Rams 24.24(168) - 2.4(16) Tyne Tees Tigers

FILE PHOTO: Bickerdike looks on as Ozanne clear the footy

Unbeaten again, the Rams continue to press their title claim with a strong performance against league newcomers Tyne Tee Tigers.

The Rams started the game strong determined from the onset, reinvigorated by the returning former England international Battye, who rekindled the midfield link with current England player Matt Whiteley, after two seasons out.

There were also strong impressive debuts from 16 year olds Lewis Ozanne and Regan Hargreaves, both grabbing two goals during the comfortable win.

The team yet again built from their foundations of bravery with Alex Overton and James Clayton in and around the contest, which in turn allowed more creativity from the midfield.

It was the constant forward momentum of the team, getting the ball to forward and club founder Karl Haigh, who gracefully obliged,  catching everything up top with some strong running and intelligent play, helping himself to five goals.

Powerhouse Ross Shirtliffe again blossomed in the freedom afforded to him by the experience and nous of those seasoned players around him, grabbing his first goals of the season. Defensive compatriot Steve Hall was again a rock at the back, shoring up the defence, and rarely being under serious threats.

It was the immediate force that the Rams hit the Tiger's with from the start which pushed them on to the front foot,  rarely letting up throughout. The lads were organised and disciplined for the 80 minutes, aided by the experienced players in midfield who marshaled and killed the game.

They were only able to do this on the back of other midfielders doing the hard work and getting stuck into the contests on the ground.

One of the most positive improvements in recent weeks was on full show as kicking at goal was very accurate, which bolstered the Rams dominant performance. None of this would have been possible without the support play and shepherding in great abundance, illustrating the continued development from the front to the back of the team.

The best on ground award went to Matt Whiteley, who just pipped the games top scorer Jason Battye, despite his superb return to competitive football. 

The Rams face Leeds Minotaurs in round four and look to continue there unbeaten form.