Deniliquin Wanderers (left) and Moama Echuca Border Raiders get together before the Clark Jones Memorial Shield game.
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Josh Perizzolo steams through midfield.
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Brad Scroop clears the ball from defence.
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The Deniliquin Wanderers were unsuccessful in winning their first game of the season losing to Moama Echuca Border Raiders in the annual Clark Jones Memorial Shield soccer match.
The game was played at Rotary Park on Saturday, Border Raiders winning 4 to 1 to retain possession of the shield for the third year running.
Wanderers’ player Matt Crothers said the game had significant sentimental meaning to both clubs.
‘‘The annual Clark Jones Memorial soccer match is dedicated to Clark who passed away a few years ago.
‘‘He was a well-loved player and vibrant member of both clubs. He was in Deni’s team first but played for Moama when Deniliquin went into recess.
‘‘He absolutely loved his soccer so it’s our tribute to him every year, keeping his memory alive.’’
Crothers said the team played well and the scoreline did not reflect the closeness of the game.
‘‘We performed really well in a quality game which showed the depth of the squad.
‘‘We were missing five starting players due to unavailability; we’re looking forward to a promising season.’’
Following the match, Border Raiders captain Rob Foran cut his trademark dreadlocks to fundraise for ‘Channel 4 Change’ with a total of $666.90 raised to support the club’s efforts to raise awareness of youth mental health in rural areas.
