Story and pics by Dogwhistle
The Byron Bay Services Club Rams confirmed their recent return to form with an emphatic 2–0 victory over table leader South Lismore playing at home on June 2.
As promised the match provided 90 minutes of entertaining, high-quality football with plenty of fast-paced attack and counterattack from both sides.
An exciting and suspenseful first half had spectators breathless with anticipation. Byron had the edge with a powerful and relentless attack led by Diego Vasquez, Lisandro Luaces, and stalwart Jono Pierce, but the score remained deadlocked at 0–0 going into the break.
Both sides took the field for the second half with all guns blazing. Two minutes into the session Vasquez was brought down in the box and strike-mate Luaces put the dot-shot away to finally give Byron a hard-earned lead.
With their top-of-the-table status under threat, the Lismore crew turned up the heat and the battle for dominance became even more intense. Byron responded in kind and, in their best showing of the season, kept the pressure on the visitors.
With 15 minutes on the clock, a flanking run and a superb cross and from an in-form Jono Pierce found Diego Vasquez, who sealed the 2–0 win with an unstoppable drive into the Souths’ net.
While it is difficult to single out any individual Rams player in what was an outstanding team performance, special mention must be made of young midfielders Zac Miletic and Rick Muir for their extraordinary commitment.
Big win
The Rams’ premier backed this up with an 8–0 win over Ballina on Thursday night before the long weekend.
Ballina are currently sitting on the bottom of the table.
The win sees the Rams climb to third spot on the ladder, just three points from new competition leader Bangalow. The Bluedogs also have the advantage of two games in hand.
With no games over the long weekend, the Rams resumed their campaign on Tuesday night in Lismore with a grandfinal replay against archrivals Richmond Rovers. Results next week.
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