The Rams travelled short on numbers, but being a home game the Emus were able to assist the undermanned Rams.
The Sunday game also gave club great Darryl Coutts the opportunity to have his 50th birthday party on the Saturday night which was not the ideal preparation for the team.
Fortunately though, the carb-loading strategy turned out to be a coup for the team as Darryl led them out as captain for the day.
Compared to previous weeks, the Emus started the game well with Chris Blake and Oliver Orange working the centre well, clearing the ball from Justin Voss and Deanne Kelly’s solid ruck work.
John Smyth, returning from injury, slotted well into the forward line converting two goals in the first quarter.
The ever quick thinking Jeff Abella was able to set up great opportunities with quick hands and running on the wing.
Once again the back line held strong led by generals Dammond Hammond and Peter Spencer reading the Rams’ attacking plays and cutting them off.
The pair have been firing all year and are certain to be towards the top of the best and fairest votes.
Francis O’Brien set some early goals for himself this year — one of which was to improve in his running game.
This is now starting to pay dividends with Francis running off the half-back flank on several occasions to create goals for David Chapman and Mick Moritz.
Mick has continued his great form finishing the game with four goals and three behinds.
While the Emus continued to drive ahead, the players helping out the Rams stepped up. They were led by Robert O’Connor running the wing and Kevin Dunque putting on great pressure in the backline, spoiling at every opportunity.
Paul Lavars also showed a lot of pace around the ground delivering an Eddie Betts-like goal from the boundary line with a great bending goal.
Each quarter various players switched around to help the Rams with Kevin Pascoe, Billy Smith and Glenn Muriel each playing a quarter.
Darren Syaranamal overcame injury to be a constant presenter in the forward line setting up several goals for the Rams, as he finished the day as their best player.
After half-time Craig Taylor, Greg Boisgard and Aaron Prewett continued to find clean possessions and drive the ball forward.
Overall, the Emus stepped up for the day with some great passages of play.
One of the most impressive was when Jared Johnson marked, turned and after a bounce gave off a perfect 20m handball to Bruce McCohan who passed to Deanne Kelly for a goal.
In the final quarter, the pace of the game slowed and the Emus fitter players shone through with Chris Hagan and Troy Ramsey getting plenty of it.
Tough men James Walsh and David Chapman were in their element placing several hard tackles causing turnovers.
It did not all go the Emus way as Troy Arlow left the ground with a shiner from a stray elbow.
In front of a great home crowd the game was a great contest, the final siren resulted in the local team winning by a healthy margin.
The Emus’ next game is in Mooroopna against the Goulburn Valley Giants.
■ MASTERS football also provides opportunities for players and families to travel and play in carnivals around the country.
Many of the Emus footballers are taking the opportunity to travel to a warmer climate and play in a Bali 9’s competition in early June.
The competition attracts players predominantly from Australia, but also from around the world.
This year the competition is attracting 39 teams and the Emus are looking forward to a successful campaign.