The Drovers had first use of a strong wind and used it to good effect to lead 29-7 at half-time.

Bendigo’s points came from a clean line break by centre Johneen Fagavao to score under the posts, and Josh Manderson converted.

Fagavao again broke through early in the second half with an unconverted try to cut the deficit to 20 points.

A penalty to Deniliquin stretched its lead to 20.

From halfway through the second period, the Miners took control.

Fagavao made some more line breaks, putting centre James Learai through for a hat-trick of tries.

Winger Jeremy Solomon also crossed for a try after receiving a basketball-style pass from Fagavao on the quarter line. The diminutive winger beat three tackles en route to the corner.

Learai’s third try was converted by Manderson to put the Miners in the lead at 34-32 in the second minute of injury time.

From the resumption, the Drovers took play into the Bendigo quarter, where they won a kickable penalty. However, the attempt shaved the outside of the posts.

In the sixth minute of time on, Manderson chip kicked ahead near the halfway line, regathered the ball and outpaced the defence to score under the posts.

The Tyson’s Reef Hotel player of the day award went to Johneen Fagavao.

Others to shine included Manderson, lock Brendan Westley, flanker Lyndon Tuitupou, Jeremy Solomon and skipper Nick Dehnert.

This Saturday the Miners play the Border Army Dogs in the minor semi-final at North Bendigo’s Shadforth Park at 3pm.