Numurkah Leader
Nathalia Purples crush Rams in penultimate round
1 min read

ON a beautiful winters day, the Purples travelled to Deniliquin, and came home with a resounding victory over the Rams by 115 points.

Purples coach, Mal Barnes was pleased with the overall effort of his team.

“The Rams were still able to make the finals and it was a positive game for us. We played our brand of football,” he said.

With the aid of a slight breeze, Nathalia started strongly, kicking six unanswered goals in the first term.

The Purples moved the ball freely and creatively to set up many scoring opportunities in the first half to take a 47 point lead into the main break.

In-form small man Adam Jorgensen started brilliantly and continued his excellent work throughout the game.

After the break, the Purples took control of the contest, displaying their overall depth and aerial strength.

Brodie Ross, who is enjoying a strong year in the ruck, once again gave the midfielders first use of the ball and midfielders Rhys Shannon and Drew Barnes thrived on the open expanses of the Deniliquin oval.

The Purples’ forwards took advantage of constant forward entries to score a further 13 goals after half time.

Tom Byrnes continued to display positive signs as a lead up, hardworking forward, and Alex Hicks was once again a tower of strength at half forward.

Nathalia’s defenders were also dominant throughout the game. Al Corry and Harley Cobbledick were impressive, winning many contested possessions and intercepting many of the Rams’ forward thrusts.

“We now need to train for the Tongala match this weekend as they need to win to consolidate the double chance and we expect them to throw everything at us,” said Barnes.

Awards: Ryan’s Meat Co BOG: Adam Jorgensen, Bourke Group: Rhys Shannon, Liddell Group Dellcorp: Alex Hicks, Numurkah Tyrepower: Ricky Barnes, TJ’s IGA: Brodie Ross, Brereton’s Bakery: Ryan Butler.