Cities Rugby League Football Club Roma

A triumphant day for the Gladiators in the 2009 Roma and District rugby league grand final at Bassett Park on Sunday.  It certainly capped off a tremendous year for the club both on and off the field. With the A grade side narrowly missing out on a grand final berth it was left to the U18’s and the Reserve grade teams to carry the flag for Cities. With the temperature climbing to a ridiculous 36 degrees it was going to be physically tough afternoon. Not since 2005 have the U18’s claimed a premiership and a long way back to 1992 for the Reserve grade side. Ryan Garells was named the Scott Arthur Memorial A Grade Player of the Year Award and Wayne Williams the Neil Tylie Memorial U18 Player of the Year Award.

U18 coach Matt Waldron was certainly able to put a well drilled outfit onto the field and they certainly silenced the Red Bull supporters when the Gladiators jumped to a 16 nil lead half way into the first half of the match with Zack Klein crossing twice, Tyson Jackson once and also kicking two goals. The Bulls were unable to contain the Cities forwards with Wayne Williams and Jason Moore making huge inroads into the Bulls defensive line. Ten minutes out from half time the Red Bulls were able to hit back after some costly errors from the Blue Boys.  A try to Ethan Barnes and Brandon Price narrowed the gap at the break 16 points to 12 in favor of the Gladiators.

Cities started the second half as they did the first with tries to Luke Ferry and Kane Boucaut to take the score to 28 points to 12. The Red Bulls played some very ordinary footy in the the second half but still managed to grab one more try, but that would be the last time they would trouble the score board attendant. The Gladiators really put pedal down and raced in two really soft tries through the efforts of Kane Boucaut and Luke Ferry to convincingly trounce the Bulls 38 points to 18.

In the Reserve grade final Cities were really under the pump right from the kick off when the Miles Devils were able to race to 18 points to 4 lead. Maybe it was finals nerves, but the Gladiators made far too many uncharacteristic errors and Robbie Ryan was the only try scorer in the first half.

The Second half saw the Gladiators consolidate and were able to grab 3 tries through the efforts of Shane Jackson, Luke Weidman and Mick Dodd. Unfortunately for Cities the Devils were just too good, taking the match 30 points to 20.

Zack Klein from the U18’s and Jamie Rammage both played exceptionally well and both were awarded the $100 player of the day award.

Cities next event on the calendar is the Banquet and Trophy Presentation night at Bassett Park on the 12^th of September. Invitations have been sent out this week. If you don’t receive an invite and would like to come along contact Terrie or Dennis.