RAMS break through in TAC Cup
By Sam Canavan
After showing encouraging signs in their opening four matches, but falling short, the RAMS returned their best display thus far to win by 26 points over long-time powerhouse Calder, considered one of the best sides in the TAC Cup competition.
Inaccurate early, the RAMS trailed by eight points at the first change, but dominated from that point forward, eventually running out 15.13.103 to 12.5.77 winners.
After blazing away to contests too often in recent weeks, the focus was on maintaining possession, through precise foot skills and sure decision-making, and NSW/ACT did just that, sticking to their structures, and wearing the visitors down across four consistent quarters.
Despite being convincingly beaten in the ruck, the home side had the better of all the key indicators; registering 83 more disposals, 38 more marks, 13 more tackles, and 12 more inside 50 entries.
Jack Steele was head and shoulders above any other player on the ground, with his statistics making for astounding reading; his tally of disposals doubling that of the best Calder ball-winner.
Playing predominantly through the midfield, Steele amassed 38 possessions including eight clearances, laid nine tackles, kicked three goals, and clocked up 15 marks, taking eight grabs in the first quarter alone.
Michael Mattingly was also outstanding, collecting 29 touches, while Issac Heeney and Callum Mills continued their run of hot form, with 27 and 26 disposals respectively.
Abe Davis was the dominant marksman on the ground, bagging five majors, and he was ably supported up front by Jeremy Finlayson, who pulled down several contested grabs, and kicked three goals.
RAMS coach Jason Saddington (pictured), a former Sydney and Carlton defender, was understandably elated with the result.
“We had a couple of wins in practice matches over Murray Bushrangers and Victoria Country, but this is on a different level to those victories,” Saddington said.
“I am over the moon to get our first win of the season, and all the boys were absolutely pumped as well.
“The win is a brilliant reward for all the effort and hard work they’ve put in over many months, and I’m hoping we can carry this winning from into our remaining two matches.”
After a break in competition for the National Under 18 Championships, beginning this Saturday against Northern Territory for NSW/ACT, the RAMS will round out their TAC Cup campaign with matches on July 26 and August 2.
TAC Cup Result
Final score NSW/ACT Rams 15.13.103 to Calder Cannons 12.5.77
Goals: Rams: Abiana Davis 5, Jeremy Finlayson 3, Jack Steele 3, Callum Mills, Jack Hiscox, Nick Foster, Lachlan Flagg.
Best: Callum Mills, Abiana Davis, Jeremy Finlayson, Jack Steele, Isaac Heeney, Matthew Flynn.