The Monaro Representative team had a strong Yass Rams contingent.
The Yass Rams faced one of the fittest sides in the competition last weekend, going down to the ADFA Lions by 19 points in what Coach Bronson Sainsbury described as a match defined by adversity and missed opportunities. “Pretty tough conditions, that’d be fair to say,” Sainsbury said after the match. “We had a yellow card within the first two minutes which really put us on the back foot, and then not long after getting back to full strength, we had a red card. So we were down to 14 players for the majority of the match.”
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Rams dug deep, putting in a gutsy performance that earned praise from their coach. “It was just a bridge too far, really,” Sainsbury admitted. “But the effort was there. The boys didn’t roll over.”
Among the standout players for Yass were Harrison Locke and Harry Roche both of which showed composure and commitment in a match that was always going to be an uphill battle.
“We had a few boys really stand up,” Sainsbury said. “But to be honest, it was a solid team effort under the circumstances. It’s just a shame we couldn’t turn the effort into a result.”
Looking ahead, the Rams now prepare to host Jindabyne this Saturday in what Sainsbury is calling a “focus game” for the squad. With finals hopes hanging by a thread, the team is now focused on smaller, more immediate goals.
“Our chances of making the finals are pretty slim,” Sainsbury admitted. “It would rely on a lot of other results going our way. So we’re just taking it one game at a time now trying to build some momentum and end the season on a positive note.”
Yass hasn’t beaten Jindabyne in over three years, adding extra motivation heading into Saturday’s home fixture. “We want to break that drought more than anything,” he said. “We’re not looking at finals now we’re looking at pride, performance, and finishing the season with our heads held high.”
With four games remaining, the Rams are aiming to win at least three of them. Their final home game, against Cooma, will be a particularly special occasion the annual clash for the Gordon Litchfield Boot.
“That’s a big one for us,” Sainsbury explained. “We lost to them earlier in the year at Cooma, but we still hold the boot from last year. If we win at home, we retain it that’s the goal.”
The Rams also face Bungendore, Taralga, and Cooma in their final matches a challenging run, especially against the undefeated Bungendore side.
“Bungendore’s going to be a very tough game, no question, but I still think we can challenge them, especially at home. Taralga and Cooma we believe those are winnable. If we can pick up three wins, that would be a strong finish for us.”
Morale remains high in the squad, with strong numbers continuing to show up to training despite the disappointment of recent results.
“We had a really honest talk at training,” Sainsbury said. “We spoke about what the rest of the season looks like for us playing for each other, for the jersey, and for the club. That’s what it’s all about.”
Off the field, the Rams enjoyed a successful “Long Lunch” on Saturday, with special guest Warwick Wall entertaining a strong crowd. “It was a great day,” Sainsbury said. “Really well attended, and we raised some solid funds for the club. Events like that remind you what local rugby’s all about community, mateship, and pride in your town.”
With renewed focus and local pride on the line, the Yass Rams head into the final rounds with plenty still to play for.
-Liam Stuart
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