Club Report Round 7 by "The Chair"
The Penrith Rams made it two wins on the trot in the Sydney AFL competition with a hard fought 25 point victory over Pennant Hills at Henson Park last Sunday.
Coming off the bye, Penrith were slow out of the blocks, conceding the first three goals before working their way into the game with three goals of their own to go into quarter time with a narrow lead. The second term was a scrappy affair in the conditions, with Penrith often undoing their great contested work with disappointing disposal and decision making. Despite this though, they took an eight point advantage into half time.
The third quarter saw the pattern continue, with the Rams conceding a number of goals through poor free kicks to keep the Demons in the contest, the final change seeing Penrith holding a narrow seven point advantage.
With the opportunity to post an upset victory, the Rams came out with a renewed attitude. In what was their best quarter for the season the backline again dominated their opposition, with the “Red Cow Inn Man of the Match” John Keane leading the way, as the Rams repelled a number of attacks into the Demon’s forward fifty. Powerhouse forward Jason Bradley again provided a positive target booting four goals to take his tally to eleven in two games, whilst sole ruckman Josh Anasis worked tirelessly all day pushing up the ground to kick three of his own. In the end Penrith out ran, out tackled and out played the Demons to win 13-8-86 to 9-7-61.
Coach Lachlan Smith was delighted with his team’s performance. “It was the second efforts, the following up and the tackling which really impressed me today. On a day where the skills were lacking it was the pressured, physical football that we play which won us the game.” Smith said. “I am really proud of the ‘anything’s possible’ attitude this club has developed.”
Penrith Rams 13.8-86 def Pennant Hills 9.7-61
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 4, J. Anasis 3, L. Smith, J. Brock, J. Keane, B. Ridges, S. Fort, D. Bradley
Best Players: J. Keane, D. Bradley, J. Brock, W. Taylor, J. Anasis, R. Low
First
Grade Coaches Report by Lachlan Smith
RAMS
EXORCISE DEMONS!
Following
a week off courtesy of the bye and the game postponed until Sunday due
to wet weather we were champing at the bit to get out and play some hard
physical football. Last year’s premiers Pennant Hills showed they were
still a quality side making good field position and combining well to
produce multiple inside fifties in the opening period. Our defence held
strong keeping the Demons to 3 majors before our forwards kicked into
gear with three goals of their own.
The
second quarter was a scrappy affair in which we wasted possessions with
inaccurate disposals. But what we lacked in skills we more than made up
for in endeavour. Tackling pressure created continual turnovers however
we threw away our opportunities just as quickly. It was a low scoring
quarter which saw us take an 8 point lead into the long break.
The third
quarter continued in much the same fashion as the second with us
gaining possession through hard hitting football before squandering
opportunities with poor decision making. We gave away numerous free
kicks resulting in three goals for the home side with just 7 point
between the two teams heading into the final term.
With the
opportunity to make it two wins in a row we returned to the field with a
new sense of purpose. From the first bounce in the final term we took
control of the game and never looked to give it up. In what was our best
quarter for the season the backline again dominated their opposition.
With a Best on Ground performance from newly appointed vice captain John
Keane we repelled any attack into the Demon’s forward fifty. Powerhouse
forward Jason Bradley again provided a positive target booting four
goals while sole ruckman Josh Anasis worked tirelessly all day pushing
up the ground to kick three of his own. In the end we out ran, out
tackled and out played the Demons to win 13-8-86 to 9-7-61.
With many
notable absences from the regular line up it was the pack mentality and
desire to work for each other which saw us victorious. It was the
second efforts, the following up and the tackling which really impressed
me. On a day where the skills were lacking it was the pressured,
physical football that we play which won us the game. I was really proud
of the ‘anything’s possible’ attitude this club has developed. The win
was unfortunately soured with injuries to numerous key position players.
Due to
the postponed Round 1 clash to be played over the June long weekend we
face Moorebank Sports for the next two weeks running. With the direction
the club is heading we are looking to make it four wins in a row
following the Moorebank games and push our way into a top four position.
The U/18’s also made it back to back victories to maintain third spot on the ladder with a 92 point demolition of Manly. Penrith booted six unanswered goals in the first term, followed by a further seven into the wind in the second to open up a massive 74 point half time lead before cruising to a comfortable victory.
In a great team performance, Hamish Mulligan continued his brilliant season, and he received fine support from Adam Sharp, Ben Robinson and skipper Matty Payne. Daniel Schroot also contributed strongly with four goals whilst John Spicer booted three.
Congratulations are also in order for Jack Ponton on being selected in the initial 40 man NSW/ACT Rams U/16’s squad which will be whittled down to 25 before the Australian Championships to be staged at Blacktown in July.
Final scores were Penrith 21-9-135 to Manly 6-7-43.
Penrith
Rams Reserves
The Reserves can
consider themselves unlucky not to post back-to-back victories in their
30 point loss against Manly after some controversial decisions.
Penrith took the game up to the more fancied Manly side but fell short by five goals. After taking a four point lead into quarter time which could have been far greater, a poor second term from the Rams saw the home side establish their match winning lead which despite Penrith’s best efforts they were unable to bridge. Despite the loss the Rams can take great heart out of their recent improved performances.
Mark Jackson, Justin Brock and Shane Turner were the best players on the day.
Penrith Rams 8.10-58 def by Manly Wolves 13.10-88
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Makin 2, J. Brock 2, M. Jackson 2, D.
Corboy, M. Poulter
Best Players: M. Jackson, J. Brock, S.
Turner, J. Keane, M. Poulter, J. Karamanos
Next Saturday sees Penrith tackle Moorebank Sports at Greygums Oval.
The Rams are still looking for new players, please call Jason Bradley on 0417 243 009 for further details.
Last Modified on 21/04/2010 23:20