NSW/ACT secure huge win over NT
Sydney player Abe Davis was first to register on the scoreboard, and showed his exceptional versatility playing in key positions both back and forward throughout the game, but it was highly regarded Central Coast teenager Isaac Heeney who once again starred for NSW/ACT.
Finishing with 32 touches, Heeney showed his dominance across the field with a skilful midfield display. Teammate Jack Steele, also put his best on show for the crowd of recruiters and coaches, with 32 touches and 25 kicks for the game.
Heading into the second quarter with just a 13 point lead, NSW/ACT were quick to add to their goal tally with Nick Coughlan and Jeremy Finlayson adding two majors within the first three minutes. NT sought to reply shortly after, and with renewed vigour, Marcus Hamilton and Michael Tilmouth-Turner combine to add two handy goals to the scoreboard.
Coughlan makes the most of his possession, scoring another goal from the 50m arc, and Liam Griffiths follows up to score his only goal of the match from just outside.
Lapses in NSW/ACT defence give NT hope, but desperate scrambling prevents several goal attempts until a breakthrough for the Thunder on the half-time siren, the home side heading into the rooms with a 20 point lead. Heeney goes into the long break with 19 possession, bettered only by classy NT midfielder Abraham Ankers with 20.
The half-time stats reflected the accuracy of the NSW/ACTattack, with 22 inside 50s for home side and 21 for NT, and a nine tackle deficit NSW/ACT 20 to NT 29.
Jack Steele opened the third quarter with an outstanding goal under pressure after just three minutes. He finished the game with three goals, and led the contested possession with 17, six ahead of the next best Fyffe.
Talented bottom-ager Callum Mills is rewarded for his consistency and slots a neat goal from just inside fifty after sustained contested near the goals.
NT waste a good opportunity in front of the goal to reduce the 29 point deficit, but NSW/ACT regain possession to earn themselves another six points, this time from Fyffe at close range.
The third quarter was marred by inaccuracy from both teams, with NSW/ACT lacking the patience to capitalise on their many opportunities. Fyffe, after starting back, has moved forward to great reward. kicking a goal to stretch NSW/ACT’s lead to 44.
Desperate defence thwarts the sporadic opportunities for NT up forward, and a brilliant goal to NSW/ACT’s Hiscox with a minute to play in the third all but seals the fate of NT.
NSW/ACT had an error-ridden final quarter, but managed to pile on the misery for NT, adding five goals and five behinds and keeping their opposition scoreless to secure an 81 point win, with 13 players responsible for their 20 goal haul.
NSW/ACT 20.14 (134) to Northern Territory 8.5 (53)
RAMS Best: Jack Steele, Isaac Heeney, Jim Carroll, Isaac Muller, Callum Mills, Tyler Roos, Brydon Hodgson.
RAMS Goalkickers: Jack Steele 3, Zach Fyffe 2, Callum Mills 2, Nick Coughlan 2, Brydon Hodgson 2, Dougal Howard 2, Tyler Roos, Jack Hiscox, Liam Griffiths, Abiana Davis, Jeremy Finlayson, Mitch Mahady, Jock Cornell.
