HUDDERSFIELD Rams head into their first-ever Aussie Rules UK League match against Manchester Mosquitoes tomorrow buoyed by a fifth-placed finish in the sport’s national carnival at Newcastle.
The fledgling club, formed by Lockwood man Karl Haigh just six months ago, won two of their three group games, then defeated Durham Saints in their play-off.
It was a major lift ahead of a Central Division campaign which will feature nine matches, starting at the Turn Moss ground which is also home to Manchester Gaelic football club St Lawrence’s.
The two sports have strong links historically, and the Rams had a joint training session with Huddersfield club Brothers Pearse last night.
“We’ve already fostered strong links with them, and it was really interesting to see how they go about things,” said Haigh.
“And because the sports are similar, there’s also the chance that we could share players.”
At the moment the Rams have a 15-strong squad from which to select for the nine-a-side matches, which continue away to Sheffield Thunder a week tomorrow.
Both Manchester Mozzies and Sheffield are well established and include several Australians in their squad.
The Rams are based at Huddersfield Rugby Union Club’s Lockwood Park ground, with their first home game against Leeds Lions on Saturday, June 27.
