Contesting the third annual Clark Jones Memorial Shield against the Deniliquin Wanderers, the Border Raiders claimed an emphatic 4-1 win over the Wanderers at their home ground, Rotary Park.
The club is still relatively new after being part of the Border Raiders in years gone by as both clubs attempted to grow the game in their respective towns.
After years of grinding to get a team up and going in Deniliquin, the Wanderers were able to leave Echuca-Moama and head north to get their own club started.
Clark Jones was a player for both Wanderers and Border Raiders, but passed away in 2016 and is fondly remembered at both clubs.
The Shield has been contested in his memory every year since its inception in 2017.
Border Raiders president Darryl Brown said the 4-1 score line looks impressive, but the game was far closer in actuality.
‘‘The 4-1 probably didn’t reflect the game, Deni certainly were in it for long periods of the game,’’ he said.
‘‘They had the first two chances but missed them thankfully for us. They were physically fit and in good shape, but we scored first.
‘‘In saying that we actually missed two penalties throughout the game, Rob Foran and Bryton Moore both missed.’’
In past years the Border Raiders had struggled for numbers getting to and from Rotary Park in Deniliquin, but not this year.
‘‘We actually had four or five on the bench which gave us a lot of subs and we needed them because it was quite hot up there,’’ Brown said.
‘‘It wasn’t taken too seriously, for us it’s about honouring Clarky, there’s no angst, we don’t really mind what the score line is, it’s about the day itself.
‘‘The conditions weren’t that flash as it was pretty hot, but we had a predominantly (reserves) side playing. James (Brown) was in to get his fitness up, and Fletcher (Kelly) was in too.’’
The Wanderers are hoping to find a league to compete in before the winter season begins. It is thought the club will attempt to join the Griffith and District Football League.