U16 RAMS prevail in thrilling contest
The Under-16 NSW/ACT RAMS came from behind to record a thrilling three-point victory over Tasmania in Launceston on Saturday.
RAMS ruckman Henry Delves sealed the win with a 50-metre goal after a clutch mark in the dying moments of the match to secure the 14.9 (93) to 13.12 (90) victory.
The result also marked former Geelong premiership captain Tom Harley’s first in the coach’s box in what he hopes will be a successful NAB AFL Championships campaign for the RAMS.
“I was really pleased with the efforts of the players particularly in the last quarter when they came from 15 points down to win,” Harley said.
“One of our great strengths was our intensity around the ground which helped us win the tackle count (69 to 47) and clearances (33 to 30) which is a fantastic effort.
“It’s the first time we’ve played together as a team and we can only get better so it’s a great starting point and a great platform to work off for the rest of the championships.”
Sydney Swans Academy player Lloyd Perris was influential in the victory as the leading possession-winner on the field gathering 22 touches (including 13 contested) while Sam Clyne was impressive with nine tackles and 11 disposals.
Another player to stand-out on the national stage was Jake Barrett, cousin of former NRL star Trent Barrett, who kicked an important fourth quarter goal among his 11 possessions.
It was an impressive performance by the RAMS in a match which swung in momentum each quarter.
NSW/ACT kicked the first goal of the match before Tasmania started to get on top of the contest to race out to a two goal lead at the first change.
The second quarter was predominantly played in the RAMS’ half with the away side piling on five goals to one to put them 15 points in front at half-time.
Tasmania came out firing in the third term but missed their chances in front of goal, kicking 3.7 for the term, while holding NSW/ACT to only one behind.
The home team again got off to a quick start before the RAMS pinned back the 15-point margin to clinch their first victory in their opening match of NAB AFL Championships.
The RAMS’ next match is against Queensland on July 10 followed by South Pacific on July 13 and Northern Territory on July 16. All matches will be played in Sydney.
For all of the news and results from the NAB AFL Championships visit www.aflnswact.com.au.
Tasmania 6.1 7.3 10.10 13.12 (90)
NSW/ACT 4.3 9.6 9.7 14.9 (93)
GOALS
Tasmania: Wiggins 6, Boscott 2, Payne 2, Johnston, Visser, Bones
NSW/ACT: Gibbons 3, Clothier 2, Clyne 2, Haggerty 2, Bond, Barrett, Delves, Steele, Halse
BEST
Tasmania: Killalea, Wiggins, Lee, Willis, Smith, Payne
NSW/ACT: Delves, Clyne, Perris, Codd-Miller, Heeney, Barrett, Gibbons
