It was a very warm day that felt like finals weather when the Deniliquin Rams travelled to Congupna for round 16 of the Murray League.
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We always knew we were going to be hard against it playing a well drilled and fit Congupna side, who have dominated this season, but we still went in and tried to focus on our defence and tackling.
Our backline held up well in the first quarter and the midfield picked up later in the quarter, moving the ball better in the last 10 minutes.
In the second quarter, Zac Free led the way with his tackling pressure, but we lost the territory battle.
Charlie Hillier found his pocket with a great snap, giving the Rams their first goal for the day.
The midfield tried mixing it up in the centre, but Congupna were just too good.
Miller Fitzpatrick kicked a torp in the third that led to an instant centre clearance goal for Angus Durnan.
Jai Park was rewarded a free kick in the goal square for his tackling abilities, giving the youngster his 11th goal for the day. He had kicked 10 earlier in the day, in the thirds game.
Mick Barnett, our Mr reliable in the backline, stood up with multiple strong contested wins, as did John Anstee.
Cameron Robinson worked hard in the ruck and was strong all game.
Brodie Elphick played his best game for the season with great attack on the footy. Luke Todd also had a great defensive game, slotting our last goal of the day.
It was also pleasing that seven of the senior players today also played together in the winning 2019 fourths grand final, excluding Noah Bradley, who is out injured, and Marcus Moorse.
The fourth quarter couldn’t finish quick enough.
With Congupna’s 51 scoring attempts to our seven, we were lucky it wasn’t a bigger margin of defeat.
The boys will have a week off to prepare for a game against Rumbalara.
Final score: Congupna 22.29 (161) def Deniliquin 3.3 (27).
Best players: Miller Fitzpatrick, Mick Barnett, Brodie Elphick, John Anstee, Todd Gallagher, Zac Free.
Goals: Charlie Hillier, Jai Park, Angus Durnan, Luke Todd.
Reserves
Things don’t get any easier for our Magoos.
With a depleted side this week, and with some late withdrawals, we had to play 16 on the field with two on the bench.
But for those that did rock up once again, their effort could not be faltered.
Conditions were warm, but they kept up the energy and effort.
Angus Lawson was a welcome player this week. It was great to have him come back and have a run with the boys.
Jack Sander was our only goal kicker, and he was quick to celebrate with an energetic backflip. Sander is predominately a backman, so he was pleased with himself.
Final score: Congupna 19.20 (134) def Deniliquin 1.1 (7).
Best players: Jonathon Tubb, Stephen Todd, Brett Macdonald, Lachie Grimison, Ollie Fagan.
Goals: Jack Sander.
Thirds
It was a perfect day for footy, with the sun shining and Deni back on the winner's list in emphatic fashion.
The coach challenged the midfield group to get first hands on the ball, and they responded strongly, setting the tone after quarter time.
With clean delivery and sustained pressure, Deni capitalised on their dominance, piling on goals and with multiple goalscorers highlighted a strong team performance, with the side running out 95 point winners.
Final score: Deniliquin 18.8 (116) defeated Congupna 3.3 (21).
Goals: Jai Park 10, Chase Bartlett 3, Thomas Rourke 2, Dexter Hardman, Jack Sander, Andrew Smith.
Best players: Jai Park, Chase Bartlett, Luke Moorse, Tynen Rothe, Tom Rourke and Max Murray.
Fourths
In a very close first quarter, the Rams managed to be in front by one point.
In a tough first half with very dewy conditions, the contest was being played tightly with big tackles, in close hands and pushing numbers forward.
Angus Burge and Tom Marshall were rock solid in the backline, repelling every entry. Gus’ positioning, defensive effort and attack on the ball was first class.
Tom provided a great link to the forward line, showcasing promising leads and bringing the pressure.
Chance Egan gave Deni first use in the midfield with dominance, winning the ball and moving it forward.
Logan Elphick and Ari Strongman were solid contributors, serving as big targets in the forward line and providing 10 goals between them.
Final score: Deniliquin 15.14 (104) def Congupna 3.1 (19).
Best players: Gus Burge, Chanze Egan, Lachie Tritton, Tom Marshall, Kade Golds.
Goals: Logan Elphick 7, Ari Strongman 3, Angus Henderson, Jaxon Ives, Jaxon Rothe, Oliver Ives, Rocky Sztejman.
Goulburn Murray Junior League
Under-12s:
The boys hit the field with serious intent this week, delivering a cracking game full of energy, teamwork, and sheer determination.
We were facing a tough opponent in Rochester, in what was a highly competitive and hard-fought match.
Despite the team's best efforts, we were narrowly defeated.
As a team, we were at every contest and showing no hesitation when the ball was up for grabs.
Our relentless pressure and courage at ground level lifted the team and set the tone early.
From the outset, the boys showed great determination and resilience.
The first half was a battle, with both teams creating numerous opportunities.
Our defence stood firm, with Jimmy O’Connor and Ollie Bull making crucial tackles and pulling off several key saves.
In the second half, the opposition came out with renewed intensity and managed to break the deadlock with a well-executed goal.
However, our team didn't give up.
Nate Fitzpatrick and Ollie Dellwo showed great skill and leadership, pushing forward and creating chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find the equaliser.
The boys had grit and guts, showing serious determination across all four quarters against a taller, well drilled opposition.
Whether it was laying a tackle or chasing down an opponent, we never stopped working for the team.
It was a week that showcased not just talent, but toughness, teamwork, and heart. Keep bringing that energy into the next round, boys!
Final score: Rochester Tigers 6.1 (37) def Rams 3.6 (24).
Awards: Ollie Dellwo, Jimmy O’Connor, Nate Fitzpatrick, and Ollie Bull.
Goals: Nate Fitzpatrick 2, Fletcher Smith.
Under-10s:
Coach Jack Eastman was back, and the boys responded with a comprehensive performance against the Moama Magpies Red team on Friday night.
This was the last away match for the year, and the Lambs put on a fine display of running football under lights on the magnificently manicured Moama oval.
Lenny Maher led the way with some strong grabs up forward to be named Farley’s Plumbing best on ground. He had four shots on goal for a return of 1.3.
Leroy Fisicaro was also in fine form with his run through the midfield, slotting two goals to receive the McDonalds award, which was helpful for the stop on the way home.
Ameerah Clancy was another strong performer, attacking the ball to win the Cruizin* Diner award, while Mason Elphick was another to impress with his silky skills on display, taking home the other McDonalds accolade.
Jackson Catt and Ned Hussey chipped in with two goals apiece, while singles were slotted by Bailey Cabral, Asher Parsons, George Pisasale, Oliver Hall, Jake Woolston, and ruckman Jetta Macdonald.
Another all round team performance heading into the final round of the season. Well done!
Final score: Not scored.
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