WESTERN RAMS under-18s coach Cameron Greenhalgh knows he has a good side at his disposal but he has warned against complacency heading into this Sunday's AAMI Country Championships final in Tamworth.
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The Rams 18s booked their spot with a comprehensive 48-4 win over Greater Northern Tigers in their semi-final at Caltex Park on Saturday, just 90 minutes after Bidgee Bulls had scored a golden point 27-26 win over Newcastle.
Bookended by tries to towering fullback Lachlan Farr, the win was as comprehensive in reality as it appeared on paper, particularly in the second half when they ran in 34 unanswered points.
"We've been like that all through the competition, our second half efforts have been phenomenal," Greenhalgh said.
"I'd like to see us starting better, especially next week in the final because we won't get any second chances.
"It's a good reward for not only the boys but also their families, because there's a lot of travel involved to be part of this squad. I'm over the moon for everyone involved."
In reality the Rams' start wasn't that bad, with Farr opening the scoring in the 13th minute before Parkes' Joseph Dwyer added to the lead eight minutes later.
Greater Northern hit back when Jake Saunders went over in the 26th minute but that was the end of their scoring.
The margin at half-time was just 10 points after Callum Clybrun bagged the first of his double in the 35th minute and at the break it was 14-4 to the hosts.
If the first half was tradesmanlike, the second was razzle-dazzle as Western went about putting their case forward for favouritism in Sunday's final.
Jack Beasley, Clyburn, Luke Gale, Bayden Searle, Clayton Couley and Farr each crossed in the second 40 minutes as they sent a statement to the Bulls.
"These boys are just enjoying their football, which is great to see," Greenhalgh said.
"I've been keeping an eye on Bidgee through the competition and it doesn't surprise me that they have made it through, they're a good side.
"Even though we probably did it easier today we know we're in for a tough one next week.
"Nothing changes for us. We'll train through the week and we'll probably have another run on either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning to prepare."
WESTERN RAMS 48(Callum Clyburn 2, Lachlan Farr 2, Joseph Dwyer, Jack Beasley, Luke Gale, Clayton Couley, Bayden Searle tries; Kade Barrow 4, Gale 2 goals) def GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS 4 (Jake Saunders try)
