The Rams seniors have started the year with a great win against Echuca United in Murray League action.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Kicking with the aid of the breeze, the home team were able to get the jump racing out to a four goal lead before the young Rams side steadied the ship and scored one of their own late to go into the first break a few goals down.
Charlie Hillier moved deep in the forward line in the second and, combining well with Brock Redden and Will Shaw, they were able to capitalise on some exceptional centre bounce clearances by the hard-at-it Rams midfield.
The third quarter was a seesawing affair with neither side giving an inch, however, goals to Charlie Hillier and a great conversion from distance from Brock Redden after a strong pack mark, the Rams were up by four at three quarter time.
Fatigue was starting to show but the young Rams - most of which aren't old enough to buy a beer in the USA - continued to run, the likes of Chase Bartlett, Andrew Smith and Charlie Bull never let up.
The Rams ran the Eagles off their feet to score a morale boosting 14 point win.
For the Rams, it was hard to separate the better players with what can only be described as a genuine team effort.
Charlie Hillier was great with five goals, Will Henderson, Ben East, Logan Leiper and Miller Fitzpatrick led from the front in the middle and the debut senior games of Andrew Smith and Steve Todd gave the Rams faithful plenty to look forward to in season 2026.
Final score: Deni Rams 11.6 (72) def Echuca United 8.10 (58).
Goals: Charlie Hillier 5, Will Shaw 2, Brock Redden 2, Chase Bartlett, Tom McCallum.
Award winners: Will Henderson, Noah Bradley, Logan Leiper, Chase Bartlett, Zac Free, Steve Todd.
Reserves
The twos were terrific in defeat, and coach Brian ‘Boco’ King couldn’t have been more pleased with their ability to manage the game and adjust when necessary.
Scoring was difficult to come by but the effort and pressure was exactly what was asked for.
Standout performances from Brodie Thomas in his first game for the club, Kai Hillier showing class through the middle, and Andrew Croker, Sam Crossley and Brett McDonald were solid all day.
The fourth quarter demonstrated what our footy really looks like.
A positive start to the season ahead against a well-drilled, experienced side.
Final score: Deni Rams 1.3 (9) def by Echuca United 10.12 (72).
Goals: Dyl May.
Best: Brodie Thomas, Andrew Croker, Sam Crossley, Brett Macdonald, Josh Todd.
Thirds
Perfect conditions met the new look thirds team when they travelled to Echuca United for the opening round on Saturday.
The boys were pumped and ready to go as they shot out of the gates and took an early lead against the Eagles.
The team played some daring and aggressive footy and gave the match everything they had, but unfortunately came up just short this time.
Plenty to like from this gutsy young group as they look forward to the Cats on Good Friday.
Final score: Deni Rams 8.2 (50) def by Echuca United 10.6 (66).
Goals: Logan Elphick 4, Max Burge 2, Spencer Cowley, Bentley Hardman.
Best: Henry Robinson, Charlie McCallum, Bentley Hardman, Matthew Pitt, Max Burge, Logan Elphick.
Fourths
Deniliquin Rams under-14s fought hard, but fell just short against Echuca United, 28 to 25.
After a fantastic start under the new coaching team of Leigh Strongman and Chris O'Connor, the young Rams entered the quarter time break with an early lead with goals to Rothe and Tritton.
Echuca were quick to score in the second term, which left the Rams trailing by one point at halftime.
The Rams lifted in the second half with strong passages of play, resulting in goals to Henderson and Pisasale to level the scores in the third quarter.
Despite their late surge and strong defensive pressure from Burge, Crossley and Marshall, the Rams couldn’t quite capitalise in the final moments, with Echuca doing just enough to hold on in a close finish.
Final score: Deni Rams 4.1 (25) def by Echuca United 3.10 (28).
Goals: Jaxon Rothe, Lachie Tritton, Henry Pisasale, Angus Henderson.
Best: Angus Burge, Tom Marshall, Will Crossley, Lachie Tritton, Angus Henderson.