Yass Rams Bradley Banks. Photo: Amanda Cooke-Vasey.
On Saturday, the Yass Rams took on Cooma in their first home game of the season, and after a few tough losses, the boys were hungry for a win, which they earned 33 – 21.
It was a physical matchup from start to finish, with both sides trading tries and refusing to back down. The Rams showed plenty of grit in defence, and worked hard to capitalise on their opportunities.
Try scorers for the day were Sai Vakalalavanua, crossing for a double, alongside Jordan Whittaker, Harrison Locke and Lionel Hayden. Toby Haylock was strong with the boot, slotting four from five conversions.
The boys now turn their focus to Round Five, where they take on Crookwell on home soil, looking to build on the momentum from a strong first win of the season.
Team Manager, Bronson Sainsbury, said it was a good start for home games this year.
“Having our first home game definitely helps… It has been a tough couple of weeks on the road,” he said.
“The community turnout was pretty strong… One of our players, Bradley Banks, was playing his 100th game for the club, so there were a lot of people there to support him on the day and cheer him on, which was great to see.
“Bradley has been a bit of a stalwart for the club well over 10 years now. It’s a really proud moment for Bradley, and it’s great to see people like Brad reach those milestones and we wish him all the best and hope he sticks around and continues playing for a few more.”
In two weeks’ time, the Rams will play Bungendore in an old boys’ day.
“We’ve got a game this weekend against Crookwell. That’s another home game,” said Bronson.
The same day the Rams took on Cooma, the Ewes travelled to Goulburn for their Gala Day, taking on both East’s and Goulburn in two competitive clashes. Ewes lost 17 – 5 to East’s and 31 – 5 to Goulburn. While the results didn’t quite fall their way, the club said there were plenty of positives to take out of the day.
“The effort across both games was outstanding, with the girls working hard for each other and showing real commitment as a team. The ball movement across the field was a highlight, and it’s clear that game structures and set plays are starting to come together,” they said.
“With such a new and developing side, the growth in confidence each week is evident.”
The Ewes now turn their focus to this week as they travel to Braidwood to take on the Black Widows.
“They were narrowly beaten by Easts, and then they lost to Goulburn as well. They’re starting to look a little bit more competitive and starting to get their game together, so I’m expecting big things from them in the coming weeks as well,” Bronson said.
Rams will play on Saturday at Victoria Park at 2:30pm, and the Ewes will play in Braidwood on Saturday starting at 4:00pm.
The following week on May 16, the Old Boys Day at Victoria Park will serve as a way to reconnect with old teammates, share a few stories, and cheer on the Rams as they take on Bungendore.
The juniors will kick off the jam-packed day of footy:
U13s — Yowls v Daramalan | 10:30am
U18s — Rams v Marist | 12:40pm
It’s a $30 entry to the Old Boys marquee with beer and pizza included.
Dust off the old jerseys and celebrate the legacy of Yass Rugby Union.
“I would like to open the invitation up to any former players, men or women, who have retired and just want to get back together and come down to the marquee. It’s a pretty cheap afternoon and a good way to enjoy the sun while we’ve still got it and reconnect with a few old friends,” said Bronson.
“It will be a pretty solid turnout for the game against Bungendore. It would be a pretty solid hit out with those guys. They’re currently sitting around second on the table.
“We came pretty close to knocking them off when we played them in Bungendore a few weeks ago. It will be interesting to see how we go against them at home.”
Jack Murray
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