Rams completed an exceptional 2025 season in the Esperance Hockey Association Men’s division going through undefeated. Rams did not have it all its own way in last Saturday’s grand final, twice falling behind to Cascade, but the team pulled through when it mattered most in the last quarter to win 4-3 in a thrilling finish. Photo: Greg Symes.
Rams placed themselves at the summit of the Esperance Hockey Association Men’s division for an unprecedented second time in a row, completing a perfect undefeated season in the process.
Playing major rivals Cascade in the decider for the second year running, Rams had to do it the hard way coming from behind twice after Zac Hatfield and John Carmody scored early goals for Cades to take a two-nil lead into the quarter time break.
James McCooey voted as the best player on the ground, then took control of the match back in the favour of Rams, with goals in the second and third terms.
Photos: Greg Symes.
Midway through the last quarter, Cascade wrested the lead back after a fast break and cross into the scoring circle, which caught the Rams defenders napping, Matt Rollond completing a tap-in at the far post to score.
Almost immediately, Rams then unleashed its youth on the tiring Cascade defenders, Mitch Guest and Zach Warren scoring in quick succession to give Rams the lead for the first time in the match.
Match umpire and EHA Men’s Co-Captain Rhys Bratten praised Rams for an amazing season to go completely undefeated for the whole year whilst commending Cascade for pushing Rams right to the brink in the thrilling grand final.
In presenting the best player on the ground award to McCooey, Bratten said Rams probably wouldn’t have won without his efforts from the middle of the pitch.
McCooey had complete control of the match, displaying calm play during the tense final period, linking up with the Rams younger players, particularly Guest and Warren which led to their match winning goals.
