IT wasn’t the ending coach Jamie Szczerbanik was banking on, but season 2016 has been a hugely successful one for the Western Rams’ under 16s. Lining up for their final game of the season against the Federation of Italia Rugby League Australia’s under 16s Blue side on Saturday at Carrington Park, the hosts were stunned as the Italians stormed to a 22-0 lead. Cracking tries to Sam Ellias, Mark Zaurini, Joel Saldaneri and a 35-metre pearler from prop Michael Gibson – he steam-rolled four would-be Rams defenders on his way to the line – shot FIRLA out to the commanding half-time lead. Western rallied in the second period, Forbes’ Charlie Staines showing a very clean pair of heels on his way to a try, after setting up the first for Zarrin Galea. Back rower Tyrone Harrison also crossed for the Rams, helping the score along to 22-14. But FIRLA sealed it with their fifth try of the afternoon nine minutes from full-time, fullback Dane Oostendorp slicing through to take the lead to 28-14. Szczerbanik believes his side’s disappointing opening 30 minutes was too difficult to come back from, but was full of praise for the group. “It’s an exciting day, not only for the Italian boys but for the Western Rams too and rugby league in the area. It was good for the boys to get together and play one last game for the year,” Szczerbanik said. “We knew they’d be fast and direct through the middle and try and get us on the back foot. We had to match that, and unfortunately we didn’t.”