Tara Murray
It took Western Rams more than 2200 days to get a win on the board but it took only three more rounds to give a second one in the Western Football League division 2 competition.
The Rams and Tarneit entered Saturday’s match with a win apiece, both coming against North Sunshine.
The Titans led early as the Rams were wasteful in front of goal. Not much separated the two teams all day.
The Rams were able to kick away late to get a 10.19 (79)-9.6 (60) win.
Rams coach Ashley Pritchard said a match was like that was what football was about
“It was a really good game of football,” he said. “We were evenly matched and we didn’t get away from them until the end.
“They hit the front early in the last quarter and we knuckled down and we were really good.
“I said to the boys that is what winning is about… We worked hard for that.”
Pritchard said their focus heading into the game, like every week, was to be competitive.
He said knowing where both sides were on the ladder, they knew that they were in with a chance if they did the hard work.
“They challenged us numerous times,” he said. “We faced those challenges.
“We didn’t kick straight though. Maybe if we kicked straighter we could have put it away a bit earlier.”
Damon Lewis and Jarryd Underwood kicked three goals each.
Pritchard said it was their leaders that really led the way.
“Tyler Lewis was outstanding again,” he said. “Our captain Ryan Tyson led from the front.
“Matthew Paull in his first senior game was good on the ball as a big bodied ruck.
“Damon Lewis and our vice-captain Matthew Voigt. Our leaders led from the front.”
The Rams remain 12th on the ladder, but are not a game clear of Tarneit and two of North Sunshine.
Pritchard said that confidence was growing in the group.
“After North Sunshine we looked at what was coming up the next five to six weeks,” he said.
“We thought if we could do the hard work on the track, we could probably win another three or four.
“We ticked one off. We want to be super competitive this week and we think we could be a chance. We want to win a few more games.”
The Rams this week face Albanvale which is pushing for a finals spot.
Meanwhile in division 1, Caroline Springs won a thriller against Parkside, 10.12 (72)-10.8 (68).
The Lakers led at every break and managed to hold off the fast finishing Magpies, who kicked five goals in the final quarter.
Jerome Caterino, who kicked three goals, was named the Lakers best along with Alexander Paech and Jamie Ristoski.
The Lakers sit in second spot, eight points clear of third placed Yarraville Seddon.
In the women’s competition, Caroline Springs continued its good form against Yarraville Seddon.
The Lakers scored the only five goals of the first half to lead by 32 points at the break.
The Eagles got on the board in the third quarter to reduce the margin to 21 points at the final change.
It was the Lakers who finished the stronger, winning 8.6 (54)-2.1 (13).
Skipper Caitlin Pretty kicked three goals for the Lakers, while Jacinta Kondis and Nikki Perrett kicked two each.
Stephanie Thompson, Jasmine Bongiovanni and Alana Ellis were named the Lakers best.
The Lakers sit in second position, percentage behind Werribee Centrals.
