Deniliquin was first to score through a penalty goal, after some undisciplined play in Bendigo’s defence.

The Miners were quick to reply, after quick passing by playmaker John Jeffries and a scything run from outside centre Phil Thomas resulted in the first try of the match.

Bendigo had the upper hand at the set piece, with the front row being solid at scrum time, and Nick Dehnert and Daniel Fallaver winning plenty of ball at the line out.

Winger Allan Saville and centre Shane Fagavao had plenty of room to run. Deniliquin hit back through an opportunistic try to lead 8-5 at half-time.

The Miners regained the lead when number eight Johneen Fagavoa palmed off several opponents to score a 50m try.

Bendigo kept the momentum going as prop Nicky Poingdestre capitalised on a penalty tap with a try.

The conversion was scored by full-back Josh Manderson.

Fine work at the breakdown by first-gamer Rick Bell and lock Elsie Tuitupou kept Bendigo in control.

At 10 minutes to go, Johneen Fagavoa racked up a second try, after a mistake by the Deniliquin full-back.

Winger Saville scooped up the loose ball and gave a simple pass to Fagavoa to complete a 22-8 victory.

Veteran Hooker Travis Henderson was voted best on ground.

Others to play well were prop Jessie Tuitupou, flanker Daniel Fallaver, flyhalf John Jeffries and full-back Josh Manderson.

Scorers: J. Fagavoa 2, P. Thomas, N. Poingdestre tries. J. Manderson 1 goalTeam: 1. N. Poingdestre, 2. T. Henderson, 3. J. Tuitupou, 4. N. Dehnert, 5. E. Tuitupou, 6. R. Bell, 7. D. Fallaver, 8. J. Fagavoa, 9. N. Potae 10. J. Jeffries, 11. A. Saville, 12. S. Fagavoa, 13. P. Thomas, 14. L. Ericksen 15. J. Manderson, 16. P. Clark, 17. A. Wilkinson.