Match Report
It was Ramsgate Rams vs Manly Bombers in this years Grand Final at Macquarie University Sporting Grounds. Manly were re-divisionalised from Division 1 earlier in the season, and beat our girls by 4 goals at Tonbridge in our only encounter. The girls ran through their Grand Final banner, printed with words to their Club song – victory had to be front of mind to beat Manly today.
We were kicking into the wind in the first quarter, playing on a field that was muddy with a few deep puddles scattered about after days of rain. Our girls kept Manly to one goal, which was a great start and the girls were buzzing. Coach Todd spent quarter time keeping the girls focussed and calm, and reassuring them that mistakes can happen but not to dwell on them. Sage advice from an experienced coach and player, whose team had won their own Grand Final just one week before.
The Rams cheer squad was in full force as the girls played a strong second quarter, kicking 4 goals to Manly’s 1. The excitement of such a strong quarter brought an excitable group back to regroup at half time, and the deep breathing exercises were followed by a lot of laughter, sending our team into the 3rd quarter relaxed and focussed.
The 3rd quarter was make or break, the girls had to keep Manly from scoring, they knew they had to hold them back. Very strong defence from the mids and backs stifled the Manly attack, keeping them goal-less for the period.
At 3 quarter time the girls knew they had to keep focus and give their best effort to maintain their 18- point lead. The heavens opened in the 4th quarter and our girls kicked another goal, Manly responded with a goal of their own. A few tense minutes as Team Manager Lee asked ground officials to update the score board which was showing a lead narrower than the one we had.
As the final buzzer sounded, the girls (and crowd) celebrated with hugs and a few happy tears. Our mighty Rams were quick to thank their opponents who played a full game of fair and sportsmanlike football. The girls turned as a group and walked over to their Coach and supporters, with some of the biggest smiles you’ll ever see!
Well done to Alex Sasi who was awarded Best on Ground by the match umpires.
Congratulations to goal scorers Paige (3), Alex (1), Emily-Summer (1)
