Story & photos Dogwhistle
The once-mighty Lismore Thistles took another humiliating defeat at the hands (or feet) of the Great Northern Byron Bay Rams on Saturday.
Three rounds into the 2016 season, one of Byron’s traditional rivals is yet to take a point.
The demoralising outing began with the reserve grade match. The final scoreline didn’t reflect the Rams’ complete dominance, as much of the game was spent in the Thistles’ half.
Only a ruthless and physical Thistles back line kept Byron’s fast and fluid attack at bay. Rams Kazahiro Tsukamoto, Shaun Packham and Will Ennis did manage to break through and find the net to take the final score to 3–0.
At Premier level, Thistles always provide a fast and furious challenge to the Rams but, on this occasion, even their most vigorous efforts couldn’t hold back the Rams.
Aaron Walker opened the scoring twenty minutes in, bundling the ball – and himself – inside the post in a desperate goalmouth skirmish.
Thistles managed to thwart the Byron attack for the remainder of the half but yet another senseless red card to Thistles hitman, Zac Wilson, put paid to any hopes of a comeback for the Lismore boys.
Polished driving combinations from Jonathan Pierce, Quinn McDonald and Lachlan Dewar put the 10-man Thistles under intense pressure.
Twenty minutes into the second half, Ben Ahern pounced on a rebound and drove it home to make it 2–0. Shortly after, Tyson Kaye took a sweet volley from thirty metres out that left the Lismore Keeper no chance – 3–0. Another clinical drive from Quinn McDonald before the final whistle sealed the Rams win at 4–0.
Only dogged defence from the Thistles’ defence prevented a total rout.
Not so fortunate were the Thistles’ first division, who did suffer a 9–0 drubbing from the young Byron Firsts.
This weekend sees a break from the regular competition as the Rams head to Lismore for the final of the 2016 Anzac Cup.
It will Byron’s first meeting for 2016 with Grand Final nemesis Richmond Rovers and promises to be a testing challenge and a taste of the intense rivalry to come this season.
The reserves have a week off while the Cup squad kick off at 7pm, Saturday 23 April at Oakes Oval.
