Loss ends season but future looks bright for Rams

The fourth year Bachelor of Land and Property Management student and Sports Scholar said with Lincoln being a university club, "turnover of players from year to year tends to be fairly high".

"But the beauty of the season just gone was that we had a very young team made up of a lot of first and second-year players, therefore a big chunk will be returning next year.

With some invaluable experience gained this year, the future of the team is in great hands.

"Losing in the final minute of the semi-final (26-27 to New Brighton)was not how we pictured our season ending," Harrison said.

"Rugby can be a cruel game and us Rams sure learnt that this season, with five out of our six losses all being within five points.

"You don’t lose, you only learn, and we sure as hell learnt a lot. Even through a tough season, there were still plenty of highlights."

He singled out Club Day, for which the side wore one-off jerseys that were auctioned to fundraise for the Farmstrong charity, as one of those.

"Also on that day we performed Lincoln University’s haka for the very first  time, which was a special moment for the university and the club.

"Another highlight would be beating Marist Albion in round eight to hold onto the Noel Hickland trophy for another year," Harrison added.

He said throughout the season, a number of players "really started to grow and stamp their spot in the Rams jersey".

"Liam Jack, Lachie McCarthy, Callum Summerfield and Eddie Chaytor were all impressive in their first season of premier men’s rugby and will be looking to be even better next year.

"Callum Summerfield has an incredibly bright future, racking up well over 100 points in his first year out of school. Props Jack Sexton and Liam Pratt had yet another strong season up front with loose forwards Johnny Lee, George Reeves and Charlie Murray really upping their game as the year progressed.

"Open-side flanker Cormac Dods was outstanding all season long, while halfback and vice-captain Brian Puleaga-Lealifano had yet another expectational season in the Rams jumper.

He said Mason Alison, Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Dawson Smith and Jone Rova "added some serious X-factor in the backline throughout the season and will be looking to do the same in 2024".

You can find Rams player profiles here.

Sports Scholarship applications close 15 August. Apply now.