World Footy News

With an "awesome display of guts, determination and sheer skill", the mighty Huddersfield Rams outclassed six opponents from around England & Wales to take out the UK National Carnival in Portmsouth on Saturday April 24th.

In only their second year, and proudly wearing Western Australian State-of-Origin jumpers until their new kit arrives, the Huddersfield Rams brought the cup back to Yorkshire for the first time in the tournament's history.

The Rams won six games out of six to battle through to the final, before seeing off the hosts the Portsmouth Pirates. Rams captain Danny Armitage picked up the Golden Boot award for the tournament with an outstanding performance of 18 goals.

Club founder and president, Karl Haigh said “I’m so proud of the effort put in by the lads – both in the build up to and duration of the carnival. Considering that we came here last year and did not win a game, to come here in 2010 and go on and win the thing is amazing.”

The 9-a-side National Carnival is the last pre-season tournament before the regular season begins, this year hosted in Portsmouth by the Portsmouth Pirates with the Southampton Titans, Bournemouth Demons, Bristol Dockers, Sheffield Thunder, Cardiff Double Blues and the Rams all vying for the Cup.

This report courtesy of the Huddersfield Rams AFC.

Huddersfield Rams results:

Game 1: Rams 8.8 (56) def Cardiff Double Blues 0.2 (2)
Rams goal kickers: Ally DeLooze 3, Danny Armitage 2, Johnny Beaumont 1, Royce Free 1, Josh (Chesney) Armitage 1

Game 2: Rams 7.3 (45) def Bristol Dockers 2.3 (15)
Rams goal kickers: Danny Armitage 3, Ally DeLooze 2, Josh (Chesney) Armitage 1, Jason Battye 1

Game 3: Rams 8.4 (52) def Bournemouth Demons 2.1 (13)
Rams goal kickers: Ally DeLooze 3, Danny Armitage 2, Josh (Chesney) Armitage 2, Royce Free 1

Game 4: Rams 5.6 (36) def Sheffield Thunder 3.1 (19)
Rams goal kickers: Danny Armitage 5

Game 5: Rams 7.5 (47) def Portsmouth Pirates 2.1 (13)
Rams goal kickers: Danny Armitage 4, Royce Free 2, Josh (Chesney) Armitage 1

Game 6: Rams 3.7 (25) def Southampton Titans 2.3 (15)
Rams goal kickers: Johnny Beaumont 1, Lee Tarn 1, Royce Free 1

Grand Final: Rams 6.5 (41) def Portsmouth Pirates 0.2 (2)
Rams goal kickers: Ally DeLooze 2, Jason Battye 2, Danny Armitage 1, Johnny Beaumont 1

Huddersfield Rams coach Neil Morrison said “An outstanding effort was displayed by all the boys on the day, but a special mention must go to three players in particular; Lee Tarn, Tim Smith and our best player on the day, Royce Free. I’m delighted with the work rate and commitment of the entire squad at the moment and can’t wait for the season to begin. Go Rams. Booom!!”