KARL HAIGH believes the painful lessons learned in Huddersfield Rams’ first Aussie Rules UK League match will pay dividends in the long run.
The new team aim to bounce back at Sheffield Thunder tomorrow (3.00) after going down 59-19 to Manchester Mosquitoes in last weekend’s Central Division opener.
“We knew it was going to be a tough baptism, and Manchester didn’t disappoint us on that score!” said founder player Haigh.
“Because the Mozzies play on a big Gaelic football ground rather than rugby pitch, we agreed to make it 12 rather than nine-a-side.
“They have a number of genuine Aussies, most of them young lads, and in the end, experience and fitness told.
“The third quarter was particularly telling, because they piled on the points at that stage, but at least we managed to limit the damage in the final session.”
In Aussie Rules, teams get six points per goal (when the ball passes between the middle two of the four posts) and one for a ‘behind’ (between a central and outer post).
Against Manchester, the Rams scored two goals, through Johnny Beaumont and Neil Morrison, the sole Aussie in the squad.
Haigh added: “It felt like a long 80 minutes, but the Mozzies praised our attitude afterwards, and that really lifted the players.
“Sheffield are a much younger club, like ourselves, and we’ll go there optimistic over chalking up our first victory.”
