The Rams 11.6 (72) overcame Country 10.7 (67), becoming the first division two team to knock off a division one side since the NAB AFL Under-18 championship format changed this year.
NSW/ACT trailed by 27 points at the main break, but bounced back strongly in the third term with six goals to one. The Rams managed to keep their slim three-quarter time advantage throughout the final quarter to secure victory.
Geelong scholarship holder Ranga Ediriwickrama was again a shining light for the Rams, continuing his outstanding carnival with 25 disposals and six hard-ball gets. He also sent the ball out of defence and into attack, claiming three rebounds and four inside 50s.
Mitch Clisby was NSW/ACT's second highest ballwinner with 18 touches, as big man Mitch Frail impressed in the ruck and up forward, collecting eight hit-outs and chipping in with two goals. Jordan Foster was his side's leading goalkicker with three majors.
For Vic Country, John Butcher shone with four goals, as teammate Tom Rockliff impressed again with two majors. Jack Ziebell returned from injury and had 15 touches and five inside 50s.
NSW/ACT Rams 3.1 3.1 9.5 11.6 (72)
Victoria Country 2.3 7.4 8.6 10.7 (67)
GOALS
NSW/ACT: Foster 3, Breust 2, Frail 2, Reed, Kirkwood, Ediriwickrama
Vic Country: Butcher 4, Rockliff 2, McKenzie 2, Ziebell, Stevens
BEST
NSW/ACT: Ediriwickrama, Duryea, Frail, Klemke, Clisby, Reed
Vic Country: Butcher, Sheahan, Hooper, Ziebell, Sidebottom
The 2008 Division One NAB AFL Under 18 Championships will conclude with a triple-header at Telstra Dome on Wednesday, July 9. All three matches will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1.
