After several close losses in the Murray League, it was nice to be on the right side of the result against Tongala this time around.
With the competition being so even, there is no such thing as just showing up expecting to win.
We got off to a great start having the better of the first quarter, largely due to Clay Howe having his best game of the year.
The second and third quarters were extremely even with the lead changing five or six times.
Cable Fitzpatrick, in his first game back, was fantastic and Zac Lauritsen worked hard the entire game.
Brayden Hall, Matt MacDonald and Ricky Gittens gave 100 per cent at every contest.
At three quarter time it was anybody’s game, but Jake Dik-O’Flaherty, Lachie MacDonald and Harry Hillier had a great last quarter kicking a couple between them and keeping Tongala a couple of goals behind us most of the last quarter.
Final score: Rams 11.7 (73) def Tongala 8.13 (61).
Awards: Club Award – Clay Howe and Cable Fitzpatrick; Frank n Beans – Matt MacDonald; Globe Hotel – Zac Lauritsen; White Lion Hotel – Ricky Gittens; Rob Gittens Award – Brayden Hall.
The reserves suffered a loss at the hands of Tongala on Saturday.
Final score: Tongala 13.13 (91) def Rams 9.3 (57).
Awards: Farley’s Plumbing – Dean Macdonald; Deni Yamaha – Bailey Townsend; Decentralised Demountables – Miller Fitzpatrick; Frank n Beans – Billy Michael; Globe Hotel – Ben Nisbet.
Shane Werner looks for an opportunity in the seniors. Photo by Wayne Bradley
The thirds put on an enthralling display in their recent match, showcasing great skill and determination throughout.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams demonstrating some impressive passages of play.
In particular, Marcus Moorse shone brightly in the midfield, exhibiting exceptional control and strategic decision making.
Furthermore, the match saw the debut of Oscar Wren, who was elevated from the fourths.
Wren made an immediate impact, playing a pivotal role in the team’s performance and displaying immense potential for the future.
As the Deni Rams prepare for their upcoming clash against Finley this weekend, spirits are high.
The team is fuelled by their recent success and look forward to the challenge ahead.
Final score: Tongala 7.7 (49) def Rams 5.7 (37).
Awards: Sam & Carla Armytage – Marcus Moorse; O’Connor Ag – Will Dudley; Frank n Beans – Josh Todd; Barber & Threadz – Oscar Wren; Club Award – Noah Bradley; Player’s Player – Will Dudley.
The Rams fourths were looking forward to Saturday’s match after having the bye last week.
Slippery conditions and an improving opposition made the first half an arm wrestle, with more depth across the ground the main difference between the sides.
As the conditions improved in the third quarter so did the Rams, kicking eight goals for the quarter after only seven in the first half.
The Rams’ run and teamwork is improving each week and proved too strong for the young Tongala side, kicking another five goals in the final quarter to run out strong winners.
Final score: Rams 20.10 (130) def Tongala 0.1 (1).
Awards: Ritchies IGA – Rory Smith; Barber & Threadz – Tom Ives; That Pizza – Nick Rosbiffi; Club Award – Talen Barnes and Max Murray.
U-10s: Not scored.
The youngest Rams took on Echuca Murray Bombers at home for round seven of the Goulburn Murray Junior League.
Assistant coach Adam Dellwo had the job of revving the team up with our head coach under the weather after a few days away.
It was an intense first quarter with Charlie Eastman slotting the only goal off the ground in the last few minutes.
By the second quarter the team settled, spot kicks and marks were impressive, and the backline wall was consistent.
Rams also dominated the second half, but Echuca continued to fight and were very grateful to take on five of our players for the match.
Jed Fitzmaurice, in particular, putting his body on the line.
Our boys were just too impressive.
Awards: Club Cap – Oscar Bull; McDonald’s – Nate Fitzpatrick; Club Award – Rupert Maslen and Hugo McGrillen; Subway – Jimmy O’Connor.