West Belconnen have claimed their first win of the season with a hard-fought 30-12 win over the Woden Valley Rams at Raiders Belconnen on Saturday.
With the score at 14-12 after the break, the Warriors scored three consecutive tries to seal victory.
West Belconnen opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with centre Kane Rushton diving over the try-line to score. Halfback Bayley Graham successfully converted to give his side an early 6-0 lead.
The Warriors camped themselves in the Rams 20 metre zone for the next 15 minutes, earning repeat sets. They had many scoring opportunities but the Rams defence held strong.
Woden’s defence eventually cracked again, with prop Timothy Sloman crashing over at close range to score. Graham converted to extend the home side’s lead to 12-0 after 22 minutes.
After a penalty and an error from West Belconnen, the Rams capitalized in their first set in the Warriors 20 metre zone, with five-eighth Sean Maloney bursting through the defensive line for a try. Jackson McDonald added the two points, closing the gap to 12-6.
The two sides battled for field position, before Warriors centre Ryley Thomas made a line-break, running 50 metres and then earning his side a penalty after a high shot. Graham kicked the penalty goal, bringing the score to 14-6 heading into half-time.
After the break, the Rams came out firing, with Andrew Chard scoring in the 43rd minute. McDonald successfully converted, closing the gap to 14-12.
But West Belconnen bounced back, with Sloman crashing over for a four-pointer and Graham successfully converting to put them ahead by eight points.
Some great defence from both sides in the following sets, before Warriors second-rower Kiarn Wilson crashed over to score a try, bringing the score to 24-12.
Rams had a chance to hit back just minutes later, but dropped the ball on the Warriors 10 metre line.
West Belconnen sealed victory with five minutes to go, with hooker Logan Reis going over under the posts. Graham converted to put the home side ahead 30-12.
