Brumbies pip gallant Rams

Baldivis continued their unbeaten start to the 2018 Peel Football League season on Saturday, edging out local rivals Rockingham in a nailbiting contest, 12.13 (85) to 12.8 (80).

Both teams came into the clash at Baldivis Oval in red-hot form, with the Brumbies winning their first four on the bounce while the Rams had beaten 2017 premiers Pinjarra.

In what was a thriller to the very end, Rockingham nearly grabbed the win in the dying seconds after mounting a fourth-quarter comeback.

Early in the fourth term, the Brumbies had run out to a three-goal lead but two goals from Luke Dowling dragged the Rams to within a kick with barely a minute on the clock.

However, it was not to be, as a last-ditch tackle stopped the Rams from bursting forward in the dying seconds, with Baldivis able to eat up the remaining time on the clock and record their fifth win in a row.

Baldivis coach Craig Hamersley said it was a challenge to stop the momentum swinging Rockingham’s way.

“It felt like momentum was really swinging and it was challenging to try and curb it a lot of the time,” Hamersley said.

“Andrew Walsh and Mitch Curnow got off the chain a few times, so coming up with some plans to try and stop their momentum was tough but I’m stoked that our boys were able to stand up and get the job done when it counted.

“Rockingham were certainly coming hard at the end.”

Rams coach Scott Franklin was disappointed to lose such a close game but praised his side for their efforts, particularly when they were able to get a run on.

“We were winning stoppages, we were winning the contested footy and we were moving it really quickly,” Franklin said.

“We just got it inside 50 really quick to one-on-ones and were able to score some goals from it.

“It was a close one, which was disappointing to lose.”

This Saturday, Baldivis are away to Mandurah at Rushton Park while Rockingham welcomes Waroona to Anniversary Park on Sunday.