Matthew Pitt runs the ball out of defence, down the wing towards the forward line.
After a nail-biting win in last week’s elimination final, the Rams fourths faced the Mulwala Lions in the first semi final in Moama.
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It was the first time the young Rams have beaten Mulwala in this season of the Murray League Football Netball competition.
The match started with slightly dewy conditions under-foot causing some players to slip over at crucial moments in play.
The beautiful sun shone bright and the ground soon dried, allowing both sides to get up-and-about.
With a preliminary final spot up for grabs, neither side was giving an inch.
The Rams backline stood tall, repelling forward attacks from Mulwala, then safely delivering the ball to the midfield who then did their own forward attacking.
After lifting their tackle and pressure levels, the fourths won the early territory battle, kicking the first goal.
The young Lions steadied, creating a first quarter arm wrestle, until a late goal to Mulwala gave them a three-point lead at the first break.
With finals nerves settling, the game opened up and both teams continued to hit the scoreboard.
The Rams were able to get their running game going, moving the ball forward quickly.
They scored 3.1 for the quarter taking a three-point lead into half-time.
The third quarter saw both teams tighten their defence, with Mulwala holding a one-point margin at the final break.
The result was again going to come down to the wire.
The coaches’ and spectators’ hearts were racing, nerves had those standing pacing and those sitting were on the edge of their seats.
With last week’s one-point win still fresh in their minds, the young charges were again asked for another big effort.
And they responded.
The senior players lifted and the rest of the team followed.
The Lions threw everything they had at the Rams defenders, but like they had done all game, they held firm.
The Rams took their chances when they came, taking the ball forward resulting in a goal that gave them a three-point edge over their opposition.
As the clock seemed to tick down slowly, almost like time was standing still, the crowd held their breath waiting for the final outcome.
The Rams defence again acted like a fortress and cleared the ball to the wing where it was locked up until the siren sounded.
“It was a great win by the fourths, who are starting to play their best footy at the right end of the year,” coach Troy Bartlett said.
Final score: Deni Rams 6.1 (37) def Mulwala 4.10 (34).
Best players: Mathew Pitt, Chase Bartlett, Jai Park, Tynen Rothe, Tom Murray, Luke Moorse.
Savannah Emery was brilliant in defence, limiting her opponent’s impact on the game.
Ryder Perrin kicks out of defence.
Oscar Wren takes a great mark under pressure.
Chase Bartlett struggles with the slippery conditions before having an outstanding game.
Charlie Connor-Hetherington took a great mark to then line up for a shot at goal.
Luke Moorse takes a huge leap to spoil his opponent.
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