Rams pass premiers

The Rockingham Rams stunned reigning Peel Football League premiers Pinjarra at Sir Ross McLarty Oval on Saturday to record an impressive 35-point victory, 15.10 (100) to 9.11 (65).

In a tough encounter, Rockingham found themselves up against it early on with injuries and a knockout to Tim Taylor leaving them with only one player on the bench at half-time.

However, in a fighting display the Rams blew the game wide open in a blistering third term which saw them boot seven goals to the Tigers’ three behinds.

With stand-out performances from the likes of Travis Naughton, Mitch Curnow and Dylan Hill, the Rams secured a vital away win and in the process propelled themselves to second on the ladder.

Rams coach Scott Franklin said the keys to victory were maintaining their intensity, tackling pressure and winning contested footy for the full four quarters.

“It’s great to get the win and it gives the boys that little bit of confidence now,” Franklin said.

“It tells them that what we are doing is right and we are on the right track.

“We know that we have to do a lot of things right to compete with these good sides but if we can do it and maintain it for four quarters we give ourselves a real good opportunity against anyone.”

In a testament to what was a complete performance across the board, the Rams had nine goal kickers against Pinjarra.

Tyler Sutton booted three majors, while Jakob Janzekovic, Chris Oliver, Fraser Millar and Luke Dowling all kicked two each.

Rockingham now turn their attentions to a top-of-the-table derby clash against Baldivis on Saturday.

“We were really disappointed in round one with the way we fell away in the last part of the game,” Franklin said.

“We thought there was an opportunity to get at them and we let it slip, so this is just another opportunity to go again and test ourselves against a good side.

“We’re not really worried about ladder positions or anything like that. We just think if we can get our game style right it will take care of itself.”

The clash at Baldivis Oval bounces down at 2.30pm.