A BRILLIANT second half of football saw the Deniliquin Rams defeat arch rival Finley at the Hardinge St Oval on Saturday.
Leading by just two points at the long break, the Rams went on to slot six goals to three in the second half.
The victory not only made up for Deniliquin's disappointing loss to the Cats in round one, but more importantly, it keeps the locals locked comfortably in the Murray Football League top six.
The win also saw the Leo Barry-Shane Crawford Cup return to Deniliquin's mantlepiece.
Sam Lloyd extended his lead atop the league goalkicking list with another four majors.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 10.8 (68) defeated Finley 7.7 (49).
The locals were without assistant coach Paul Scoullar who was a late withdrawal with knee soreness.
But his absence didn't seem to bother the home side.
In wet, windy conditions, Deniliquin middled three goals in the opening stanza.
The Cats fought back in the second quarter, to trail by just two points heading into half time.
Deni came out firing in the third, kicking five goals and holding Finley to just 1.1.
The Rams held on to win by 19 points in what was an even final period.
"We were leading by 27 points at three-quarter time, but the game definitely wasn't in the bag and we knew we still had a lot of work to do," Rams coach Gary Parsons said.
"That's the most pleasing thing, to be able to hold them out.
"Finley's a respectable side this year and they've been playing some decent footy.
"It's good to know we were able to beat another side challenging for a finals spot."
Parsons said pressure was the key to victory at the weekend.
"It's something we've been training towards. Making sure we put plenty of pressure on the opposition, especially at the stoppages," he said.
"It was just a great overall team effort.
"These are games you have to win if you want to play finals.
"A lot of guys were pretty disappointed after round one, so it's good to beat them this time round."
Rams captain Anthony Bull was named best-onground after a dominant performance in the ruck.
Ash Parsons returned to his best with two goals, mainly from the half forward line, changing onto the ball.
Midfielders Brett Napier, Rick Gittens, Tim Holobowski and Troy Bartlett were also among the best.
"I thought our defenders were good again. Rob Resuggan and Geoff McCallum played well and Simon Maher made a good return from injury," Parsons said.
"It's great to see our young blokes playing well.
"Brayden Hall and Harvey McKinnon both had stints in the ruck and did great jobs."
Sean Moodie, playing in his 200th senior club game, claimed a goal in the third quarter - much to the delight of teammates and the home crowd.
"About 10 blokes ran up to congratulate him. I think it was his second goal in 200 games, so it was pretty special," Parsons said.
Finley slipped a game outside the top six following its loss.
Assistant coach John Creenaune booted four goals.
Paul Massingham, Linton Congram and Glenn Braybon were best for the Cats.
In the reserves, Deniliquin won by 25 points.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 11.13 (79) def. Finley 8.6 (54).
Scores were locked at quarter time after both sides managed 5.1 apiece.
The Rams went on to kick two majors in the second term and held their visitors scoreless.
Finley fought back in third stanza, but Deni was too strong, slotting three goals in the final quarter to seal the win.
Brad Robson kicked three goals in a successful return from injury.
Mark Panton slotted two.
Edward McCulloch, Trent McNamara, Paul Strongman, Jack Eastman, Panton and Lachie Small were the better players.