A very slick, skilful and well drilled Deniliquin seniors put on a clinic, almost repeating the football lesson dished out in round one, to towel up a very lacklustre Barooga on Saturday at Deniliquin. The Rams were extremely efficient in the execution of their match plan as they attacked the football with greater hardness and ruthlessly cut the Hawks up in a most effective display. Their endeavour and use of the ball to advantage were in stark contrast to a very disappointing Barooga that was caught napping in the first quarter when kicking with the aid of a stiff breeze. It was the more physical Rams who would not relent in carrying out their game style. The Hawks match committee took the unprecedented decision to not award match incentives as worthy contenders for special awards were too difficult to nominate. With many of the teams in the top half of the MFL seniors ladder beginning to even out in their performances in the last month, the competition is wide open. Season 2009 in the Murray League has proven to have evolved into an understanding that higher ranked sides are extremely vulnerable if they don’t bring their A grade games to the table. Second-placed Barooga was found wanting by their eighth-placed rivals. At the Hardinge Road Oval last week it was the Rams who were prepared, willing and much more able on the day.
Barooga reserves fared little better than their senior counterparts as a very determined and polished opponent also led their higher ranked opposition to the ball for much of the game. Deniliquin kept its finals aspirations alive whilst the Barooga Hawks will need to take a big scalp themselves in the next month if they are to return to the coveted top-two level of the premiership ladder. Matt Connors tried hard and deserved the main club award from Menthas. Good support was given by Reece Ferrett and Benny McNeill (Bottom Pub awards) and Glen Elleray (Barooga Sporties).
The thirds were severely out pointed by a very powerful Deniliquin who had far too much talent at its disposal for the young Hawks. But levels of endeavour and determination to minimise the carnage were quite admirable. Awards went to: Arthur Rootsey (Menthas), Bryce Stephens (Barooga General Store), Tom Butler (Andrew Jenkins Real Estate), Xavier Hunt (Babcon) and special commendation to the small in stature but big-hearted Daniel Davis.
The fourths were competitive against second-placed Deniliquin up to three quarter time. Unfortunately Baroogas forward thrusts were repeatedly squashed in the final term whilst the hard running young Rams were able to set up a couple of match winning majors in a hard fought final term to win by three goals. Awards went to: Brayden Smith (Barooga Bakery), Tom McNeill (Barooga General Store), Matt Foster(Spanner) and Sam Rennie(Barooga IGA).
It was the A and C grade netballers who flew the flag on behalf of the Barooga Football Netball Club as the two senior sides were convincing winners over the Rams in these two divisions. Mackella Armfield was the standout on A grade whilst Linda Forester won the best player award in C grade.
The powerful Deniliquin teams in the other netball games were far too good all-round than their Barooga opponents. Awards went to Caitlin Mills (B grade); Maddie Allen (C reserve); Emma Brooks (under 15s). Alannah Quirk and Maggie Kelly were best in the under 13s. Cody Millsteed continues to improve in the under 11s and thoroughly deserved her award.