Ben Nisbet and son Rocky lead the senior Rams out on the field to celebrate his 250th game.
The Deni Rams, undermanned but undeterred, came out with serious intent on Saturday against a Moama outfit riding a wave of recent form.
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From the opening bounce, it was clear the Rams had turned up to play, with Luke Todd and Will Henderson throwing their bodies into every contest and setting a fierce tone that rattled the visitors.
In the ruck, Gus Durnan and Monte Barnes began to assert their influence early, giving the Rams midfield first use.
Up forward, Charlie Hillier proved electric, kicking goals from tight angles that had the crowd on their feet and Moama’s defence scratching their heads.
Down back, Harry Hillier and Brock Redden were rock solid, repelling repeated entries and keeping Moama’s dangerous forwards largely in check.
The Rams’ defensive structure was tight, and their pressure across the ground gave the game a finals-like intensity.
As the final change arrived, just two points separated the sides.
With the game in the balance, Miller Fitzpatrick dug deep in the middle, scrapping for every inch and keeping the ball moving Deni’s way with relentless effort.
In the end, a late goal to Moama proved the difference, with the visitors sneaking home in a nail-biter.
But while the scoreboard favoured Moama, it was the Rams’ heart, grit and team-first football that left the biggest impression.
Deni’s supporters, again out in force, left proud of a performance that typified the club’s spirit.
Against the odds, the Rams proved they belong with the best and won plenty of respect in the process.
Final score: Deni Rams 9.8 (62) def by Moama 11.13 (79).
Best players: Will Henderson, Harry Hillier, Miller Fitzpatrick, Luke Todd, Charlie Hillier, Brock Redden.
Goals: Charlie Hillier 4, Todd Gallagher 2, Jai Park, Mick Barnett, Brodie Elphick.
Reserves
Another hard and cold day on the field, but we were fortunate that Moama weren’t kicking straight for the day.
It was a hard-fought day for the boys playing with four recruits, but their effort was pleasing.
Ben Nisbet ran onto the field for his 250th senior game, along with Brett Macdonald for his 100th.
Final score: Deni Rams 0.2 (2) def by Moama 10.26 (86).
Best players: Lachlan Marshall, Dylan May, Brodie Park, Joel Park, Charles Stevens, Ben Nisbet.
~ Junior reports will be in Friday’s edition.
Harry Hillier gets a kick away under pressure.
Bailey Townsend moves to get the ball out of the pack.
12°C