The round nine clash will this time be held in Deniliquin, at Hardinge St Oval, tomorrow.
The Rams hosted ladder-leaders Congupna last weekend and suffered a 118 point loss, which is about par for the course against the reigning premiers who now have an average winning margin of 129 points this season.
Rams coach Gary Parsons said there was plenty of heart shown in the senior football performance against the clear front-runners of the competition.
“I couldn’t fault our effort, but we were soundly beaten,” Parsons said.
“In all my years, I haven’t seen too many better running sides in the Murray League than this Congupna side.
“We played well in the third quarter. We got the footy and shared it around, slowing some of their momentum.
“We also shut down one of their better players, but then six more popped up.
“They were super quick, and it showed, but our boys never give up.
“Also, we could’ve had eight or nine goals instead of four, as we missed a couple of easier shots on goal.”
“Although to lose by just over 100 points, it is pretty convincing, and they’re a bloody good side.”
This weekend the Rams are against a Cats side who have only had two wins this season - a 21 point win against Barooga two rounds ago, and a 15 point win coming against the Rams in the round three Good Friday match in Finley.
That game saw the return of former AFL star Tom Hawkins to Murray League football.
The local grudge match aside, the Rams have extra reason to win this weekend with several big senior football milestones as well as finals ladder position on the line.
This weekend is Todd Gallagher’s 200th seniors game, as well as John Anstee’s 100th.
Parsons said Gallagher consistently adds a lot as an inspiration to the team.
“He’s been a real asset in the midfield and up forward. He always gives a strong presence at the contest and is super strong.
“Every player walks taller when he’s in the team.
“He’s also always a consistent player and wouldn’t have played many bad games out of that 200.
“He deserves every accolade that comes his way.”
For the Rams, the game plan against Finley this weekend is to return to the fundamentals that have them sitting sixth on the ladder, with the side hoping to get rolling again with a win at home in round nine.
“We’ve got to go back to basics against Finley this week,” Parsons said.
“It’s always a good contest against them and this is a pretty vital clash.
“From fifth to 12th on the ladder, it is very even. We’ve got to get back to running hard.
“We want to get a bit of momentum going again after last week.
“Regardless, I think it’s a pretty important game for both teams.”
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