RAMS fall short against South Australia

The Under-18 NSW/ACT RAMS have suffered their second consecutive defeat against a division one side in the NAB AFL Championships following their 75-point loss to South Australia at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The RAMS started well but couldn’t maintain their intensity, or curb the influence of highly rated SA midfielder Chad Wingard, as they conceded 14 goals after the first change in the 19.19 (133) to 9.4 (58) loss.

While the RAMS didn’t record the result they were seeking there were a number of positives and individuals who shone on the national stage.

NSW/ACT led the tackle count and competed well all day but their ability to execute skills cleanly cost the team victory as their division one opponents capitalised on every error made.

Collingwood scholarship holder Jarrod Witts was again instrumental with 17 hit-outs and 18 possessions while Ashley Morris, in his first game for the RAMS, was impressive amassing 25 disposals, six marks and a goal.

David Coward was lively on a wing and provided consistent drive with his run and carry, collecting 17 touches for the match.

Another player who impressed was Jordan Taylor who flew into Adelaide early on Saturday morning after being a late inclusion. Taylor battled hard all day making four tackles and collecting 12 possessions.

The RAMS were in reach of their opponents at halftime and believed they could cause the first upset of the championships but couldn’t maintain their intensity for the entirety of the contest.

NSW/ACT will take a lot out of the match and know the areas they need to work on before their next match against Tasmania in two weeks time.

The RAMS will play Tasmania away on June 25 and will travel with the Under-16 state squad for their opening match of the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships. All of the news and results from the NAB AFL Championships can be found at www.aflnswact.com.au.

South Australia     5.4  10.9  14.14  19.19 (133)
NSW/ACT RAMS            2.3  5.4  6.4  9.4  (58)

GOALS
South Australia: McDonough 5, Kennedy, Mayes 4, Murdoch 2, Forster, Neale, Simpson, Toumpas
NSW/ACT: Flagg, Cunningham 2, Milne, Potter, Ryan, Morris, Moller

BEST
South Australia: Forster, Laird, Wingard, Raikiwasa, Toumpas, Grundy, Mayes, McDonough
NSW/ACT: Morris, Coward, Witts, Taylor