The Rams thirds posted a hard fought nine point win to upset a heavily favoured Moama in round eight of the Murray League on Saturday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Rams worked hard to build a slender nine point lead at three quarter time but the game was far from over.
Moama came out strong in the final term knowing they were kicking with the wind on their home deck, but the Rams were up to the challenge.
Deni’s tackling pressure and willingness to cover for one another made it impossible for Moama to find space and run the ball.
This was a team victory based on determination, effort, tackling, fitness and a genuine four-quarter effort.
Final score, Deni Rams 5.2 (32) to Moama 3.5 (23).
The Rams fourths had the much anticipated clash with Moama, knowing both sides would be fairly even the game would give an indication of where they sit.
In a tight first quarter the Rams kicked with the aid of a slight breeze and manage only one goal despite controlling a lot of the play.
The backline, led by Harry Dudley and Harley Hicks, repelled the ball to limit Moama’s scoring.
In the second quarter the Rams had numerous scoring opportunities but were inaccurate kicking 2.5.
The forwards had plenty of opportunity with Bede Orr, Will McCartney and Brodie Park dominating in the air and around the ground.
In the second half the game tightened up with the ball rebounding from end to end. Stand in captain Miller Fitzpatrick and Logan Leiper had a cracking games dominating in the centre and across half back.
In a low scoring game Charlie Paton, Angus Wright, Noah Bradley and Tyson Willis kicked a goal each.
After the game the song was sung with gusto as this was a great win for the young Rams. Coach Tim Hillier was proud of the of the 21 boys who took to the ground as each and every one of them stood up and played there role.
‘‘All we ask for week in week out is a contest when the ball is in your area and we got that today (Saturday),’’ he said.
‘‘Now we need to be able to reproduce the same effort next week and the week after that.’’
He also thanked the families that make the effort each week to get the boys to the games and provide support. To cap off the win Brodie Park was given a ball signed by all his teammates to celebrate his 50th game
On a day where everyone played well the best players where Miller Fitzpatrick, Logan Leiper, Bede Orr, Brodie Park, Harley Hick and Will McCartney.
Final score, Deni Rams 4.9 (33) to Moama 3.3 (21).
●●●
It was a tough day for the Blighty thirds in round eight of the Picola & District League, proving no match for third placed Katunga in a 121 point thumping at Blighty Recreation Reserve.
The Redeyes were kept scoreless in the first half, with their opponent scoring freely.
Better players for Blighty were Jack Charlton, Billy Michael, Kane Morris (two goals) and Charlie Waters.
Final score, Katunga 18.17 (125) to Blighty 2.2 (14).
Blighty’s fourths claimed their biggest win of the season, knocking off 2018 runner-up Katunga by 17 points.
It was a tight encounter for the first three quarters, with the Swans holding a slender three point lead at three quarter time.
The Redeyes were desperate for a win however, kicking 3.2 to no score to storm home to victory.
Blighty’s best players on the day were Will Dudley, Dean Macdonald (two goals), Dustin Lawson, Harry McIlwain, Max Caruso and Seth Morris (one).
Final score, Blighty 6.5 (41) to Katunga 3.6 (24).
●●●
Mathoura’s fourths struggled against an undefeated Rennie side on Saturday, going down by a whopping 216 points at Rennie.
The Hoppers dominated the contest, but to the Timbercutters’ credit they fought on and even managed a goal off the boot of Heath Turner.
Mathoura’s better players on a tough day were Kyle Magro, Thomas Wippel, Adam Lothian, Tom Lothian, Josh Wright and Leroy Edwards
Final score, Rennie 33.24 (222) to Mathoura 1.0 (6).