Round six of the Murray Football League saw the Deniliquin Rams seniors register their first defeat of the season against Numurkah.
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With a change to the forward structure out of necessity, Rams were unable to adjust accordingly, resulting in poor inside 50s and many rebounds for Numurkah.
Coach Ash Morris said the side certainly won’t be letting one poor performance “derail our confidence”, and they are looking forward to the challenge of responding against Nathalia this weekend.
Veterans John Anstee, Ricky Gittens and Todd Gallagher fought hard for the side all day, whilst Charlie Hillier continued his consistent form in the midfield.
Youngster Tom McCallum performed well in a negating role, whilst Jayden Pitts held up strong in one-on-one contests.
Final score: Rams 4.13 (37) to Numurkah 5.9 (39).
In the reserves, a fast start was the catalyst for the side’s win, piling on six goals to one in the first quarter, and coming away with a 69-point win.
Ben East continued his strong form in the ruck claiming best on ground honours, while consistent midfielders Aiden Free and Logan Ives also kept their consistent form running with solid performances.
Winger James Bradford, defender Darcy Cullenward and utility Matt O’Connor, in his first game for the side, also all stood out.
Hayden Barker kicked four goals, with co-coaches Shane Werner and Ben Nisbet kicking trhee each. Single goal kickers were Ben East, Zac Free, Jack Sides and Luke White.
Final score: Rams 15.7 (97) to Numurkah 4.4 (28).
After a disrupted week on the track due to illness and another 16-side game, every player in the thirds gave 100 per cent to bring home their second win of the season.
The boys ran hard, tackled hard and were rewarded on the score board.
The first quarter saw some accurate goal kicking setting up a handy lead.
The second quarter was more tightly contested with the backline having to work hard in defence, with Numurkah kicking with the wind.
By the last quarter the effects of the week were starting to be felt with only one point being scored by the boys.
The game provided a great opportunity to rotate players and ensure everyone had game time.
It was a big game this week against one of the ladder leaders, and with the same endeavour the rewards will keep coming.
Best players: Logan Leiper, Jake Herberte, Marcus Moorse, Harry Way, Will McCartney and Brodie Park.
Final score: Rams 8.6 (54) to Numurkah 5.5 (35).
This week the fourths travelled to Numurkah.
The game started with the ground a little dewy, but the sun was out and it dried the field very quickly.
In the first quarter the team scored eight goals with Numurkah unable to hit the score board, this allowed the coach to play around with the board and mix things up.
The players were praised for their reaction times, great ball movement around the ground and great team work.
The fourth quarter was the best, Deni kicking 8.4 and winning by 141 points.
Goal scorers: Jai Park (5), Sam Crossley (4), Toby Rae (3), Matt Pitt (2), Tom Rourke (2), Chase Bartlett (1), Harry Raper (1), Tom Way (1), Ted Wren (1), and Oscar Marshall (1).
Best Players: Sam Crossley, Oscar Wren, Jai Park, Charlie McCallum, Ted Wren and Harry Raper.
Final score: Rams 21.15 (141) to 0.0 (0).
Deni Rams fifths side played their second match of the season in Sunday’ home game against Rochester.
Goal scoring was once again a team effort with Tynen Rothe scoring two goals, Tom Ives and Chance Bennett each scoring one goal.
The awards went to Tom Ives, Tynen Rothe, James Gatacre and Jake Wharton.
This Friday night’s game will be an exciting one with the fifths taking on the Echuca-Murray Bombers in Echuca. The Rams will be hoping to continue their winning streak.
Final score: Rams 26 to Rochester 15.
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