Nottingham and Huddersfield clashed in last season’s Premiership final, with Nottingham edging a tight game.

The Rams fielded a vastly inexperienced side with no rotations. Three players made their debuts.

Debutant Cameron Brannan top scored with a Hat-trick in his first ever senior game. Brannan was also the Rams’ “Best on Ground”.  Captain Jason Battye scored the Rams’ other goal.

The Rams are next in action in two weeks time when they play Birmingham Bears and Manchester Mosquitoes in a double header in Manchester.

Captain Jason Battye- “The Rams squad is suffering from a number of long term injuries and work commitments which sees eight players missing from last season’s Premiership final squad. However new players are taking up the sport weekly and are being bitten by the Aussie Rules so I’m confident that we will turn things around and become a strong competitive force once again.”

Rams Team & Goals: M Evans, A Brown, M Whiteley, S Gill, J Battye (1), C Brannan (Debut, 3), J White (Debut), L Booth (2), G Bickerdike (Debut)

Best on Ground Votes: Brannan 3, Bickerdike 2, Battye 1

England's national Aussie Rules side, the England Dragonslayers, will be holding trials on Sunday 27th May 2012.

These trials are open to any English players aged 16+ and will be a major factor in the selection of the 2012 Euro Cup squad.

They are to be held at Willenhall RUFC - home of the Wolverhampton Wolverines - WV11 2BA. Starting at 12:00, any prospective players are asked to be there for 11:30 to ensure a prompt start. There will be a nominal charge per participant in order to cover the facility costs.

So if you think you've got what it takes to pull on the red jersey for your country, or just want to see what is involved with training for the International squad, clean your boots off and go for a run out with them!

However, the score reflected only part of the story, as a largely inexperienced Huddersfield side (who went in to the game with a fully home grown squad, with no rotations and two debutants) battled back to beat their Australian heavy hosts 49-41 in the second half.

The Rams showed their usual virtues of commitment, dedication and desire to push their more experienced opponents right to the wire, restoring their wounded pride.

‘Best on Ground’ for The Rams was Luke Booth who, along with full-forward James Sunderland, grabbed two goals. Captain Jason Battye also scored two, combining with Ally Delooze (2 goals) and Matt Whiteley (1 goal) to show why this Huddersfield team currently has the England Dragonslayers national teams starting midfield amongst their numbers.

The Rams will take the positives out of this performance when they face last seasons’ Premiers, the Nottingham Scorpians, in their next match in two weeks time.

The Rams team and goalscorers for the Mosquitoes match: M Evans, A Brown, M Whiteley (1), S Gill, J Battye (2), A Delooze (2), H Ward, L Booth (2), J Sunderland (2).

On the back of winning the Bowl Cup at the pre-season Haggis Cup tournament in Edinburgh - the Rams beat Glasgow Sharks in the final - spirits are high. A strong performance from the team that included five new comers to the game was rewarded when two Rams players, Luke Booth and Captain Jason Battye, were selected for the "team of the tournament".

This weekend’s opening game in Manchester will be a very tough contest, especially due to the Rams losing six key players from last year’s title runners-up squad due to long term injuries and work commitments.

The team is constantly on the lookout for new support from sports minded people of Huddersfield, and anyone wishing to be involved will be heartily welcomed by the club.

The Rams are based at Lockwood Park and train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

The Huddersfield Rams are pleased to announce a new range of clothing for the 2012 season! 

You can access the online store using the link above, or visit Macron directly by clicking here.

The merchandise ranges from vests to hoodies, and all garments are embroidered with the famous Rams logo.

Prices start from £12 upwards, so happy shopping Rams! Let’s get suited and booted for the new season!

Rams players Brandon Fletcher and Captain Jason Battye with Rastrick Head Helen Lennie

The Huddersfield Rams Australian Rules Football Club is pleased to announce the sponsorship of two of their players by Rastrick High School & Sixth Form College. The school has acknowledged the support that the club has made to the school over the last few years by committing to assisting  two members of staff in their continued participation in this unique sport. PE Teachers Jason Battye and Brandon Fletcher both play for The Rams, and bring their expertise and experiences into the work place and Rastrick’s wider community. Club Captain and England and Great Britain representative Jason Battye said “The school regularly uses The Rams’ coaches, clothing and equipment in delivering a more culturally diverse curriculum to its students, and we are extremely grateful that the school is willing to assist us with the running cost at the club”.

The sport of Australian Rules Football is proving to be a big hit with Rastrick students with high enthusiasm and participation levels shown by both boys and girls, proving that this is a sport that everyone can access. The sport promotes teamwork, positive attitudes and is a great way to develop fitness levels; and compliments the traditional sports that are taught in PE lessons.

The Mighty Rams got their 2012 campaign off to a flyer when they represented in the St. Patricks Day knockout tournament hosted by the Manchester Mozzies in Burnage on Saturday 17th March.

The Rams, along with Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Wolverhampton and Nottingham, were all in great spirits and eager to show what they had for the coming 2012 season. The Mighty Huddersfield Rams, who have earned themselves a reputation as the ones to watch, fielded a strong sqaud with some fresh faces making their debuts - Marty Henderson, Enid The Big E, Dave Windsor, Sean Fowell, Antony Brown and Graham The Big G! Along with veterans Ally Delooze, Brandon Fletcher, Neil Morrison, Matt Whiteley, Karl Haigh, Matt Evans, Stu Rowling and in his first year as captain Jason Battye, the Rams were set to give their all. Coming off last season as runners up to Nottingham in the grand final, the Rams drew Nottingham as their first game, which seemed very fitting. With the Scorpions wanting to continue their dominance and the Rams seeking revenge, both teams took to the pitch with everything to play for.

Both teams were hard at it and giving everything they had, and after the first half the Scorpions held a slim lead and with all games only consisting of 2x12min. halves there was no time to waste. A massive blow came early for the Rams in the second half as rookie ruckman Big G rolled his ankle and was outed for the remainder of the tournament. The Rams had to re-adjust and dig deep and that they did, as all players stepped up and eventually got over the line by a goal to defeat last years champions.

Their next challenge was Sheffield Thunder who, under the guidence of Garth Nevin, are and always have been a bitter rival for the Rams. With little time for recovery after their first clash, and without strike ruckman Big G, the Rams were over run by a fresh legged Sheffield. Trying their best to be competitive another huge blow came to the Rams as captain Jase Battye suffered a knee injury and could not continue. Despite a fight back the Thunder was too strong and won by 3 goals.

After a small break to catch their breath the Rams next battle was Wolverhampton, and the Rams showed what a great team they really are. As injuries were mounting the boys started to play some very clean and inspiring football and with a balanced mix of new and old players the Rams were too strong for Wolves and won by 4 goals.

Manchester was next for the Rams, and with Manchester fielding a very large sqaud and undefeated for the day this would be their biggest game, and a win was needed if there was any chance at a finals bearth. Despite weary bodies and fatigue taking its toll, the Rams were injected with the appearance of their president Karl Haigh, who always generates a positve and inspirational presence, as he took to the field.

As the Rams pushed hard the Mozzies were dominant and over powered the Rams, as did the Birmingham Bears in their next game. As the Rams bruised and battered bodies hit the showers, spirits were higher than ever, as the boys had given it their all. As always they had fought till the bitter end and held their heads high and proud.

Manchester and Sheffield battled out the final but it was the host Manchester taking out the competition. A great day was had by all and it was brilliant to see a new era of the Rams taking shape. The Rams head to Edinburgh for the Haggis Cup on the 21st of April and have always been a force when they tour Scotland. They are looking forward to their next challenge and as always will strive to be fitter, faster and stronger! GO RAMS! BOOOOMMM!!!!

The Yorkshire rain subsided, but the wind picked up for the 100ft descent, which Matt bravely undertook to raise money for the Forget Me Not Children's Trust.

Once his feet were firmly back on Huddersfield soil, he told us “It was fun, but pretty tiring! It didn’t look too difficult when I was stood at the bottom, but actually going down was a different story!”

Fortunately, he had some family and friends looking on to give him support.

“It’s all for a good cause” Matt said “and the lads down at the footy club reached into their pockets to sponsor me which was great.”

Matt managed to raise a total of £225.00 for the charity, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Player sponsored by Holmfirth Coachworks.

It incorporates the possibility for players to have a sponsor and tell people more about themselves - what level they have played at, favourite moment and so on.

If there are any gaps feel free to email Liam Brown (Press Officer) with the information and he will fill them in for you.

Those players that are new to the club will have their details added at a later date.

This fixture will be re-scheduled for early March. Full details to follow.