Rams rue missed chances against Rumba

The Rams dominated the last quarter but could only manage 1.6 while holding Rumba to just one point, to lose by nine points.

Final score: Rumbalara 8.10 (58) to Deniliquin 6.13 (49).

It was a low-scoring arm wrestle, with Rumba’s superior skill by foot probably the difference in the end, with Deniliquin - without key forwards Todd Gallagher, Cooper Willoughby and Charlie Hillier - struggling to find an avenue to goal.

Rumba kicked a goal right on the three-quarter-time siren to stretch the margin to 20 points, their biggest lead of the game.

Deni’s best was Sam Willoughby who almost lifted his team to victory.

Unfortunately, the gun onballer could only middle one of seven shots on goal, however his class around the contest was a standout all game.

Darcy Cullenward continued his rise in the senior ranks, taking some strong marks in the last line of defence and effecting several strong spoils on his dangerous Rumba opponent.

Rams vice skipper Will Henderson was at his industrious best around the midfield contests, while Luke Todd played his best senior game when moved from the forward line to the wing with some strong marks.

Young gun Jai Park continued to impress, starting across half back and then moving forward and providing the highlight of the match with a spectacular hanger.

The Rams’ other vice captain Harry Hillier did a fine job keeping the dangerous Michael Mummery to two goals, while veteran forward Gus Durnan led the scoring with two goals and 15 year-old Chase Bartlett was another to impress on the wing with his run and pressure.

Rams coach Gary Parsons said he couldn’t fault his team’s effort but rued their missed chances in front of goal, especially in the last term.

“Overall, I’m really happy with our development as a team, and a young team.

“We just couldn’t nail our chances, but I can’t fault our endeavour. The guys are playing for each other and our younger guys are getting better and being exposed to senior football, which is great for the future.

“Guys like Ben East and Cam Robinson are shouldering the ruck work and I thought they did a great job on Saturday again, even though there are relatively new to that position.

“We haven’t been blown away by any sides and hopefully we can get a few blokes back (after the bye) who can help us score more goals. Our defence is holding up well and our fitness has been good, which showed in the last quarter (against Rumba), we just didn’t take our chances.”

Best players: Sam Willoughby, Darcy Cullenward, Will Henderson, Jai Park, Luke Todd, Harry Hillier.

Goals: Angus Durnan 2, Sam Willoughby, Jai Park, Mick Barnett, Riley Hamilton.

Reserves

We welcomed new recruits Lachie Grimison and Patty Westcott to the team, along with past players Brad Poka, Jackson Jefferies and Jack Tonta having a run.

A slow start cost the Rams reserve against Rumbalara on Saturday, as the home side jumped out to an early lead.

It wasn't until the third quarter that the Rams were able to fight back, with Ayden Matthews dominating in the ruck and the visitors were able to win some centre clearances and get back in the match.

Deni closed to within three goals, however the home team pulled away in the last term to run out 40 point winners.

Brodie McQuie and Jack Tonta were Deni's best players, both crashing into packs and fighting hard all day in defence.

Veteran forward Brett Macdonald provided a target up forward all day finishing with three goals, while Jack Sander was another to perform well stepping up from the thirds and Lachie Cooke was his consistent self-giving everything in the midfield.

Final score: Rumbalara 13.11 (89) def Deni Rams 7.7 (49).

Best players: Brodie Mcquie, Jack Tonta, Jack Sander, Aydan Matthews, Brett Macdonald, Lachie Cooke.

Goals: Brett Macdonald 3, Lachie Cooke 2, Dean Macdonald, Brodie Mcquie.

Thirds

After a sluggish start, our boys recognised their need to work back harder in defence and from quarter time controlled the game, showing strength in both attack and defence.

Their ability to convert their opportunities gave them a decisive edge.

With a bye this week, Deni will have a valuable opportunity to work on their fitness and continue refining their ball use and structures, building on what has been a positive start to the season.

Final score: Rumbalara 4.1 (25) def by Deni Rams 11.11 (75).

Best players: Charlie McCallum, Luke Moorse, Archer Moodie, Bentley Hardman, Josh Todd.

Goals: Dexter Hardman 2, Logan Elphick 2, Josh Todd, Rory Smith, Andrew Smith, Mitchell Grimwood, Archer Moodie, Ari Strongman, Chase Bartlett.

Fourths

No game played due to Rumbalara forfeit.

Goulburn Murray Junior Football League:

Under-12s:

No report supplied.

Final score: Deni Rams 10.16 (76) def Kyabram Bombers Black 1.1 (7).

Goals: Ollie Bull 2, Lachy Jeffrey 2, James Masssingham, Nate Fitzpatrick, Ollie Dellwo, Hugo McGrillen, Will Crossley, Fletcher Smith.

Award winners: Charlie Eastman, Fletcher Smith, Lachy Jeffrey and James Massingham.

Under-10s:

The Lambs played at home under lights on Friday against Ky Bombers Black, and put on a good display of team footy, sharing the ball well by both foot and hand.

Some of the highlights included a great goal from the boundary from Lenny Maher, to open the scoring for the home team.

There was also three top goals from Jake Woolston, who used both sides of his body to good effect.

It was a tight match and not much separated the two teams.

Jetta Macdonald played a great game in the ruck to be named best afield, while Bill Doherty was in and under the packs to receive the drink bottle award.

Other good players, and award winners for the Rams, were George Pisasale who busted through packs and kicked the ball long, and Gus McGrillan who played the first quarter for Ky and then slotted into defence for Deni and made some goal-saving plays late in the match.

Under-10s matches are not officially scored.

Round three is this Sunday in Echuca.