The Rams’ thirds were looking to return to the winner’s list on Saturday after a couple of losses.
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They were without a few regulars, but that provided opportunities for others in their first games of the year.
The first quarter was an arm wrestle, with neither side giving much and only a late goal gave the Rams a slim lead.
The second term was more of the same, with both sides having good patches of play and kicking one goal each.
It gave the Rams a six-point lead at half-time.
Deni made a few changes at the break to move the ball forward with more speed.
The Rams’ defence was working well together, with the midfield dominating clearances and giving the forwards plenty of chances.
Up forward, the Rams lifted their pressure and got the rewards, stretching their lead to four goals at the last break.
It was another good team effort in the final quarter, with the Rams taking control of the match and running out strong winners.
This week will be another tough match against Cobram, but the side is looking forward to the challenge.
Final score: Deni Rams 7.8 (50) def Rumbalara 1.5 (11).
Best players: Jai Park, Josh Todd, Ryder Perrin, Rory Smith, Jake Herberte and Nash Suckling.
Goals: Jai Park (4), Josh Todd (1), Wally Hughes (1), Ben Crossley (1)
Fourths:
Deni and Rumbalara entered round five with just one win each for the season so far.
The Rams knew the match could go either way.
With two quick goals from Zac Grimison, the Rams made a fantastic start.
Even though the Rams were a lot smaller in size, it didn’t stop our under-14s from taking on every contest with grit and determination.
We continued to score, and at the half-time break Rams were three goals in front.
Rumbalara started the third term with a quick goal, but that was their only goal for the day.
The Rams proved how valuable their pre-season training was, running out the match and taking home the win.
Every player proved extremely valuable and all contributed to their second win for the season.
Final score: Deni Rams 4.8 (32) def Rumbalara 1.4 (10).
Best players: Tynen Rothe, Talen Barnes, Savannah Emery, Ollie Ives, Ollie Murray, Archer Moodie.
Goal Kickers: Zac Grimison 2, Corben Hayes 1, Tynen Rothe 1.
Under-12s:
The Hardinge St Oval was abuzz last Friday night as the under-12 boys ran onto the ground to play Echuca Bombers in their first-ever home game under lights.
The Rams knew the Bombers would be tough opponents.
The game was intense right from the first bounce. No team scored in the first quarter.
The play was mainly in the middle, and both teams found it difficult to find space.
The Rams’ back line put up an almighty effort all game, but the Bombers finally broke through five minutes into the second quarter and managed to score.
The third quarter saw most of the play in the Bombers’ forward half, with some clean kicking and marking passages, but Rams limited their scoring to only one goal.
The tide turned in the last quarter, the game opened up, and some great passages of play were evident.
The Rams kept the Bombers scoreless but struggled to get it down to key forward Jacob Holschier.
The Rams managed two behinds in a gallant effort to finish the game.
Final Score: Rams 0.2 (2) def by Echuca Bomers 3.1(19).
Awards: Angus Henderson, Will Crossley, Jaxon Rothe, Henry Pisasale.
Under-10s:
The Deniliquin Lambs faced their toughest challenge yet on Sunday, hosting a talented Echuca Green team in near-perfect weather conditions at the Hardinge St oval.
Super coach Jack Eastman was back in the hot seat but still drying his eyes following Essendon’s Anzac Day draw with the Pies, which saw him miss the previous week’s match.
Eastman had his side fired up, the boys applying plenty of pressure and tackling hard to stop the run of their fleet-footed opponents.
The game was neck-and-neck as the ball swung back and forth between the 50m arcs for much of the match.
Charlie Eastman found the goals and was named best afield to collect the That Pizza award.
Other good players were Cooper Farley playing up forward, James Massingham who effected some crucial intercepts and Oli Hall who tackled well to wear the club hat home.
Jed Fitzmaurice led and marked well.
The boys will enjoy a week off with the bye, the perfect time for a mid-season freshen-up.
Final Score: Not scored.
Awards: Charlie Eastman, Cooper Farley, James Massingham, Oliver Hall.
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