Milestone game for Rams A-grade

Elle Panton makes a pass for A-grade.

A-grade: Deni Rams 58 def Echuca 41.

The Rams were ready for a tight game after some unexpected results across the top six placed teams in recent weeks.

The Rams came out firing and showed a display of precision and dominance across the court in the first quarter, enjoying a 14 goal lead at the first break.

This allowed them to settle in and enjoy the remainder of the game, including the sinking of their 1000th goal for the 2023 season.

Min Seignior was strong and persistent in her defensive pressure and created drive into attack.

Under pressure, Rhiannan Maxwell seems to be able to increase her level of intensity and continues to thrive and dominate at the top of her game.

The players unanimously voted the special ‘RUOK? award’ to Chris Mitsch. It recognised his constant devotion to player welfare across all netball grades, but especially as a valued member of the Rams A-grade team.

Other awards: Endeavour Wool Exports - Min Seignior; Club Award - Rhiannan Maxwell.

B-grade: Rams 60 def Echuca 45.

The round 19 clash with Echuca carried some extra weight, with the opportunity to secure a spot in the top six up for grabs.

A tight hustle unfolded, but after half-time the Rams were able to go up a gear and found themselves enjoying a good win.

Youngsters Ava Robinson, Phoebe Jefferies and Kate Westcott were valued additions to the team this week.

Kayla Hussey was solid and accurate and showed her versatility, adjusting to WA with accurate feeds.

She was complimented by Leah Blake who continues to impress under the ring with her strength and positioning.

The special ‘RUOK? award’ was voted by the players, and went to Steph Birk.

She is always ‘there if you need’ and is a valued and much-loved member of the entire A-B squad.

Other awards: Jamie & Faye Park - Kayla Hussey; Globe Hotel - Leah Blake.

C-grade: Deni Rams 50 def Echuca 35.

No report received.

Awards: Druitt Earthworks - Lily Van Houting; Total Bliss - Natalie Free; Globe Hotel - Mel Broadbent; RUOK? - Sophie Dudley.

C-reserve: Echuca 46 def Rams 28.

As they have done all season, the team embraced another opportunity to be out on court.

Each player has been open to learning, being the best netballer they can be and ultimately having a great day out.

One of the players that has improved each week, and has a thirst to be better, is Keely Hussey.

Keely starred this week in the defensive end. She contested rebounds, took intercepts and worked super hard through the midcourt.

Carla Crossley also had a great game. She has been working on strong drives which benefited the team this week.

Ayla Nganeko played a consistent game. Her court fitness has improved out of sight this season, which has really supported her to execute and polish her skills.

Awards: Country Waste Systems - Keely Hussey; Globe Hotel - Carla Crossley; Globe Hotel - Ayla Naaneko; RUOK? - Jerah Henderson.

Under-17s: Deni Rams 37 def Echuca 30.

It was great to back out on the court this week after the bye.

Echuca United are always a tough competitor, and we knew we needed to be at our best to take the win.

The whole team put together four quarters of patient and controlled netball, with the scoreboard in our favour at each break.

Sophie Hillier has started to find her feet and played consistently, and ensured that her opponents earned their possessions.

Stella White was super accurate and made smart decisions through the shooting circle. She was also a great option through the midcourt.

The ever reliable vice captain Mia Parks could not be faulted again. Mia’s defensive pressure and ability to feed the circle are definitely her strengths which we saw in action this week.

Awards: Murray Constructions - Sophie Hillier; Club Scarf - Stella White; Club Award - Mia Parks; RUOK? - Carla White.

Under-15s: Deni Rams 48 def Echuca 19.

The girls came looking their best for team photos on Saturday, and certainly came to play their best as well.

It was a great game by every single player on the court.

Hannah McBurnie was an absolute standout in GK for one of her best games. She was coming out for intercepts and putting her body on the line to chase the loose ball.

She also capitalised on every missed goal by snatching up the rebounds.

Aysha Mitsch had a blinder through the midcourt. Her effort was 100 per cent.

She drove hard to the top of the circle to feed into her shooters and was always determined to get herself a few turnovers.

Molly Bradley was every reliable and had a fantastic game, not putting a foot wrong from the moment she won the captains toss before the game.

Highlighting RUOK? day on Saturday, the Rams had a special award for each grade that went to someone that is a great teammate, a great friend and always kind to others.

This went to Phoebe Newman.

Other awards: Sam & Carla Armytage - Hannah McBurnie; Club Beanie - Aysha Mitsch; Intersport Deniliquin - Molly Bradley.

Under-13s: Echuca 29 def Rams 8.

The Rams were determined to give one last crack at having a chance to take out the 6th spot on the ladder.

The girls in the spirit of the ‘RUOK?’ day round got around each other and left everything out on the court.

When the final whistle blew, the girls were happy with how they put it to the well oiled Echuca side.

Lucy Crossley was fierce in the shooting ring and was able to be a supportive leader within her team.

Lexi Butcher hit the ring with precision. Her drives down the court were hard and left her opponent on the back foot every time.

Bella Hillier’s grunt and speed saw her gain much needed possession of the ball.

Two supporting injured players, Phoebe Thomas and Arielle Hillier, had the job of choosing the RUOK? award, which was awarded to Bella Muldoon for her caring and supportive personality toward her team all through the season.

Other awards: Club Beanie - Lucy Crossley; Intersport Deniliquin - Lexi Butcher; McDonald’s - Bella Hillier.

Under-1ss: Not scored.

No report received.

Awards: Club Award - Harriett Maher; Intersport Deniliquin - Zara O’Donnell; McDonald’s - Aysha Bartlett; RUOK? - Stella Chadderton.

Bella Muldoon is looking for options to pass in the Under-13s game.
Emma Wettenhall looks to make a pass in the Under-13s game.