Jayden Pitts gathers the ball after the contest went to the ground. Photos by Wayne Bradley.
The Deni Rams dug in to win a hard fought match against an improving Finley outfit on Saturday.
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With an undermanned line-up for a variety of reasons, things were made even more difficult losing Ricky Gittens to a hamstring injury in the first 10 minutes.
Deni had a number of players in new roles for the first time this year, and the leadership team was pleased to see all stood up when it mattered most.
Final score: Deni 10.5 (65) def FInley 8.10 (58).
Jake Dick-O’Flaherty set up the win for Deni in the first half with his speed and ball use, whilst Cable Fitzpatrick, Brayden Hall and Jack Tyndall all played important roles in defence despite the absence of skipper John Anstee.
Ryan MacDonald and Brady Trottman were terrific running up and down the wings all day
The reserves also had some success on the road against their arch rivals, responding well after a round nine loss to Cobram to come away with a gritty 9-point victory.
Final score: Deni 4.10 (34) def Finley 3.7 (25).
Charlie Dudley played his first game for the year, dominating on the wing.
Jack Sides took intercept marks at will preventing the home side from scoring opportunities, playing his best game for the year.
Ruckman Ben East continued his rich rein of form, providing the midfield with first use of the ball as well getting plenty of the ball himself.
Ever reliable midfielders Logan Ives and Aiden Free both put in solid four quarter performances.
James Bradford also played well with some strong tackling and got plenty of the ball.
Goalkickers: Jayden Caniglia, Darcy Cullenward, Aiden Free and Shane Werner.
In what was expected to be a hotly contested and physical game, the thirds from Deni and Finley did not disappoint.
It was Deni youngster Ben Crossley who hit the score board first after a 50m penalty, and the boys were excited.
The score board see sawed goal-for-goal until mid way through the last quarter, where the Rams took control.
They came away with a solid win, moving them to fourth on the ladder.
Final score: Deni 9.4 (58) def FInley 5.4 (34).
Chase Bartlett was a star for the fourths.
Luke Todd was instrumental in the backline, taking some great contested marks and keeping Finley’s leading goal kicker goalless with backline support from Bobby Hall and Harry Dudley.
The mid field continued their momentum with Leiper and Fitzpatrick dominating.
Best players: Logan Leiper, Miller Fitzpatrick, Harry Dudley, Charlie Hillier, Bobby Hall and Will Bull.
The Rams fourths were pumped to get a win on the board after a couple of losses.
Coach Troy Bartlett wanted intensity from the first bounce, which the boys gave in very dewy conditions.
Jack Sander was given an opportunity to go up forward, and he certainly made the most of it kicking four goals.
Chase Bartlett, Charlie Bull and Oscar Marshall each kicked two apiece, with singles to Jai Park, Henry Robinson and Mathew Pitt.
Finley got their first and only goal in the third quarter, with Deni’s backline working hard all game.
Best players: Sam Crossley, Charlie Bull, Oscar Wren, Mathew Pitt, Tomas Murray and Charlie McCallum.
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