The 2012 season starts in earnest on Saturday April 14 when the Rams host three games at Greygums Oval and also hoist the 2011 Div 2 premiership flag. After a lengthy pre-season, interrupted by adverse weather and cancelled trial matches, the Under 18's take on North Shore in the opening 18's Div 1 match at 10 AM. Reserve Grade will be looking for win number two when they play 2011 adversaries, Macquarie University in the midday game whilst First Grade open their season when the go head to head with last years Div 1 finalists, the Warriors at 2.10 PM.
Despite a chequered preparation, the Under 18's, mentored by premiership winning coach Geoff Payne, will be looking at a good start against the North Shore Bombers. The young Rams trialled at Kelso Park against the Bombers and showed some good form against the experienced and tall Bombers side. The match was originally scheduled as a "Western Derby" against Campbelltown. but the relegation of that side to Div 2 has seen a reshuffle of the draw.
Reserve Grade were impressive in their opening round on March 31 when they travelled to Bensons Lane and scored a big win over Nor-West Jets. Coaches Michael Bottrill and Nathan White will have a hard task in the selection process this week in choosing the side which will certainly include a mixture of youth, experience and AFL rookies for the 2011 minor premiers. Evergreen flanker, Christian Triffitt, has been extended the captaincy honour this year. The team face up to Mac Uni with both sides recording solid first up wins. The Warriors got a great start against Manly in the opening round with a five goal lead in the opening quarter but Manly clawed back the deficit to go down by just five points at the conclusion of the match played at University Oval.
First Grade face a tough first up assignment in the main game at 2:10 PM when they take on an experienced Mac Uni Warriors outfit in their inaugaral Div 1 match. The Warriors have entrenched themselves as one of the leading Div 1 sides in recent years and will certainly prove to be tough opponents. Rams senior coach, Phil McGuinness, will certainly have the side focussed for their opening match after a first round bye. The team had a solid hitout against Western Suburbs Premier Division side on March 24 after three eralier scheduled trial matches were abandoned due the record Sydney rainfall. Mac Uni got of to a soild start against 2011 premiers, Manly at University Oval on March 31, but after an even first term, could not match the intensity of the Wolves and went down by 13 goals. They will be searching hard with answers to avenge that defeat in what should be an exciting clash.
Third Grade have a bye after their opening Div 5 round loss to a strong Camden side and will be looking to open their account against UTS at Mahoney Park on April 21 whilst the Ramettes will also wait another week before their history making first ever appearance against Auburn Tigers at Mona Park on April 21.
Team selections will be posted on Friday morning on the website. All players are strongly advised to hit the training track on Tuesday and Thursday at Greygums Oval from 6:15 and indicate their availability for the weekend.
Last Modified on 23/04/2012 10:26