Jake Herberte fights for the ball. Photo by Wayne Bradley.
The Deniliquin Rams produced another wholehearted performance against Tongala, but costly skill errors at key moments prevented them from making the most of their opportunities.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Played in perfect conditions for football, the Rams entered the contest knowing Tongala was missing several experienced players, presenting a genuine chance to challenge one of the competition's stronger sides.
While the intent and pressure were there for four quarters, the Rams were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard when their opportunities came.
Vice-captain Will Henderson and skipper Mick Barnett led from the front, attacking every contest with determination and setting the standard with their relentless work rate and physicality.
A move forward for Cable Fitzpatrick proved a success, with the talented utility providing plenty of energy inside the attacking 50 and looking dangerous whenever the ball came his way.
Zac Free continued his impressive development in a new role as a small defender, showing composure under pressure and providing plenty of rebounds from the back half.
Once again, Aydan Mathews shouldered the ruck responsibilities on his own against a quality opponent.
Duncan Hughes looks for the handball.
His competitiveness, resilience and willingness to battle all day typified the spirit he brings to the side and highlighted why he has become such a respected and popular member of the Rams Football Club.
With just two games remaining in the season, the focus for the Rams remains firmly on continuing the development of their emerging young players while building a strong foundation ahead of the 2027 season.
The club is optimistic that the experience gained by its younger group, combined with targeted recruiting over the off-season, will help position the Rams for continued improvement next year.
Final score: Deni Rams 5.8 (38) def by Tongala 15.13 (103).
Best: W Henderson, M Barnett, H Hillier, Z Free, C Hillier, C Fitzpatrick.
Goals: C Hillier 2, C Fitzpatrick, M Barnes, D Hughes.
Reserves
The twos got off to a very solid start against fourth placed Tongala, a team boasting numerous senior players.
The first quarter was an absolute tussle with the Rams pressure and contest being elite and the difference at quarter time was only nine points with several opportunities going begging.
Tongala managed to get their running game going in the second quarter and began to inflict some scoreboard pain before running away with the game in the last.
The game featured father and son Michael and Fred Everett for the first time and the welcome return of Mark ‘Cubby’ Panton and Jackson Jefferies for their first games of the year.
It has been really pleasing to see the increase in pressure over the last few weeks, but turnovers continue to hurt at crucial times.
The endeavour just cannot be questioned, though. Matthew Pitt was terrific in his first game from the Thirds and will learn a lot from experienced players in Jake Cavallaro, Zack Thompson and Isaac Suckling, who were again to the fore.
A bye next week before facing off against the second and then first placed teams on the ladder to finish the season off.
Final score: Deni Rams 0.0 (0) def by Tongala 16.19 (115).
Best: J Cavallaro, L Cooke, J Todd, M Pitt, C King, I Suckling.
• Reports for other grades, and on the RUOK? Day charity event, will be in Friday’s edition.
Charlie Hillier strides away for a goal.
Andrew Smith gets the clearance. Photo by Wayne Bradley.
7°C