Blues fleeced by Rams as season takes another turn

By Josh Huntly

Jun 4, 2023

Leaping giants: The big men fly in the ruck for Tongala and Deniliquin. Photos: Josh Huntly

Last time Tongala and Deniliquin met, the Blues kept the Rams goalless until the last quarter of the 2022 elimination final, claiming a 78-point win.

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But the rematch saw the Rams swing it around in style as both clubs fight to stay in the finals hunt.

Tongala’s Murray Football League season took another hit in a hard-fought, two-goal defeat, with the Blues unable to keep pace with a determined Rams outfit at Tongala Reserve.

A last-quarter arm-wrestle went the way of Deni, who won 11.7 (73) to 8.13 (61).

The Rams had the early jump on the Blues with a three-goal-to-none first quarter before Tongala finally found its footing in the second.

With the margin just three points at half-time, the Blues and Rams went blow-for-blow in the third quarter, with the margin at the final break just two points.

A misfiring Tongala could only muster 1.4 in the last quarter, with the Rams’ three majors helping them notch their third win of the season.

Brock and roll: Tongala’s Brock McLean dishes out a handball

Coby McCarthy toiled hard for the Blues in his return from a hamstring injury with two goals, while Sam Cipriani booted three in the two-goal defeat.

Hudson Kellett and coach Matt Daniel were also in the thick of the action, but the efforts of Jake Dick-O’Flaherty (three goals), Cable Fitzpatrick and Matt McDonald ensured the Rams stayed within striking distance of the top six.

On the boot: Coby McCarthy sends the ball inside-50 for Tongala.

It was the Blues’ third straight defeat. It leaves them two games outside the Murray Football League top six and desperatelyneeding a win.

They will have the opportunity against fellow finals aspirant Nathalia (fifth) in a clash which will be crucial in the context of the Blues’ season.

After that, Tongala will have its work cut out for it.

Four of the Blues’ next five games will come against a top-six opponent, including a date with ladder-leader Mulwala following their clash against the Purples.