The Deni Rams senior footballers squandered a promising start on Saturday, to end the Murray League season with a disappointing 45-point loss to Echuca United.
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With both sides out of the finals race, there was only pride on the line, and it was a six-goal third term from the home side that proved the difference.
The Eagles’ superior ball movement through the midfield allowed key forwards Scott Beattie and Anthony McMahon to get front position and finish with three goals apiece.
The young Rams were up and about early when midfielder Harry Hillier kicked truly from about 40m out, and Luke Todd won a free kick in front of goal for the side’s second.
And when Charlie Hillier snapped a clever goal on the run, the Rams went into quarter time with a three-point lead and their tails up.
But the Rams lost their way in the second and third terms, failing to kick a goal in either, in what was at times a heated contest.
Bailey Townsend and Darcy Cullenward - two of the side’s more consistent performers this year – threw themselves at the contest and provided some dash out of defence.
Lion-hearted veteran Todd ‘Gags’ Gallagher, in what may have been his last game as he considers retirement, bullocked his way through the packs as he has done for more than 200 games.
But the side broke down across half forward, despite the best efforts of emerging forward Luke Todd and veteran Gus Durnan.
Cameron Robinson played his best game of the season, battling manfully in the ruck for the visitors, as did captain Mick Barnett down back and when he moved forward later in the game.
By the last term, the Rams were well behind. But to their credit, they fought it out to the end.
Much-loved veteran defender John Anstee found himself in unfamiliar territory when shifted to full forward.
Anstee pulled in a couple of grabs and slotted two goals, providing one of the highlights as his teammates rushed from all over the field, recognising that it may also be his last game in the blue and gold.
Liam Pitts - who was playing his 150th senior game - and Barnett also chipped in with goals in the last term, finishing with four majors for the quarter, but it was too little too late.
The Rams finished the year in ninth place, with six wins from their 18 starts.
Rams coach Gary Parsons said overall, there were plenty of positives to take from the year.
“We blooded plenty of young blokes and some guys who’d traditionally played reserves football, and their improvement across the season was evident,” Parsons said.
“Unfortunately, we struggled to string four consistent quarters together, but there were plenty of games where we were right in the contest, and against some of the comp’s better teams too.
“It was hard to fault our endeavour, and we copped a couple of bad injuries early in the season, which didn’t help our cause. But the guys who hung in there can hold their heads high.”
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 7.10 (52) def by Echuca United 14.13 (97).
Best players: Luke Todd, Bailey Townsend, Darcy Cullenward, Cameron Robinson, Harry Hillier, Todd Gallagher.
Goals: John Anstee 2, Mick Barnett, Charlie Hillier, Harry Hillier, Liam Pitts, Luke Todd.
Reserves
The Rams’ reserves rounded out the season with a nine-goal defeat at the hands of home side Echuca United on Saturday.
The ressies made a promising start when veteran Ben Nisbet slotted a goal from a tight angle in the first quarter.
But the seasoned Eagles dominated the contest from that point, slotting five goals in the second term.
The Rams’ better players were ruckman Stephen Todd, who’s had a fine season, and veteran forward Brett Macdonald who slotted a goal and relished a move into the midfield.
Billy Michael and Brad Poka showed plenty of heart in the key defensive posts, while Lachie Cooke showed some dash through the midfield to cap off a consistent year.
Deni’s other goal kicker for day was Charlie Paton. He has shown a lot of potential with his attack on the ball and smart positioning in the midfield.
The Rams finished the season with five wins.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 3.8 (26) def by Echuca United 12.7 (79).
Best players: Stephen Todd, Brett Macdonald, Billy Michael, Ben Nisbet, Brad Poka, Lachie Cooke.
Goals: Brett Macdonald, Ben Nisbet, Charlie Paton.
Thirds
The young Rams travelled to Echuca United on Saturday to take on the sixth placed Eagles.
The boys found it difficult to move past first gear early, which made the game a real battle.
We found ourselves on the back foot all around the ground for most of the match, but to the team’s credit, they still found a way to win the game.
There are lots of lessons to be taken from this one, as we look to hit the ground running in our first final next week.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 5.5 (35) def Echuca United 3.7 (25).
Best players: Rory Smith, Charlie Bull, Ted Wren, Dexter Hardman, Tom Ives, Jack Sander.
Goals: Jai Park 2, Andrew Smith, Josh Todd, Tom Ives.
Fourths
Coming into round 18, the Rams fourths came up against Echuca United.
In what was the last game of the regular season, the Rams were planning on keeping the momentum going.
The first half saw both teams wrestle for momentum as the conditions were very tricky.
It was dewy and wet, which made it difficult to execute skills and move the ball forward.
The Rams had a fast start, kicking five first quarter goals.
Bentley Hardman and Chance Egan really set the tone in the midfield and half forward with pressure around the ball, a good work rate and intent on winning to move the ball forward.
In the second half, Echuca applied pressure and really challenged the young Rams side.
Leaders Ari Strongman and Logan Elphick provided a strong marking and leading option up forward and link with great run and drive through the midfield.
This was a fantastic team effort where every player got a chance to shine, contribute and do their role for the team.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 12.8 (80) def Echuca United 0.0 (0).
Best players: Bentley Hardman, Chanze Egan, Ari Strongman, Logan Elphick, Ollie Murray, Oliver Ives.
Goals: Max Burge 3, Logan Elphick 3, Jaxon Ives 2, Seth Boyer, Jack McGrillen, Jaxon Rothe, Ari Strongman.
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