The Penrith Rams have got their 2009 Sydney AFL campaign off to a solid start with two wins out of two in their first practice matches of the season against Black Diamond AFL side Wyong Lakes Magpies.
The U/18’s kicked off proceedings and bounced out to a two goal lead at the first change. An even second term saw the Rams maintain their buffer before a severe Central Coast thunderstorm during the third quarter made goals almost impossible to come by. With the weather clearing the Rams were able to reassert their ascendancy, with five unanswered final quarter goals showing the benefits of an arduous pre-season campaign under coach Kevin Tate.
Final scores were Penrith 10-10-70 to Wyong 3-9-27.
For Penrith, Matt Reardon, Nathan Sajowitz and Hayden McTaggert were extremely impressive in their first games of Australian Football and they will certainly add something to the side this season. In their initial games out of junior football, Harley Stibbard, Adam Sharp, Nic Edwards, Alex Bain, Seth Harmer and John Spicer all took to the step up with aplomb, whilst Penrith Swans Under 16 player Jack Ponton showed his silky skills throughout.
The senior clash saw Penrith gain the early ascendancy, racing to an early 27 point lead at quarter time, with their run and carry style of play being a feature. The home side came out in the second period applying more ground level pressure, slowing the tempo of the game and creating more opportunities to carry the ball away from the stoppages.
Following the half time break mistakes began creeping into the game as both sides tired. It became a scrappy affair in which Wyong managed to get more numbers at the ball. With unpressured delivery from the midfield the Magpies forward line began to gel and hit back with 4 unanswered goals for the quarter.
The final period saw the Rams show some real heart as unforced errors through tired bodies were countered with hard physical football. The back line threw themselves at every marking contest, bringing the ball to ground, where Penrith players could be found buried in under the packs or clearing space through strong shepherding. As Wyong clung on to a narrow lead, a desperate tackle from Pennant Hills recruit Grant Kells in the forward fifty gave the Rams a free kick directly in front. Kells calmly slotted the goal giving Penrith a hard fought 11-15-81 to 11-11-77 victory.
After the game, Coach Lachlan Smith was full of praise for his team. “The newer guys were fantastic in their hardness at the ball while some of our more experienced players showed great leadership out there. It was great to get the win and we feel that all our pre-season work is coming together.
Here is his match report:
With the start of the season fast approaching and a long preseason behind us it was evident right from the first bounce that this year the Penrith Rams mean business. On a wet track our run and carry style dominated, taking a 27 point lead into the first break. Wyong Magpies came out in the second period applying more ground level pressure, slowing the tempo of the game, creating more opportunities to carry the ball away from the stoppages.
Following the half time break mistakes began creeping into the game as both sides tired. It became a scrappy affair in which Wyong managed more numbers at the ball. With unpressured delivery from the midfield the Magpies forward line began to gel and hit back with 4 unanswered goals for the quarter.
The final period saw the heart of the Rams shine bright as unforced errors through tired bodies were countered with hard physical football. The back line threw themselves at every marking contest, bringing the ball to ground where our players could be found buried in under the packs or clearing space through strong shepherding. As Wyong seemed to have the game wrapped up a desperate tackle from Pennant Hills recruit Grant Kells in the forward fifty gave us a free kick directly in front. Kells calmly slotted the goal giving Penrith a hard fought 11-15-81 to 11-11-77 victory.
The newer guys were fantastic in their hardness at the ball while some of our more experienced players showed great leadership out there. It was great to get the win and we feel that all our preseason work is coming together.
Next week Penrith will travel west to play Orange in another practice match before the season begins on Saturday, 4th April with a night match against Moorebank Sports at Rosedale Oval.
Anyone who would like to play for the Rams this year is more than welcome to attend training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30pm at Greygums Oval, Cranebrook. For further information you can call Football Manager, Jason Bradley, on 0417 243 009.
Last Modified on 21/04/2010 22:34