Rams girls down defending champs to announce themselves as contenders

The under-17s girls' squad kicked off the Lisa Fiaola cup campaign on Saturday, January 31, against North Coast Bulldogs at Queanbeyan's David Campese Oval, where they secured a 20-10 victory.

Head coach Marty Lyden is back for a second season, and while he's eager to go better than last year's exit at the semi-final stage, it's a new year and new focus for the team.

"We only have two players from the 2025 squad, so last year doesn't mean too much," he said.

"We are focusing on the girls' development first, and if the girls keep developing the way they are, then the wins will keep coming."

Second-rower, Katie Galvin, was stoked to start the season strong, especially against a top performing team from last years competition.

"It was really good to get a win against one of the top teams," she said.

"The North Coast Bulldogs won the grand final last year, and even though it was a very tense game, it was really great to secure the win."

Consistent on both sides of the ball, the team was led by standout halfback Chelsea Gallagher who notched a try and two conversions. Following the match, Galvin praised the group's defence performance.

"I think we had great communication out on the field, which definitely helped to keep them out on their line," she said.

"There were a few crucial moments where we had real good defence and it paid off."

Lyden and Galvin both reflected on the Canberra heat over the weekend, emphasising the need to stay sharp despite the challenging conditions.

"Everything just started to slow down a bit more because of the heat and the fatigue was impacting everyone," Galvin said.

"But we made sure to keep our composure and in the end, even with the heat we did pretty good."

"I feel like we worked really hard in defence on the weekend, It was really hot and conditions weren't great, but the girls just kept going," Lyden added.

The pair understand their work isn't quite finished, with Galvin and Lyden both looking towards the new season with determination to reach the grand finals.

"We really wanted to get this win against the Bulldogs, so it is a great start to the season," she said.

"But I think we are all hoping for a grand final win, and just an overall good season with lots of wins.

"There are always a few things we can improve on, and next training we will just get back to work."

"I'm really happy with the way things are progressing, there is still a lot we can work on, but at this stage of the competition we are happy with where we are as a team," Lyden added.

The Andrew Johns Cup didn't start so sweetly for the Western Rams boys following a heavy defeat to the Central Coast Roosters at Queanbeyan's Seiffert Oval.

The boys were at their best early on, securing all three of their tries in the first half, but they were unable to maintain that momentum after the break.

Izaak Fogg was a standout with a double, while Adam Gillan added a third to the tally. Noah Cox was consistent with the boot, slotting all three conversions, but the Roosters were too strong this time, winning 44-18.

It was a similar story in the Laurie Daley Cup, where the Western Rams under-18s fell 58-12 to the Roosters at nearby David Campese Oval.

After a scoreless first half, the Rams found their rhythm a little too late in the second half, reaching the line twice.

Ryan George and Riley Durrant proved their determination with a try each, which were both converted by Charlie Fischbeck.

Despite the opening round setbacks, both teams head into round two eager to bounce back and begin their ascent up the ladder.

All three Rams junior sides will be at home at Lithgow in round two on Saturday, February 7.

The boys will be taking on the Illawarra South Coast Steelers while the girls will take on the Northern Tigers, the side which knocked them out in last year's semis.