NSW/ACT made it two in a row

A third quarter blitz propelled NSW/ACT to their second win from as many attempts in the NAB AFL Under-16 National Championships held at Blacktown in Sydney’s west.

Eight unanswered goals in little over 10 minutes from the boys in blue and yellow dashed any hopes the Thunder had of causing an upset as they motored towards a 109-23 victory.

In a physical encounter, the Northern Territory were unable to match the intensity of the Rams, who spent much of the early stages of the game camped inside their forward half.

After beginning the second quarter leading 15-1, some good service from the midfield saw NSW/ACT nab two goals midway through the term, before a breakaway goal in the final minute of the half sent them to the main break ahead 38-10.

The Rams must have been inspired by some half-time words from their coach, Swans premiership player Tadhg Kennelly, as they emerged in the third quarter in irresistible form, blowing the Thunder off the park.

Much of the Rams’ attack started in the ruck contests through the great work of Maroubra’s Timothy Coenen, who dominated his opponents for much of the match.

Jayden Rymer, from Nelson Bay, was another standout for the side, showing great composure and decision making in his first-rate distribution across the ground, while he also kicked a couple of goals himself during an impressive second quarter.

As good as their attack was, the Rams’ win was built as much around their defensive pressure as it was their goal kicking prowess, consistently making it difficult for the Thunder to get the ball into scoring range.

This pressure was typified by a desperate tackle at the end of the fourth quarter to cut down a Thunder player in the middle of a run even though the contest was effectively over, while a fantastic smother on the goal-line just seconds before the final siren kept the Thunder scoreless for the term.

Ryan Hebron from Sydney was one of the team’s best in defence, particularly in the second half.

The win is the Rams’ second in a row, earlier accounting for a strong Queensland side 92-71 on Sunday to put them in a position to push for the Division Two title.

AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley was on hand at the game to show his support for the boys, and would no doubt be excited after seeing first-hand some of the impressive talent that is being developed in the state.