The Rams' senior footballers put in a valiant effort in their round 19 Murray league clash against Mulwala.
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The match was set to be a hard fought challenge against Mulwala a top four side fighting for finals position.
The Rams created scoring opportunities, particularly in the second quarter but were unable to stem the attacking flow of an experienced Lions outfit.
The Rams finish the home and away season this week with another tough task against ladder leaders Congupna.
Final score: Deni Rams 3.9 (27) def by Mulwala 24.11 (155).
Goals: Miller Fitzpatrick, Monte Barnes, Riley Hamilton.
Best: Will Henderson, Miller Fitzpatrick, Duncan Hughes, Cable Fitzpatrick, Zac Free, Jonty Tubb.
Reserves
The Ressies went down by 78 points in a much closer match than the scoreboard indicated, at times controlling possession and field dominance, but again unable to convert enough opportunities into goals.
With Mulwala fourth on the ladder, it was going to be an uphill battle, and accurate kicking by the visitors put the Rams under pressure from the start.
Four goals from Dean McDonald saw some reward for effort for the team, with Will Martin and Kai Hillier contributing on the scoreboard too.
Riley McLeod made a welcome return with a best on ground performance.
Brody Thomas, battling through injury, was again tireless in the ruck.
Zack Thompson, Jackson Campbell and Brent Freeman were terrific around the ground also.
It was a team performance that showed a lot of promise for another tough game next week against Congupna.
Final score: Deni Rams 6.4 (40) def by Mulwala 18.10 (118).
Goals: Dean Macdonald 4, Kai Hillier, Will Martin.
Best: Riley McLeod, Brody Thomas, Zack Thompson, Dean Macdonald, Jackson Campbell, Brent Freeman.
Thirds
The Rams thirds produced a thrilling one-point victory over Mulwala in a hard-fought round 19 contest.
The boys showed plenty of determination and teamwork throughout the match, with neither side willing to give an inch.
The Rams thrived on the back of having an almost full-strength side compete for the first time this year, as they worked hard around the contest, creating opportunities and applying pressure across the ground.
Their composure in the final stages proved crucial as they held on to secure a narrow win.
Final score: Deni Rams 6.6 (42) to Mulwala 6.5 (41).
The boys can be proud of their effort, commitment and resilience in a close game that went right down to the wire.
It was a fantastic team effort against a top four side with plenty to get excited about as we approach the finals series this year.
Goals: Spencer Cowley, Luke Moorse, Max Burge, Oscar Wren, Chase Bartlett, Tom Murray.
Best: Charlie McCallum, Oscar Wren, Luke Moorse, Matthew Pitt, Ted Wren, Max Burge.
Fourths
The Deni Rams under-14s continued their impressive run of form with a dominant victory over Mulwala.
The boys controlled the game from the opening bounce, continuing to build their lead each quarter and keeping Mulwala scoreless.
Sitting in third place, the Rams have just one match remaining in the home-and-away season before beginning their finals campaign.
The team is hitting great form at the perfect time and will be looking to carry this momentum into finals.
Final score: Deni Rams 11.6 (72) def Mulwala 0.0 (0).
Goals: Lachie Tritton 3, Henry Pisasale 2, Angus Henderson 2, Tom Marshall, Charlie Murray, Angus Burge, Jaxon Rothe.
Best: Rocky Sztejman, Jaxon Ives, Angus Henderson, Jaxon Rothe, Jarrah Valentine.