Round 8 Wrap by "The Chair"
The Penrith Rams U/18’s consolidated third spot on the Sydney AFL ladder with a comprehensive 67 point win over Moorebank Sports last Saturday at Greygums Oval.
The young Rams were looking to post their third win in succession, and as they had done in previous weeks they bounded out of the blocks with the help of the breeze, booting six unanswered goals to take a commanding 40 point lead into the first change.
The second term saw Penrith remain on top, although the Magpies began to work their way into the game, the Rams taking a match winning 53 point advantage into half time.
The second half proved to be a more even affair, however, Penrith were never troubled as they cruised to another big win. Final scores were Penrith 15-12-102 to Moorebank Sports 5-5-35.
For the winners, last year’s Best and Fairest Kyle McDonagh made a welcome return from injury to boot four goals. Ben Robinson played another fine game to boot three, whilst skipper Matthew Payne again controlled the backline to be Penrith’s best.
Coach Kevin Tate was impressed with his side’s performance. “It was the barometer for the season so far in where the boys were at”, he said. “I expected a tough game and even though the score didn’t reflect it, it turned out that way. The team showed poise and commitment once again and it was probably their best game of the season.”
After a last start victory over Pennant Hills, the first grade side went into their clash with the Magpies in a confident state of mind, despite the loss of spearhead Jason Bradley and captain Grant Kells through injury. Penrith started disappointingly though in difficult conditions, but fought back well to be within 11 points just before half time, when they conceded two late goals to go in to the long break facing a 23 point deficit.
With the rain beginning to fall at half time it was always going to prove difficult for the home side to get back into the game and so it proved. Whilst their endeavour could not be questioned, it was the poor skill level and constant turnovers which let the Rams down.
Final scores were Moorebank Sports 9-8-62 to Penrith 4-8-32.
Rob Low and Will Taylor tried hard for Penrith, whilst Bryce Roney did another sterling job at centre half back. David Bradley, Justin Brock and Lachlan Smith also provided some much needed class at times through the midfield.
Through a quirk of the draw, tomorrow sees Penrith again tackle Moorebank Sports, this time at Rosedale Oval, in a match that was postponed due to wet weather from Round 1. Coach Lachlan Smith will be hoping for a much improved performance second time up against the Magpies.
The Rams are still looking for new players, please call Jason Bradley on 0417 243 009 for further details.
Under 18's Match Report below
Penrith Rams 15.12-102 def Moorebank Sports Magpies 5.5-35
Goal Kickers: K. McDonagh 4, B. Robinson 3, R. Johnson 2, J. Spicer 2, A. Sharp, M. Payne, S. Harmer, D. Schroot
Best Players: M. Payne, B. Robinson, L. Gippel, M. Reinhard, A. Henry, J. Spicer
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Reserve Grade (Div 4)
Penrith Rams 3.5-23 def by Moorebank Sports Magpies 18.14-122
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Goal Kickers: J. Makin, J. Ware, G. Henson
Best Players: J. Murtagh, C. Knight, M. Morgan, D. Perry, A. Kelly, B. Pathuis.
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First Grade (Div 3)
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Penrith Rams 4.8-32 def by Moorebank Sports Magpies 9.8-62
Goal Kickers: D. Cummings, G. Berry, B. Cooke, R. Low
Best Players: R. Low, W. Taylor, L. Smith, D. Hartney, B. Roney, A. West
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Match Reports
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Under 18's
Round 8 saw the Rams match up against a genuine finals contender in Moorebank Sports at Greygums Oval. After a few easy wins against undermanned teams, it was an opportunity for the coaching and management staff as well as the players to finally see where the team was in the ladder’s “pecking order” . Moorebank were coming off a 150 point win against Holroyd-Parramatta whilst the Rams recorded an impressive 92 point win the week before against Manly.
With a few players missing due to injury and two late withdrawals on the day, Penrith called on help from Lions Under 16’s players, Shaun Stevens to play his debut game for the Rams, along with Jackson Swarbrick to make up 21 players allowing three to come off the bench. Moorebank also had a squad of 21 for the eagerly awaited match with Penrith third on the ladder and Moorebank in fourth spot.
After winning the toss and electing to run with the wind at their backs, the Rams wasted no time in going on the attack and stunned the opposition (and coaching staff) withy their controlled style of football. Kyle McDonagh, returning after injury, kicked a double along with goal sneak Ben Robinson whilst Daniel Schroot and John Spicer maintained their great form with a major each. In keeping their opponents scoreless, the Rams went to the first break with a commanding forty point lead.
The second quarter was going to be testing for the home team running into a stiff breeze. However, like the week before, they were able to contain the Magpies and with great control from the centre line were able to feed the forwards a lions share of possession with Seth Harmer adding one, Reece Johnson backing up from his good work in the centres to finish one off and Robbo and Spice both adding one to their tally. Moorebank were able to get two nice goals to open their account but it was the Rams who held a 53 point buffer at the long break.
At the break, the coaching staff warned the players that Moorebank were not going to lay down as they were a well coached team who played with pride. The third quarter saw the Pies come out with added incentive as they smothered the Rams in the early part kicking three goals into the breeze. However, in the latter part of the quarter, Penrith were able to open up the play more and respond with four quick majors to just gain the honours with Kyle adding two more along with another for Reece whilst Matty Payne was rewarded with one after his hard work. With a ten goal buffer when the siren sounded, the locals looked to have the measure of their opponents.
The final quarter saw forty two tired footballer slog it out and accuracy waning. The Rams kicked their only goal of the quarter courtesy of ruckman Adam Sharp whilst adding three behinds whilst Moorebank never gave up with three behinds of their own. When the siren sounded for the final time, it was the Rams continuing their winning streak with a sixty seven point win.
Coach Kevin Tate was impressed with the performance. “It was the barometer for the season so far in where the boys were at”, he said. “I expected a tough game and even though the score didn’t reflect it, it turned out that way. The team showed poise and commitment once again and it was probably their best game of the season. To see guys like Reece make a play from the backline and back up to score was just sensational and shows the commitment of the entire squad”
For the Rams, Matty Payne was again brilliant with his hard hits and focus on the ball. Ben Robinson plays 80 minutes of top footy every week and again was amongst the best along with his slightly taller mate, Lachlan Gippel, who returned from injury in great style. Mitch Reinhart creates fear for his opponents every game and it was no exception this week whilst Alex Henry and John Spicer both caused major headaches for the Magpies.
There is no break for the team, however, over the long weekend with the postponed match from round one against the Magpies once again. The Rams cannot rely on Saturdays result and will have to step up another notch to maintain their momentum as Moorebank are certainly a quality side. The return match is on their home turf at Rosedale Oval, Warwick Farm and commences at 10:00 AM.
Penrith Rams 15.12-102 def Moorebank Sports Magpies 5.5-35
Goal Kickers: K. McDonagh 4, B. Robinson 3, R. Johnson 2, J. Spicer 2, A. Sharp, M. Payne, S. Harmer, D. Schroot
Best Players: M. Payne, B. Robinson, L. Gippel, M. Reinhard, A. Henry, J. Spicer
Last Modified on 20/04/2010 22:06