Blues bested as Rams roll on

Unfortunately, the Rams’ defence was too strong in the second period, limiting Tongala to just one behind.

Deniliquin had plenty of opportunities but couldn’t convert, kicking just a pair of goals to go along with eight behinds to walk into half-time up by 39 points.

The Blues remained within striking distance if they could rally in the third term, which they did to a certain extent. They scored a trio of goals, tallying their most productive stretch of play in the match.

However, the Rams were too robust. The visiting side also had its most impactful period of play in the third, notching five goals and behinds to go up by 56 with a quarter to go.

In the fourth frame, Tongala had more scoring opportunities, but it was unable to capitalise, finishing the match with a goal and four behinds.

The Blues did well to limit Deniliquin to a pair of goals and a behind but weren’t able to get it going in attack, falling to the Rams by 59 points in the end.

The final score was Tongala 5.6 (36) to Deniliquin Rams 13.17 (95).

The Blues had numerous contributors in round 17, with five of their players kicking a goal throughout the match.

Billy Mclay, Brodie Easton, Todd Van Roy, Alex Williams, Marley McConnell and Mitchell Fitzgerald were all named in the Blues’ best for the match.

Tongala will be able to finish the 2024 season on a high when it travels to face 11th-placed Rumbalara in round 18.

The win brings Deniliquin one step closer to leapfrogging Moama at the finish line to snatch the coveted third position for finals.

The last hurdle for the Rams will be 10th-placed Barooga, a game Deniliquin is expected to win.