The NSW/ACT Rams have overrun the Northern Knights by 11 points at Visy Park on Saturday, as Ben Guthrie reports
In the lead up to the Under 18 National Championships, the best NSW/ACT Under 18 talent were given a chance to prove themselves against a top TAC Cup team.
The Rams were just better when it mattered most as they won 16.7 (103) to 13.14 (92).
It was an even opening term with the Knights edging ahead, before the Rams kicked six goals straight in the second term to lead by a handy 18 points at the main break.
One goal in particular kicked by the Rams’ Harry Cunningham was the epitome of NSW/ACT’s higher work rate.
He received the ball in the middle of the ground and cut through a wide open corridor leaving a number of Knights players in his wake before balancing and slotting a terrific goal from 40 metres.
The second quarter burst was match changing, and during the period the Rams were direct and precise with their ball movement.
They spread from the contest and found open space effectively.
On the other hand, the Knights tended to butcher the ball and kicked aimlessly forward, rather than spotting up targets.
Northern coach Anthony Allen said his team’s effort was not good enough during the onslaught.
“Our guys weren’t all that competitive during that situation, which was disappointing,” Allen said.
However, the momentum of the game swung after the main break.
In a complete role reversal, the Knights were the ones who peppered the scoreboard in the third quarter as they booted five goals to nil.
Northern got on top of the clearances and began to locate targets inside forward 50 on their way to an 11 point lead at three quarter time.
But it was the Rams who were prepared to run that little bit harder in the last quarter, as their two big men Craig Moller and Jarrod Witts got on top.
Moller was a beacon up forward on his way to five goals, while Witts, who has drawn comparisons to Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford, competed hard in the middle of the ground against Knights star Billy Longer.
For the Knights, small forward Nick Maric kicked three goals while William Gleeson was solid in defence.
Allen said his team needed to work hard to improve its skills, particularly under pressure.
“Our ball use really wasn’t up to scratch and that was pretty evident early in the game,” Allen said.
“It’s just unfortunate because they worked pretty hard, but if the skill level is not quite there they don’t get the reward.”
These games look set to continue into the future as both states work together to provide a worthy platform for underage footy.
Northern Knights 13.14.92
NSW/ACT Rams 16.7.103
Northern Knights
Goal Kickers: N. Maric 3, A. Bonaddio 2, M. Atta , A. Corr , B. Longer , T. Currie , T. McEwan , J. Ballard , L. Brandt , J. Newnes
Best Players: J. Newnes, D. Morris, W. Gleeson, T. Totevski, J. Ballard, N. Stefanile
NSW ACT Rams
Goal Kickers: C. Moller 5, A. Flagg 3, J. Potter 3, T. Head , H. Cunningham , B. Guthrie , J. Harper , O. Tweeddale
Best Players: C. Moller, M. Lodge, H. Cunningham, J. Witts, M. Hartley, O. Tweeddale
Last Modified on 02/05/2011 01:03
