Football: Falcons’ fight rattles Rams

The undefeated Rockingham Rams travelled to Falcon Oval on Sunday for a round six clash with South Mandurah that ended in a nail-biting one-point escape for the ladder-leading visitors.

The Rams started the game without their State country ruckman and twice Ross Elliot medal winner, Rowan Arnott, along with several other key players.

But Rockingham’s midfield still managed to control the play in the first quarter, with Peter Mcgennisken, Kieran Ugle and Mat Ware dominating the centre clearances.

Former South Fremantle forward Nick Groeneburg signed with the Rams midweek, and he showed his class to kick three firstquarter goals, to help the Rams to a 45-point lead at quarter time.

The tables were turned in the second quarter as the Falcons responded well to Rams pressure, stealing the lead and taking it into the half-time break.

Rod Tregenzer was dominant, adding eight second-quarter goals before finishing the day with 16.

Along with Malcolm Yarran, he controlled the centre clearances and the Rams knew they had a game on their hands.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle with some fierce football played by both sides.

Coach Sean Wrigley tagged Yarran with youngster Jethro Barraclough and the Rams once again started to find some direction to goals.