The trip to Nathalia is a daunting one at the best of times, and with illness sweeping through Ramland during the week, it made the task just a little bit harder.
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The game started well with the Rams going goal-for-goal with a much bigger and experienced opponent.
Charlie Hillier was proving a handful up forward, using his strength and smarts to get on the end of some good work through the middle and kicking a couple of valuable goals.
When Zac Free kicked one for the quarter, it looked like the young Rams had dosed up on the Vicks and were in for a good day.
But Nathalia regrouped at the break, using their experience to get back on top of the contest.
Try as they did, the Rams just couldn’t penetrate the tight Nathalia defence.
The second half continued along the same lines, with the Rams trying everything they could, but the bounce of the ball just wasn’t with them.
When fatigue finally set in, the Purples were able to run away with a convincing 60 point win.
Final score: Deni Rams 6.3 (39) def by Nathalia 16.11 (107).
One highlight for the day saw young Oscar Wren fly across the pack for a strong mark and goal just before three quarter time.
For the Rams, Charlie Bull was great, playing a game beyond his years to earn best honours.
Ben East and Aydan ‘Snowy’ Matthews battled gamely in the ruck, never giving in against a strong, experienced opponent.
Charlie Hillier continued his great start to the year kicking valuable goals.
Brodie Elphick showed he is capable of senior footy, collecting a number of possessions.
Fellow teenagers Oscar Wren and Andrew Smith were once again among the contributors during the day.
Goals: Charlie Hillier 4, Zac Free, Oscar Wren.
Best: Charlie Bull, Miller Fitzpatrick, Andrew Smith, Charlie Hillier, Aydan Matthews, Oscar Wren.
Reserves
The return of Brayden Hall and Luke Todd added some nice height to the twos’ profile.
The Rams dominated the first quarter but were behind at the first break due to some inaccurate kicking, scoring five points.
Nathalia were able to get on top in the second and third quarter, although the game was still a fairly even affair, before they managed to slot through a couple of goals in the last quarter to take out the win in a very competitive game.
Final score: Deni Rams 3.7 (25) def by Nathalia 7.5 (47).
Sam Crossley dominated around the stoppages in a really good all-round game, while Will Martin and Lachie Holloway held their own in the ruck.
Goals: Brayden Hall, Josh Todd, Riley McLeod.
Best: Sam Crossley, Will Martin, Riley McLeod, Luke Todd, Lachlan Holloway, Brayden Hall.
Thirds
Deniliquin Rams under-17s delivered a strong performance, defeating Nathalia in an impressive team display.
The Rams controlled the game with consistent pressure and disciplined defence.
Their ability to convert opportunities proved the difference, especially during key moments across each quarter.
Nathalia fought hard and stayed competitive, but Deniliquin’s structure and teamwork held firm.
Final score: Deni Rams 7.7 (49) def Nathalia 4.9 (33).
Goals: Spencer Cowley 4, Matthew Pitt 2, Logan Elphick.
Awards: Charlie McCallum, Logan Elphick, Matthew Pitt, Ollie Murray, James Gatacre.
Fourths
The young Rams were winners after controlling the game from the outset.
Their midfield set the tone, with Rocky Sztejman outstanding, while Jaxon Ives gave another fantastic performance in the ruck.
Up forward, Jaxon Rothe was a standout with five goals, well supported by Lachie Tritton (2) and Jimmy O'Connor (2).
Across the ground, Charlie Murray worked hard on the wing along with Lachie Jeffrey.
Angus Henderson was strong in defence while also adding a goal to the scoreboard.
It was a complete team effort that capped off an impressive win for the Rams.
Final score: Deni Rams 12.10 (82) def Nathalia 2.1 (13).
Goals: Jaxon Rothe 5, Lachie Tritton 2, Jimmy O'Connor 2, Angus Henderson, Jack Murray, Will Crossley.
Awards: Rocky Sztejman, Jaxon Rothe, Jaxon Ives, Lachie Tritton, Charlie Murray.