World Footy News

Sunday the 15th November 2009 saw reigning ARUK Central Premiers the Huddersfield Rams head to Gateshead for an off-season friendly match against the North-East All Stars, a side drawn from the five clubs in the region in and around Newcastle.

The Rams have been one of regional England's fastest-growing clubs over the past twelve months, winning their local premiership, taking the road for tour matches as far away as Wales, and lending a hand to other start-up clubs in nearby cities. The 2010 season will hopefully see the current clubs in the north-west joined by sides in cities such as Sheffield, Doncaster, Bradford, York and a team at Leeds Metropolitan University, with the Rams travelling the area to assist in training sessions with members of sides under formation. Furthermore, there are currently footy programs at five local schools, with an additional twelve to come onboard in February next year.

This weekend's game against the All Stars was the result of a challenge issued by Gateshead Miners captain Sean Bulmer, who invited the Rams to make the trip north and take on the best of the North-East Premiership.

Though the weather remained dry and sunny for the game, conditions were still very greasy and a bit muddy under foot. Karl Haigh led his premiership team to Gateshead for the 2pm kick off, as did Sean Bulmer whose intimidating All-Star line up was aided with Garth Nevin, the new Aussie coach of the Sheffield Thunder.

The game, as expected, was very competitive from the get go, as both teams tackled hard and attacked the footy with passion and determination. Josh "Chezney" Armitage and Karl "Dragon Slayer" Haigh played a great first quarter, kicking straight and giving the Rams a 16 point lead at the first break. Unfortunatly due to a heavy head collision in the first term, Karl Haigh was forced to leave the ground at the 10 minute mark of the second quarter with concussion, despite scoring again. The loss was a massive blow to the Rams as Haigh had already taken some massive marks and kicked 4 outstanding goals.

The second quarter was very evenly poised, with the Rams outscoring the All Stars by only one point, the Rams ahead at half time by 17pts. There was an obvious shift in momentum which was going the All Stars' way.

The All Stars outscored the Rams in the third term, kicking five goals to the Ram's three. Garth Nevin and Eddie Jackson were proving a handful in the midfield. Rams Ally Delooze and Johnny Beaumont were fighting hard, as was Josh Armitage providing a target up forward, but they still couldnt stop the All Stars getting within seven points, going into the last quarter.

As expected, both teams came out fighting hard and rallied goal for goal. The finish was a thrilling tussle, the Rams holding on by less than a goal in the end for a 4 point victory.

Final scores: Huddersfield Rams 13.8 (86) def. N.E. All Stars 13.4 (82)

Best for the Rams were Chez Armitage, Johnny Beaumont and Alley Delooze, whilst on the score card, Chez Armitage and Karl Haigh managed 4 each.