Swans seal win after siren

The Todd Taylor Cup roared back to life at Anniversary Park last Saturday as Warnbro Swans kicked a goal after the siren to beat Rockingham Rams by four points in a nail-biter.

A big crowd was on hand for the pre-season scratch match, which was settled in the most dramatic way possible.

The Rams had the jump on the Swans early, kicking a couple of goals before the visitors fought back in the second quarter.

After the main break, the Swans continued to remain in front by a couple of kicks, until the Rams hit the front in the final term.

Rockingham appeared all but set to secure victory, but the Swans fought back once again.

With seconds remaining, Warnbro was awarded a free kick from about 30m out, with Jordan Adams stepping up to kick the game-winner after the siren to give Warnbro the spoils and local bragging rights.

Despite the late defeat, Rams coach Scott Franklin was upbeat about his team’s performance.

“I was really proud; we were down to two on the bench in the second half of the game,” Franklin said. “Warnbro ran with about eight extras on their bench, so our boys really fought it out.

“I’m really happy that we tried to stick to a new game style; we tackled well and did all the little things well.”

Swans coach Paul Lenzarini said he was pleased to see his side bounce back after a sloppy start.

“We had 11 new players that weren’t at Warnbro last year, so it was always going to take time for them to start gelling,” Lenzarini said. “As the game progressed, we got better.

“We got a bit sloppy in the early part of the last quarter and they got two goals in front but we showed a bit of tenacity to fight back and win the game.

“It was played in good spirits; everyone got together at the end to have a drink together too, which was fantastic.”

While the Rams went down in the league tie, they were too strong for the Swans in the masters, colts and reserves games earlier in the day.

This Friday night, the Rams will hold their season launch at Anniversary Park from 5.30pm.

They will then turn their attentions to the season opener against reigning premiers Baldivis Brumbies on April 1.