This weekend saw the Mighty Rams heading to the bush in stark contrast to last week’s hit out in Hawthorn.   Beautiful Alexandra was the setting for our second trial match of the 2011 season where the Rams battled against local Yarra Valley Mountain District Team Alexandra in a 6 quarter game cut short from two full games due to player availability from our side.  This meant of course those gladiators that were able commit to playing were up against two full strength sides from the home team.

But the result was much the same as the week before against the ever improving Swinburne.  That is the Rams brought home the bacon in an amazing effort of endurance and courage.  Twenty five players made the trip north and all were tested on the day playing the first three quarters of the game against the Alex’ two’s and sailing through at a trot posting 13 goals 11 behinds to Alex’s hard fought efforts of 5 goals 8 behinds.

But the story was only about to begin.  Our 25 Ram-jets sucked in the deep breaths and steadied themselves for the next onslaught – another three quarters against the Alex’ big guns.   And steadying the ship is exactly what would inevitably be needed in this capital game of attrition.  After Alex’ Ones came out in the first of the three quarters and faced off against a team that had already played all but a full game, they slammed on 7 goals to one, but their day out was about to be rammed !

The fifth quarter saw both sides defences get right on top with only one goal apiece as the arm wrestle continued.  But the Rams were about to dig deeper than anyone could have expected.  They came out in the last quarter – remember their sixth and Alex’s third and the boys found character abundant by outscoring the home team three goals to two in this torrid affair. 

To quote Coach Greg, “I’m pleased to say at the end of the game the accumulative score had you in front”.    He also acknowledges the fantastic team effort to put up 12 different goal scorers for the day.   Go Ram’s – you done yourselves proud on March 26, 2011.

Final scores MLOCFC 18–18–126 defeated Alexandra 16–20–116