On what is always an exciting occasion, the first game of the season, the Deni Rams seniors had an even more exciting launch with three players debuting - new clubmen Zac Lauritsen and Dan Luers, and youngster Miller Fitzpatrick.
In what can only be described as a perfect start to the season, the seniors got a percentage booster first up.
The first quarter started the way everybody could only wish for, with town favourite Ricky Gittens kicking the first goal of the season.
Kicking with the wind we skipped away to a 27-point lead by quarter time with the usual suspects Jake Dick-O’Flaherty, Jack Tyndall, Jayden Pitts and Hayden Barker starting the game well.
It was more of the same in the second with another five goals, and then nine were piled on in the third.
The midfield controlled the entire game, giving our forwards silver service and resulting in 22 goals kicked for the day.
The young brigade of Tom McCallum, Miller Fitzpatrick, Cable Fitzpatrick, Tom Bradley and Ryan MacDonald contributed over the entire game.
The ever-reliable Brayden Hall, John Anstee and Harry Hillier controlled things down back.
With seven multiple goal kickers, it was a difficult task picking the best players.
Awards: Club Awards - Ricky Gittens and Cable Fitzpatrick; Physiofit with Britt - Tom McCallum; Frank n Beans - Harry Hillier and Brayden Hall; Rob Gittens Award - Tom McCallum.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 22.19 (151) def Rumbalara 0.1 (1).
Reseves: Bye.
Under-17s:
The 2023 season has brought a lot of excitement for the Deni Rams thirds as they welcome some new but familiar faces to the Rams family.
After a really strong build up over summer, the coaching team (Todd Gallagher and John Anstee) were looking to measure early success through the intent of the group rather than just the outcome.
With new captain Brodie Park and vice-captain Marcus Moorse leading the way, the team was full of endeavour.
After missing a few early chances, speedster Ollie Fagan got the season off to a good start with the team’s opening goal.
However, through a bit of overuse and the wind being a challenging factor in a low scoring affair, Jake Herberte and Dustin Lawson had to be solid in defence as the Rumbalara team continued to attack.
Despite some impressive efforts from Marcus Moorse and Bryce Lea, the Rams could not capitalise and were narrowly defeated by two late Rumba goals.
Congratulations to Nash Suckling who was named the ‘Player’s Player’ for this week.
Goal kickers - Ollie Fagan, Will Dudley and Luke Todd.
Awards: Deni Driving - Jake Herbert; Rams Voucher - Marcus Moorse, Dustin Lawson, Will Dudley; Club Beanie - Bryce Lea; Player’s Player - Nash Suckling.
Final score: Rumbalara 5.5 (35) def Deniliquin Rams 3.8 (26).
Fourths:
It was a great start for the year, although we started off slow and were only one point in front at quarter time.
Coach Troy Bartlett addressed the side at quarter time and asked them to be more accountable and tighten up on their players.
The boys kicked into gear from the start of the second quarter with some great work through the midfield to find the goals. The backline also worked hard in defence.
We welcomed new players Savannah Emery, Ryder Perrin, Max Murray and Ollie Fuess along with Fred Everett and Ari Strongman playing their first game in fourths.
Goal kickers: Jai Park 6, Luke Moorse 3, Ryder Perrin 2, Oscar Wren 2, and Mathew Pitt 1.
Best players: Mathew Pitt, Jai Park, Henry Robinson, Charlie McCallum, Ryder Perrin and Luke Moorse.
Awards: Park Agriculture - Matthew Pitt; Club Beanie - Jai Park; Club Socks - Henry Robinson; Canteen - Charlie McCallum; Subway - Ryder Perrin.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 14.6 (90) def Rumbalara 3.1 (19).