The Deniliquin Rams junior footballers will continue to fly the flag for the club after advancing following the first round of the Murray League finals at the weekend.
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Unfortunately, both the club’s finals netball sides had different fates and were eliminated after putting up a fight.
The thirds and fourths footballers will play on in the semi-finals in Cobram this Sunday.
Results from the elimination finals are as follows.
Football
Thirds
The Rams produced an outstanding performance in their elimination final against Echuca United, running away with a 54-point victory.
From the opening bounce, the Rams played with great intensity and determination, applying strong pressure and moving the ball well through the midfield.
Their defensive efforts were equally impressive, with the backline working hard to restrict Echuca United’s scoring opportunities.
As the game progressed, the Rams continued to build momentum, with strong teamwork and excellent running football creating plenty of scoring chances.
Every player contributed, and the boys showed great composure and discipline when it mattered most.
It was a fantastic team effort and a reward for the hard work and commitment shown throughout the season.
Final score: Rams 10.8 (68) def Echuca United 2.2 (14).
Goals: Oscar Wren 3, Henry Robinson, Logan Elphick, Spencer Cowley, Luke Moorse, Ollie Ives, Ollie Murray, and Mitch Grimwood.
Fourths
The under-14s have kept their finals campaign alive with a thrilling 3-point victory over Nathalia in a tense first elimination final.
The Rams controlled the game early, leading at every change and building a handy 15-point lead at three-quarter time.
Nathalia came storming home in the final term, but the Rams showed tremendous composure and determination to hold on for a memorable win.
Rocky Sztejman was incredible through the midfield, winning plenty of the ball and driving the Rams forward all day.
Angus Burge led our back line, and together they were rock solid all day, while Will Crossley and Jaxon Rothe contributed strongly in the forward line.
Final score: Rams 4.3 (27) def Nathalia 3.6 (24).
Goals: Angus Henderson 2, Jaxon Ives, and Jaxon Rothe.
Netball
Under-17s: Rams 33 def by Rumbalara 48
The under-17s started strong in their elimination final against Rumbalara on Sunday, with a hard fought first quarter by both teams.
It was hard to split the two in the first, with the Rams trailing by only two at quarter time.
Brydey Maher worked tirelessly on the defensive wing for the entire match, applying much needed pressure outside the goal circle.
Bella Hillier and Georgia Henderson played solid games through the midcourt, while Sienna Elphick used her agility effectively in attack and was also able to turn over numerous balls defensively.
Our combination of ring defenders - Alice Circuitt, Ava Marshall and Hannah McBurnie - battled strongly all game and goalers Phoebe Newman and Zoe Circuitt did their best against the aerial Rumba defence.
Despite a great season by the girls, they were unable to come home with the win.
They did, however, stay united as a team during the match and never gave up.
Under-13s: Rams 20 def by Mulwala 21
The girls had everyone on the edge of their seats from the very first whistle.
It was a game full of intensity, quick turnovers and an incredible conversion rate, with every player giving absolutely everything until the final siren.
Harriet Maher and Aysha Bartlett combined beautifully in the circle, creating space, keeping the circle open and shooting with fantastic accuracy under enormous pressure.
Through the midcourt, Lexi Maher, Stella Butcher, Stevie Williams, Bailee Dunn and Charlotte King were powerhouses, working tirelessly in both attack and defence and creating some outstanding passages of play.
Down the defensive end, Julia Smith and Chloe Marshall once again owned the circle, applying relentless pressure and shutting down every opportunity that came their way.
Although the final result wasn’t quite what the girls were hoping for, to go down by just ONE goal in their very first finals campaign is an incredible achievement.