Story & photos Dogwhistle
The Great Northern Byron Bay Rams faced a tough and determined opponent on Saturday, taking on an ascendent Goonellabah at the Byron Rec Grounds.
The day started positively, with the Rams Reserves continuing their string of strong performances. Kazuhiro Tsukamoto opened the scoring for the ressies, with Will Ennis adding two more shortly after.
Thirty minutes in, a Byron hand ball in the box gave the Hornets their second, and a fourth for Byron from Thomas took them into break at 4–2. Five minutes into the second session, a cross from Sam Owens put Will Ennis on the spot for his hat-trick, taking the scoreboard to 5–2.
Minutes later a Goonellabah defender headed an Ennis shot into his own net, making it 6–2. Young substitute winger Hari Scott made an impression after three minutes on the pitch, taking a flanking run, cutting inside and going to goal then threading his shot past the keeper for 7–2.
With minutes to go, a scrappy goal from Goonellabah took it to 7–3. The Rams are now clear and undefeated leaders at the top of the Reserves table.
The top-squad boys had a much tougher run in the Premier League match. Despite having a slight edge for much of the contest, the Rams couldn’t break down the Hornets’ defence.
Three spectacular saves from the Goonellabah keeper kept the scoreline at 0–0 right down to the final seconds.
A superbly executed free kick from the Hornets curled around the wall and skimmed inside the far post.
It was the final touch of the match and a painful sting in the tail for the Rams.
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