U18 RAMS fall short against Tasmania

The Under-18 NSW/ACT RAMS came agonisingly close to clinching their first win of the NAB AFL Championships coming from seven goals behind to fall short by 18-points at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.

In near perfect conditions, the game looked out of reach for NSW/ACT when Tasmania raced out to a 46-point lead at three quarter-time.

Five goals early in the fourth term and an inspired eight-possession quarter by Tom Stevens got the margin back to two straight kicks but time got the better of the RAMS in their 13.13 (91) to 10.13 (73) loss.

Despite not coming away with the victory the RAMS’ inspiring finish will give them momentum heading into the final round the NAB AFL Championships in Melbourne on Saturday, July 2.

Forward Jack Lynch played a consistent high intensity match with one goal among his 14 touches while Beau Black competed well all game.

Sam Milne was also impressive in the match keeping Tasmanian ace-midfielder John McKenzie quiet in the second half after racking up 19 possessions in the first two quarters.

While inside forward-50, the RAMS capitalised on their chances converting 23 times from their 38 entries. The team also led the tackle count 79 to 46 but simply left their run too late.

The RAMS will be looking for a consistent four-quarter performance when they take on Queensland next Saturday.

NSW/ACT started well kicking the first goal of the match but Tasmania hit back almost instantly as ruckman Ben Brown started to dominate to help steer the home side to a six-point lead at the first change.

With the momentum behind them, Tasmania continued their high intensity game kicking the first three goals of the quarter as John McKenzie continued to win the ball out of the midfield.

The home team had an opportunity to go into the main break with a comfortable lead but squandered their chances, kicking six behinds and two out-of-bounds for the term.

Two goals to Tasmanian McKenzie in the third quarter all but put the game out of reach for the RAMS as the home team piled on six goals to one to head into the last break with a 46-point lead.

The RAMS came out determined to get their way back into the contest in the final quarter and despite getting to within two goals, Tasmania steadied to record their first win of the championships.

NSW/ACT will next play Queensland on Saturday July 2 at Visy Park in Melbourne.

Tasmania             3.2   6.8   12.13   13.13 (91)
NSW/ACT            2.2   4.5   5.9   10.13 (73)

GOALS
Tasmania: Dobosz 4, McCulloch 2, McKenzie 2, Jenkins, Joseph, Smith, Webster, Musicka
NSW/ACT: Johns 2, Hampton 2, Cunningham, Breust, Lynch, Potter, Guthrie, Ryan

BEST
Tasmania: McKenzie, Mihocek, Hislop, Brown, Dobosz, Webster
NSW/ACT: Lynch, Black, Guthrie, Stevens, Milne, Cunningham