The Deniliquin Rams boys came out firing on Sunday in the reserves elimination final against Moama.
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The Murray League final was held at the Echuca South Recreation Reserve in perfect playing conditions.
A slight breeze provided better goal scoring opportunities at one end and, at times, both teams were able to take advantage of that.
The Rams reserves could have been further in front if not for some inaccuracy at goals early.
Great tackling pressure, centre clearances and full ground pressure led to the steady flow of goals that saw the reserves up by 35 points at half-time.
Calls like “get around him” were heard echoing across the ground from the Rams players each time one of their own excelled at their task at hand.
Moama had been niggling at the Rams players most of the first half and unsettled a few players who fought back to their detriment.
It derailed the Rams’ flow of play and Moama came out firing, kicking three goals to the Rams’ one in the third.
Coach Shane Werner asked the boys to “leave nothing in the tank and give it everything” they had in the final quarter.
Moama kicked another three goals while the Rams couldn’t add to their score.
With seconds to go, Moama trailed by one point.
A set shot after the siren would have won them the game, but it went through for a behind putting the game in overtime.
The overtime rules allowed for two five minute halves, with no break in between.
Unfortunately the Rams could not stop the momentum Moama had gained in the last quarter and went down in a hard-fought game.
Bailey Townsend was hard to miss with excellent speed off the back flank.
He continued to link up through the midfield and often delivering pin point passes to the forwards creating scoring opportunities.
James Bradford, Darcy Cullenward and Miller Fitzpatrick provided a fortress down back repelling many forward attempts from the opposition.
Brad Poka provided plenty of run and carry and Liam Pitts was tough through the midfield and backing up in defence.
Final score: Moama 11.4 (70) def Deni Rams 7.9 (51).
Goals: Aiden Free 2, Brett Macdonald 1, Tom Bradley, Ben Nisbet, Darcy McManus, Brock Redden.
Best: James Bradford, Darcy Cullenward, Brad Poka, Bailey Townsend, Liam Pitts, Miller Fitzpatrick.
After a great year, the Deni Rams fourths faced Rumbalara in the fourths elimination final on Sunday.
The scene was set for a tight game at the Echuca South Recreation Reserve, and a tight game it was coming down to the wire right up to the final siren.
The Rams were up and about early but were matched in the contest by Rumbalara, who were finding space and worrying the boys with their fast play.
The backline was working hard, holding Rumba to just three behinds for the quarter.
The Rams took a five point lead at quarter-time.
Neither side was willing to give an inch in the second quarter, with Rumba restricting the Rams usual run and carry and levelling the scores at half-time.
The Rams lifted their pressure in the third but couldn’t shake off their opponents.
Less than a kick separated the sides at the final break.
The margin had been less than a goal all game, and after Rumba kicked a late goal the Rams led by just one point with a couple of minutes remaining.
Both sides had fought hard all game, and while the Rumba side were again pushing forward, a strong tackle by young Ollie Murray won the ball back just as the siren sounded.
Final score: Deni Rams 26 def Rumbalara 25.
The coaches, who had been pacing all game and wearing patches in the turf below them, had to take a seat to soak up the result before addressing their charges.
When getting to the huddle - where players, parents and spectators were all jovial and cheering - the coaches’ raspy voices indicated the level of dedication and passion shown during the game.
Its safe to say a loud rendition of the club song could be heard across the ground as the team revelled in the win and progressed to the next stage of finals.
After the thrilling one point win by the Rams, they now take on Mulwala in the semi final. It will be held in Moama this Sunday.
Goals: Jai Park 1, Matthew Pitt, Charlie Connor-Hetherington.
Best: Matthew Pitt, Chase Bartlett, Charlie McCallum, Tomas Murray, Tynen Rothe, Rory Smith.