Rams rumble with Queensland in thriller

Blacktown turned on a stunning day for the first round of the NAB AFL U16 Championships where the NSW/ACT Rams hosted old foes, Queensland.

The game started fast for the home team, kicking the first two goals in quick succession before Queensland steadied to be just four points behind at quarter time.

The second quarter was an arm wrestle with the two teams clinging close across the ground and the scoreboard.

GWS GIANTS and Sydney Swans Academies combined to keep the Rams in the hunt, as Liam Delahunty and Sam Thorne kicked their third and second goals respectively.

By half-time, Queensland had dwindled NSW/ACT’s lead to just two points.

The visitors pounced in the third, taking it to the Rams and winning the quarter by four goals to two. Despite Delahunty adding to his goals tally for the Rams, Queensland were in front by nine points heading into the last.

The match would come down to the final quarter where Jack Barling slotted three goals and Josef Wilks kicked true for the home side.

A goal in the final minute would get the Rams within reach, but time was their enemy as it ran out to see the Queenslanders take victory by five points.

The NSW/ACT Rams will play the Northern Territory in Round 2 of the NAB AFL U16 Championships in July on the Gold Coast.

AFL NSW/ACT – 13.8 (86) def. by Queensland – 13.13 (91)
AFL NSW/ACT GOALS – Delahunty (4) Barling (4) Thorne (2) Ellem, Wilks, Russell
AFL NSW/ACT BEST – K McGrath, S Gaden, S Thorne, L Delahunty, C Edwards, T Green