The Deni Rams fourths picked up their biggest win of the Murray League season, toppling ladder leader Echuca United on Saturday.
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It was a much anticipated clash with the second placed Rams handing the Eagles their first loss of the year.
Deni were led by the inspirational Charlie Hillier, who kicked five goals in a best on ground performance.
Kicking with the aid of a slight breeze in the first term, the Rams kicked four goals to two.
For the remainder of the game the Rams locked down the scoring opportunities of the Eagles, holding them goalless while slotting three themselves.
Harley Hicks controlled the defence with Will McCartney supporting him across half back.
The forwards worked hard, trapping the ball in and building pressure on the Eagles defence.
Luke Todd was a target and marked strongly at centre half forward, with the likes of Tyson Wills, Riley Ives and Marcus Moorse mopping up any loose ball.
Noah Bradley was strong in the centre until injured late in the second term while Angus Wright, Brodie Park and Logan Leiper swapped onball and worked hard to shut their opponents down and were able to get plenty of the ball themselves.
Final score, Deni Rams 7.6 (48) to Echuca Utd 2.3 (15).
The Rams’ thirds were simply no match for an undefeated Eagles side, defeated by 47 points on Saturday.
Deni were kept scoreless in the first half, as Echuca cruised to a 46 point lead at half time.
The Eagles extended their lead to 54 points by three quarter time before the Rams managed to win the last quarter with 3.2 to Echuca’s 2.1.
Cooper Willoughby battled well in the middle in a best on ground performance for the Rams.
Others to perform well included Matthew Moorse, Rusty Milward, Harry Hillier (two goals), Cable Fitzpatrick and Brad Poka.
Final score, Echuca Utd 11.7 (73) to Deni Rams 4.2 (26).
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The Deni Rovers fourths had a strong 127 point win over Jerilderie in round 13 of the Picola & District League at Monash Park on Saturday.
Some great passages of team play and persistent pressure allowed the Roos to dominate the game.
Deagan Purcell kicked six goals from full forward, while Jerah Caruso (three) and Liam East (four) also dominated up forward.
Alvin Cooper was best on ground in the ruck, kicking three as well, while 11 year-old Baxter Cowley was great on a wing.
Other good players included Bryce Lea and Conner Didcock.
Final score, Deni Rovers 21.14 (140) to Jerilderie 2.1 (13).
The Roos thirds travelled to Jerilderie to take on the Demons after a few weeks off.
Deni knew it would be a tough contest from the opening bounce and although they weren’t as clean with the ball as they could have been, the pressure was fantastic.
It seemed like Haydn Mowat brought his own footy to the game registering four majors in the opening half.
Tom Chandler and Ray Murphy led the way with the contested possessions while Tom Blake and Will Martin were again sensational in defence.
In the second half the Rovers put the foot down and were able to limit the Jerilderie scoring while posting seven more majors themselves to check off a good four quarter performance.
Final score, Deni Rovers 14.6 (90) to Jerilderie 7.7 (49).
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Mathoura fourths came up against third placed Strathmerton on Saturday morning and despite going down by 114 points did not disappoint.
With only 15 players the young Timbercutters were up to the hard task of having to run, keep up the tackling pressure, not leave players loose and run in numbers.
Nick Pell is still lucky to have his head attached as he hit everything and took the game on as he does every week without fail, and Rhylan Weekley showed that he can play good football with multiple tackles and hard hitting.
Seth Langman was all class, Kobi Baxter showed he doesn’t know how to spell the words ‘give up’ and added more to a great season. Jake Hullah impressed once again in his first year of footy and Heath Turner had a massive captain’s knock.
Final score, Strathmerton 16.18 (114) to Mathoura no score.
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Blighty’s fourths are just one win away from locking up a spot in the finals following a 12 point win over Tocumwal on Saturday.
The young Redeyes were in a tight battle all day and following a goalless first term by both sides, managed to sneak out to a 13 point lead at half time.
The Bloods clawed their way back into the game in the third, but the Redeyes held their nerve in the last, kicking 2.1 to one straight to close out the game and hold on for their seventh win.
Seth Morris was Blighty’s best, well supported by Will Dudley, Dean Macdonald, Will Bull, Max Caruso and Henry Michael.
Final score, Blighty 6.5 (41) to Tocumwal 4.5 (29).
Blighty’s thirds were outclassed by a strong Tocumwal side, going down to the Bloods by 40 points.
The Redeyes put up a strong fight in the second and last quarters, but the damage was done in the first and third, with Blighty trailing by 55 at three quarter time.
In an impressive display, the Redeyes showed their never give up attitude to outscore Tocumwal 5.2 to 2.5 in the last to peg back the margin.
Billy Michael was declared Blighty’s best and Jack Sides was a livewire up forward, finishing the game with five goals.
Others to play well were Myles Amor, Kane Morris and Ronan Waters.
Final score, Tocumwal 15.13 (103) to Blighty 9.9 (63).