The Yass Under 9’s White side took to the field last weekend in a bid to reach the Grand Final for 2018. In their way were the Tuggeranong Vikings, a team that definitely outsized the young Rams. The game was one of those moments that reminds you of everything that is great about rugby, it was played in the spirit intended with neither side giving up until the final whistle.

The first half showed that the Rams had turned up to play, focusing on the jobs that needed to be done rather than trying to just win the game. The first half the Rams were on fire working as a cohesive unit across the park. The consistency of play from the forwards, lead by captain Declan and Samuel, saw the ball constantly being recycled for Digby to send the ball out away from the defence.

This provided a great foundation for try scoring machine Lachie to go through and put on four tries in the first half. Brody has showed great improvement in his clean outs over the last couple of weeks to add to his running game, was rewarded with a try out in the corner. Not long before the oranges,

Angus Kelly used his trademark step through a couple of tackles and run out wide to bring up the halftime score of 30-0.

After the restart, Tuggeranong showed their tenacity by continually punishing Yass in defence, as well as scoring two well deserved tries to reduce the deficit. Both teams continued to throw everything at the opposition while not taking a backwards step. This week again saw Simon tackling anything that moved, while Jack Kelly, who has continually improved all year, was able to make some good metres up the field. Harry and Katie made continual pests of themselves at the break down, slowing down Tuggeranong ball and making good metres when on offer. Continuously moving the ball forward, with some big runs by Tray, Yass were finally able to put Tuggeranong on the back foot. Lachie again was able to use his speed to weave through the defence to score his fifth try of the match. To finish off the game, Jack Shannon after making great inroads all game was able to bust his way through the centre and score to cement the win.

Although this is said a lot in rugby write-ups, saying that the score didn’t reflect the game is the only way to describe this match. Both teams need to be congratulated in the manner in which they conducted themselves, they should all be proud of the effort they put in. There can be only winner though, and the final score saw Yass Rams 40 defeating Tuggeranong 10.

Next week, the Yass Under 9’s White appear in their first grand final, at 8:30am at Viking Park Erindale. Good luck to the young team, and whatever the outcome the club is extremely proud of you all.

Under 11’s 

In one of the most epic games ever seen in the history of junior rugby, the Yass Rams Under 11’s went down 31-14 to a huge Vikings team at Gowrie on Saturday in the Semi-Final.

After winning the last meeting between the teams 40-12, the Vikings ran out full of confidence. They were met by a Rams team that attacked like kamikazes, especially in the first 10 minutes, totally dominating their bigger opponents, to the stunned surprise of the pro-Vikings crowd.

Where does one start? All of the forwards, Alex Scanlan, Monty Hyles, Jack Harding, Sam McCrudden, Rafa Waugh and Clancy Ritchard hunted as a pack. They were ferocious at the break down, forcing the Vikings to resort to hands in the ruck and coming in from the side to win some ball. The ref was all over this and the momentum gained from the penalties awarded saw Yass punch their way down the field. A pre-rehearsed blindside move from a dominant Yass scrum saw try scoring machine Baxter Sicily bust the Vikings backs wide open and sprint 45 meters to score the opening try for Yass, which was awarded as a penalty try because of an attempted head high tackle on Baxter near the line.

Then, the Vikings struck back with two tries. The game wide open at 12-7 at half time. A converted try apiece in the second stanza, including a sensational second to Baxter Sicily, had Yass right in the mix. The young Rams were in the game until the final minutes with the scores sitting at 19-14, until a couple of late converted tries sealed the game for the home team.

All of the Yass players had terrific games. The front row, Slammin’ Sam McCrudden, Monty “the Wreaking Ball” Hyles and Jack “solid as a rock” Harding were awesome in the scrums, pushing the big Vikings pack all over the park with great technique and gritty determination. A bone crunching cover tackle by Monty in the second half had the crowd audibly groaning, the hit was so big!

Clancy “the tackling machine” Ritchard was as deadly in defence as he’s been all season. Again, he tackled anything that moved, stopping the Vikings attack dead in its stride. Our sensational second rowers, Rafa Waugh and Alex Scanlan made breaks and cleaned out Vikings like nine pins, ensuring quality ball for the Rams backs.

Besides his two tries, Captain Baxter was the general today, calling the plays and smothering the Vikings number nine at every chance. Maurie “twinkle toes” Hyles stepped his way through the Vikings backs on several occasions. His effort with the boot was as impressive, with a touchline conversion that brought applause from both sections of the crowd in the second half.

Owen “run hard and straight” Hopwood has been fantastic in the last few games, setting an inspirational example as vice-captain, busting tackles and defending solidly. Jack “in the box” Kelk bounced all over the field with evasive running, beating defenders and taking on bigger opponents in impressive tackles. Angus ”Pang” Pack had his game of the season. Two terrific try saving cover tackles bought smiles of delight to the old times on the sideline.

Jude “super-sub” Barry was great every time he slotted into the backs, stiffening the defence and taking on the big Vikings outside backs. Rory “the nugget” Arneman made some incisive runs, solidly setting the ball allowing the Yass go forward to continue. Luke ‘the speed machine” Hewlett covered his opposite winger well, in spite of giving away 30kg in weight to his opponent!

The way the boys played this game earned them the serious respect of all who watched. The referee made a point of congratulating Yass after the game, and the parents formed a tunnel of honour for them to exit the field. The greatest thing of all were the smiles on the boys faces as they left the park. No regrets. They had fun, tried their hearts out, left nothing in the tank and walked off with heads held high after a sensational season!

Vikings 31 (5 tries; 2 conversions) defeated Yass Rams 14 (Baxter Sicily 2 tries; Maurie Hyles 1 conversion; 1 penalty try) at Gowrie.

Under 12’s

The U12’s were super excited going into the Semi Finals against Gungahlin Eagles at Daramalan this weekend. From the kicoff it was an emotion packed game! Both teams were finding it difficult break through any gaps. The strong defence of the Rams forwards kept the Rams in their own half for most of the first half.

At half time, both teams remained scoreless. In between the oranges Coaches Glover and Hughes reiterated the importance of keeping the pressure up in the second half and getting points on the board.

Around 40 minutes of game time had passed, until some backline tactics, set up a pass to the speedy Charlie Hall. This saw the ball cross over for the first try of the game putting opening points on the scoreboard for Yass 5-0 for most of the second  half. Yass looked like they were through to the finals, however Gungahlin quickly fought back and scored a converted try to make the score 5-7 with only 10 minutes left on the clock.

The Rams supporters and Cheerleaders could be heard at the “Back of Bourke” with their  voices cheering the Rams to give it all they had for the final minutes remaining.

In the final countdown, and only minutes to go, the Rams made

amazing ground to be back up at the try line yet again. Gungahlin’s defence was strong, but the Rams dug deep with their picking and driving to make every centimetre count towards the white line......and behold the Rams got over the try line again, however with the intensity so strong from each side, a player from Gungahlin simultaneously went down injured. The referee declared the game over though there was four minutes remaining.

Our determined boys deserved a triumphant march through to the final that day, unfortunately it was not to be.   

We are so proud of the amazing sportsmanship they demonstrated, despite the match being abandoned. The Under 12’s finished the season with exemplary play, admirable maturity and as a very formidable team.

So close, yet so far away for the mighty Yass Under 12’s Rams. 

Final score Yass 5 – Gungahlin 7

The Under 12’s would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported them on their rugby journey this year.

Team:  Oscar Allan, Charlie Barber, Louie Cathles, Jackson Carr, D’Artagnan Felizardo, Jack Field, Angus Field-Wilson, Tom Fieldhouse, Sam Glover, Charlie Hall, Owen Hughes, Henry McColl, Hamish Medway, Malakai Bird, Ben Robertson, Tom Tritschler, Hamish Walker.

Coaches:  Justin Hughes & Mark Glover

Manager:  Trish Barber

Yass Junior Rugby Committee - for all their support and hard work behind the scenes.

Rugby Quote:  All the talent in the world won’t take you anywhere without your teammates – Anonymous.

Looking forward to the 2019 season - there are quite a few numbers for an Under 13’s for 2019 - so start spreading the word on how great Yass Rugby Union is.