The NSW/ACT RAMS caused a mild shock at the weekend with a surprise win over the Calder Cannons in the first weekend of Challenge U18 matches by developing states against Victorian TAC Cup teams, getting home by 7 points at Coburg Football Ground.

 

Superbly led by captain Craig Bird (pictured) who had a game high 40 possessions (26 kicks, 14 handballs), kicked 3 goals and laid 12 tackles along with equally impressive performance from full forward Taylor Walker who kicked 6 goals from his 9 marks, the RAMS were able to hold out the previously unbeaten Cannons in an excellent standard Under 18 match.

 

In other matches the Queensland Scorpions defeated the Eastern Ranges by 15 points with full forward, Shane Rogerson the star booting 7 goals, whilst the undermanned Northern Territory went down to the Geelong Falcons by 98 points and the Dandenong Stingrays defeated the Tassie Mariners by 33 points in a more closely fought game at Shepley Oval.

 

Each of Queensland, NSW/ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania play 3 matches against Victorian TAC Cup teams over the next month as part of their preparation for the NAB AFL U18 Championships which commence in late June. To view the complete 2007 U18 Championship Fixture Click Here

 

With the TAC Cup draw structured in a way thich sees all 12 TAC Cup teams playing one Challenge Cup match, the games count for premiership points in the TAC Cup for the Victorians whilst providing developing states a strong lead in to the National Championships.