A Grade: Glenunga 14.17 defeated CBOC 13.5
The Rams have all but locked away fifth spot and an elimination final against Smithfield with a tense win against a highly motivated CBOC. With their finals spot on the line it was expected that CBOC would come out fighting and while the game always seemed in the control of the Rams, CBOC kept coming with accurate kicking keeping them in the game.
Kicking into a strong wind, the Rams found scoring difficult in the first quarter, with accuracy a problem while CBOC were able to use the wind to advantage to establish an eight point lead. With the wind in the second quarter, the Rams took control, with the wings on top and on ballers giving good service. The Rams were able to add five goals to one to take a 14 point lead at half time.
With CBOC having the advantage of the wind in the third quarter it was essential that the Rams not let CBOC take too much of an advantage. Although CBOC were able to threaten, the defence stood up well under pressure with both sides adding four goals apiece to set up the Rams for the last quarter. However some early goals to CBOC reduced the margin before Guy Ward was able to score a long goal against the run of play to give the Rams the impetus to run out the game and grab the win.
While the game always seemed to be in the balance, the reality was that the Rams had the better of the play all day and the 31 to 18 scoring shots tells the tale.
For the Rams, Guy Ward with three goals from the midfield was clearly the best , while Sam Venning after a quiet first quarter became influential on the ball and also finished with two goals.
A key element in the game was the dominance of the Rams on the wings with Sam Abell and Josh Henke giving plenty or drive. Lincoln Bennet has come back from Europe as a stronger player and was able to exert his presence in another good game primarily at half forward. Chad Bourke added another four goals to his season tally as leading goalkicker in Div 5.
Coach Brian Leys emphasised before the game the importance of players to play their designated role which they clearly did with all players contributing to a solid team performance.
The Rams now sit in the five, a game and percentage clear of CBOC who play third placed Blackriars in the final game. Theoretically, CBOC could still displace the Rams if the Rams lose to Greenacres and CBOC win by a larghe margin. However, while the Rams want to finish the season on a winning note, it is hard to see the Rams losing to Greenacres and CBOC winning by big enough margins to bridge the gap.
Goals: Bourke 4, Abell 3, Ward 3, Venning 2, Roberts, Prosser
Best: Ward, Venning, Abell, Henke, Bennett
B Grade: CBOC 13.19 defeated Glenunga 6.0
The B Grade had their moments against one of the top sides although they faded somewhat in the last quarter.
With Leon Karvelis coming back from injury at full forward, the Rams had a target, with Leon finishing with four goals and handing off another to Luke Scicluna in ther goal square after falling over twice as he ran towards the open goal, much to the merriment of the spectators: a certain almost footy legends moment but for a video camera.
Apart from Leon, others to do well were Matt Makestas who used the ball well coming out of the backlines, Luke Scicluna who gave plenty of toughness around the ball, while Glenn Turner and Josh Weston also did their part.
Next week the Rams have a real chance to finish the season with a win against Greenacres, which the Rams beat in a heartstopper when last we met.
Goals: Karvelis 4, Scicluna 2
Best: M Makestas, Scicluna, Karvelis, Turner, Weston.