NSW/ACT RAMS record a win

It’s early days for the NSW/ACT TAC Cup side, but they have already recorded a win in their final practice match before the season begins, beating Victoria Country at Visy Park over the Easter weekend.

Despite being a trial match, the competition was fierce, with NSW/ACT looking get vital match practice as they continue their journey back to the TAC Cup.

The RAMS flew out of the blocks early, with a four goal to none first quarter. They looked damaging, and were dangerous with the ball in hand all over the park.

The RAMS continued their dominance in the second quarter, putting on a further four goals to Vic Country’s one, and going into the half-time break with a lead of 41 points.

Vic Country’s slow first half sparked them into action, and the third quarter was much more of an arm-wrestle, with the RAMS only managing to post one major on the board.

The RAMS good form continued, but they missed their opportunities inside 50, with their barrage on goal in the third quarter only resulting in one major.

The three-quarter-time deficit stood at 39 points, and it would take a Herculean effort for Vic Country to post a comeback in the final stanza.

Amazingly, Vic Country looked set to deliver the dose, kicking six goals to NSW/ACT’s none in the final quarter, however, it wasn’t enough, as the RAMS held on to defeat the hosts by four points, in a dominant performance throughout the majority of the match.

Jeremy Finlayson was named best on ground, and was assisted in the midfield by Jock Cornell. Down forward, Abe Davis and Jack Steele were damaging with the ball in hand, bagging two goals each, while Michael Dickson and Jordan Foote used the ball well through the halfback and centre lines all day.

RAMS Coach Jason Saddington was happy with the win overall.

“Good ball use and discipline allowed the team to have an advantage through the first half. The tone was set by the midfield group led by Mills, Watson and Thompson getting first hands on the footy,” Saddington said.

“The back line held firm with Austin and Dickson repelling the attacks. The forward line of Davis, Fyffe and Steele proved a handful for the Vic Country defence.”

Saddington also made special mention the courage shown by Matthew Flynn throughout the day.

The RAMS take on the Dandenong Stingrays in their first official TAC Cup hit out on May 3.

NSW/ACT Rams: 4.2, 8.4, 9.9, 9.11 (65)
Vic Country: 0.1, 1.5, 3.6, 9.7 (61)

Goals: Davis 2, Steele 2, Fyffe, Wetzlar, Thompson, Johns, Foster.
Best: Finlayson, Steele, Davis, Fyffe, Flynn, Thompson.
At Visy Park, Melbourne.