their Ladies Day, with tickets available at (https://tinyurl.com/5n7swpx8).

Berri will also celebrate its Ladies Day when it plays on home turf for the first time in 2026, taking on arch-rival Barmera-Monash at Berri Oval.

Both matches begin from the traditional timeslot of 2.40pm, with Berri’s clash with the Roos to be broadcasted live on 5RM.