Rams Barge Past Warriors

The West Belconnen Warriors and Woden Valley Rams closed off a big weekend of footy in the Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round, with the Rams running out 26-14 winners. 

The match marked the beginning of the Rams’ season, while the Warriors were comeback-ready after going down 38-24 to the Yass Magpies last weekend.

The play-off for the traditional Brad Hardy Memorial Cup was underway at Raiders Belconnen and guaranteed to be a thriller.

The Warriors kicked off the action at 3pm on Sunday, with both sides putting up a tough defensive effort to start the game.

After ten minutes of equal possession, the Warriors knocked the ball on which gave the Rams a chance at the line.

The opportunity resulted in a no-try for the Rams, but they kept the momentum going as Josh Fattore wove through the Warriors’ line to the first try of the game. A successful conversion provided the visitors with an early six-point lead.

A collision behind the post put Jamo Norris out of action with a leg injury, leaving Kylan Edwards to step into fullback.

Shortly after, Jackson Stuart made a break for the Rams and sent Sam Gash down the right edge to plant the ball over the line. Gash converted his own try to put the Rams 12-0 in front.

Jstar Taupau had a chance down the left for the home side but was pushed into touch, leaving the Warriors in desperate need of points before the break.

With two minutes remaining, Taupau was in for a redemption try off a pass from Destiny Kalolo. Brandon Withers converted the try for the Warriors as they trailed 12-6 at halftime.

The second half was fuelled with energy from kick off, with both teams hitting the line hard and not holding back.

The Rams had two failed opportunities over the line, and the Warriors were geared up for their chance at the line.

Willie Peace fought his way into the left corner and scored the first try of the half for the Warriors, but a failed conversion kept them 12-10 behind the Rams.

Ryan Griffin followed up with an intercept midfield to score a try under the posts for the Rams. The easy kick from in front kept them in front with an eight-point lead.

Warriors winger Taupau was in again, rolling over the defence to ground the ball. An unsuccessful conversion kept them trailing 18-14, but in range of a comeback.

West Belconnen dropped the ball ten metres out from their own line to provide the Rams with a massive opportunity.

The home team needed to defend hard, but gave away a penalty due to another high tackle, and the Rams took the two points.

The excitement was growing for the Woden Valley supporters. An incredible kick bounced straight into the Rams arms, and Stuart was able to run the ball straight over the line.

Another kick from in front put the Rams in a comfortable 26-14 lead going into full-time.

The Woden Valley Rams took home the win, defeating the West Belconnen Warriors 26-14 on their home turf.

The Rams look to take on the Yass Magpies at home after the Anzac Day break, while the Warriors aim for their first win of the season against the Goulburn City Bulldogs.