Sunday mornings are regarded by most kids as a sleep-in after a hectic Saturday night social event. This week changed things as the Rams 18's headed down the M4 from the foot of the mountains at about 6:30 AM for their Semi Final "sudden death" 8:30 AM clash with fouth placed Moorebank Sports Magpies at the historic home of the former rugby league team, Newtown Jets.
It was a tough selection call by the coaching staff during the week to trim down the 26 available players to the match number of 22. Wonderful that Hamish Mulligan and Alex Rogers came along to support the team and act as runners on the day.
With a howling wind blowing directly down the field, the Rams were fortunate to win the toss and kick with the wind. It took just forty three seconds before a mark was taken by Lions 16's, Shaun Stevens, who made no mistake from 25 out to give the Rams first blood. Rams leading goalscorer, John Spicer, quickly got into action from the restart and goaled from a set shot and followed up with another two in succession to give the Rams a dream start. Sensational handling and accuracy prevailed as the third member of the "S" Team, Daniel Schroot, opened his account which was quickly followed up with majors to Matt Reardon, Jack "The Man" Ponton and Justin Weller and yet another Schroot goal. When John Spicer kicked his fouth goal for the session and the siren signalled quarter time, the Rams had kicked an incredible ten goals in the 15 minute (plus time on) to the Magpies two.
Before the match commenced, the coaching staff had estimated the wind to be a five goal advantage to the team running with it. It was time for the young Rams to stand up and fight the expected onslaught by the Pies. The first goal of the second quarter went with the opponents and only some innacurate kicking stopped them from making a challenge to the deficit. The Rams scrambled well in the conditions with 16's player, Jackson Swarbrick, backing up 16 hours after his last match for Emu Plains/Glenmore Park, leading the way in sensational fashion. With captain, Matty Payne sitting on the bench recovering from a size 12 to the head, the team added their only goal for the quarter with a Harley Stibbard gem whilst Moorebank kicked a late six-pointer to go to the sheds with a forty one point lead.
The half-time break saw coach Kevin Tate re-inforcing the fact theat Moorebank were not going to lie down. The boys came out to a weakening breeze and although they could not enact their first quarter performance with a flooding Moorebank defence, managed to squeeze in a 3 goal 4 behind quarter with goals to Ben Robinson and a fifth to John Spicer. An "out of bounds" free to Penrith saw Kyle McDonagh line up without seeing a gap between the big sticks, but an incredible kick and the wind coming into effect saw what was the goal of the day. A fifty nine point lead looked to have the Rams into next week's Prelim Final.
The final quarter saw two tired teams battle it out whilst the "normal" people were starting to awake. With Moorebank getting frustrated, they were tending to play the man more than the ball and could only add one goal to their score whilst Matty Payne, still seeing stars, returned to the field to boot a pearler for the Rams. Late in the game, a high hit on Reece Johnson saw the game stopped when a stretcher was called. Fearing a possible serious injury, the ground medic called for an ambulance whilst a precautionary neck brace was placed on Reece. With less than a minute to be played, it was agreed to finish the match whilst medics attended the injured player. Luckily, Reece was cleared of any serious injury at RPA.
The 57 point win was not fully enjoyed at the time with the concerns for their teammate, but the boys can now celebrate the Rams first foray into September football for many years. Coach Kevin Tate was impressed with the win. "It was our second match in almost two months which certainly wasn't an ideal leadup to finals footy. I impressed on the team before the match how they had got to finals footy and it was imperative to get off to a good start, which has been our trademark. I was stunned with their opening quarter almost as much as Moorebank were. There is still improvement in the team which will be worked on during the week, but certainly a great result for the boys and the club
Best for the Rams on the day was Lions Under 16's, Jackson Swarbrick. Pushing off the effects of an Under 16's prelim final just the day before, Jackson was brilliant and will be a key figure in his junior club's Grand Final next week. Adam Sharp has really been the "steadying" member of the team this year. Great hands and always taking the best option makes him an inspiration to his teamates and today was no different. Jack Ponton, another of the "Gun 16's Club" was sensational again along with another former Penrith Swans Junior, Daniel Schroot, who pops up everywhere. "Arnie" McTaggart played his best of the season and has come back better than ever after being injury pagued during the year. Special mention to the other two Under 16's who played today, Brayden Wilson and Shaun Stevens who are both important factors in the Rams success this year.
Next week it steps up a notch. Same time, same address for the right to play Grand Final football when the team takes on Southern Power. Power will be trying to erase their 90 point loss to Sydney Uni at the weekend and have two wins next to their name against the Rams. A great clash is guaranteed and we would like to see as many supporters there as possible.
Go Rams !
Match Result
Penrith Rams 15.9-99 def Moorebank Sports Magpies 5.12-42
Goal Kickers: J. Spicer 5, D. Schroot 2, K. McDonagh, B. Robinson, M. Payne, J. Ponton, H. Stibbard, M. Reardon, S. Stevens, J. Weller
Best Players: J. Swarbrick, A. Sharp, H. Stibbard, J. Ponton, D. Schroot, H. McTaggart
Last Modified on 20/04/2010 22:26