Match Results
First Grade
Penrith Rams 5.4-34 def by Uni NSW/ES 21.19-145
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley, S. Lockhart, M. Morgan, B. Roney, D. Bradley
Best Players: J. Anasis, A. Thompson, J. Keane, S. Lockhart, S. Fort, A. Savanah
Reserve Grade
Penrith Rams 5.12-42 def by Sydney Uni 9.15-69
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: C. Triffitt 2, S. Ayres, D. Cummings, M. Jackson
Best Players: B. Ridges, J. Keane, D. Perry, D. Cummings, J. Anasis, M. Morg
Under 18's
Penrith Rams 10.6-66 def by Sydney Uni 13.20-99
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Spicer 2, S. Stevens 2, B. Robinson, M. Reinhard, N. Edwards, M. Payne, M. Reardon, J. Weller
Best Players: R. Johnson, K. McDonagh, J. Spicer, N. Sajowitz, J. King-Smith, M. Payne
Match Reports
Under 18's
A trek to Erskinville on a Sunday afternoon is probably not the best way to end the weekend, but the Rams made their way to Alan Davidson Oval in their game against premiership hotpots, Sydney Uni/Collingwood. After leading after the first quarter, Uni forged their way to a tough win but the Rams can hold their heads high after a committed performance in the match.
Match Report
It was a rare Sunday afternoon match as the 18's travelled to Alan Davidson Oval at Erskinville to take on premiership favourites, Sydney Uni in Round 13. With a few unavailable, the Rams called on Lions Under 16's players Brayden Wilson, Jackson Swarbrick and Shaun Stevens along with St Clair Crows young star Aaron Savage playing his first match with the Rams. After their defeat by the Uni side by 96 points earlier in the season, the team pledged that a loss of that magnitude would never happen again and with them winning seven of their next eight matches with their only loss a controversial two point defeat by Southern Power, they were certainly keeping their end of the deal. Uni were well aware of the team's resurgence and named their best twenty two for the match. The controversial Sydney University Colts (who have none of their players attending that institution) recruit their players from the inner Sydney suburbs of Penrith, Newcastle and Campbelltown and were a controversial addition to this year's Challenge Cup. The inclusion of this squad of scholarship players has, however, been the catalyst for the AFL's proposed zoning changes for next year.
Under heavy conditions after recent rain, the match started with the Rams on the attack kicking the first two goals with Justin Weller putting himself in good position with a bouncing ball to snap the first whilst John Spicer booted an angled six-pointer on the run to shellshock the home team. Uni quickly regrouped and piled on a couple but with the centre pack working hard allowed Matt Reardon and Mitch Reinhard to add majors with the boys going to the break with a slim two point margin.
The bruising opening twenty minutes took it toll on both teams and as the game resumed, it was Uni who started to assert the authority on the game with lightning moves up the middle of the ground. Despite the best efforts of the defence, the home team dominated the quarter with five goals but the Rams were not finished with. Nic Edward and Matty Payne responded with goals on the run but by the orange break, Uni had helped themselves to a twenty point buffer.
The resumption of play after the long break saw the Colts again get the upper hand, but desperate defence by the Rams resulted in only three goals to the opposition after they had most of the play in the forward fifty. A serious injury saw Mitch Reinhard helped from the field to end his day. Shaun Stevens added a goal to the visitors tally but the game looked to be slipping away with only twenty minutes remaining on the clock.
The final quarter saw the boys come out with renewed vigour despite the mounting injury toll with Harley Stibbard having to retire for the day. Uni's two goal haul was negated by majors to Ben Robinson while Spicer and Stevens added one each to their tally. When the siren sounded for the final time, it was Uni who won the day with a 33 point win against a valiant and proud Rams outfit.
Coach Kevin Tate was extremely happy despite the loss. "The boys promised that they would give their all in this game, and they gave it just that and a bit more. Uni are certainly a class outfit and aren't used to hard encounters, but they got one today. If betting was allowed on this years competition, Uni would be $1.01 to make the grand final. The boys have vowed that they will be their opponents on that day
The post match coaches conference seems to take longer and longer as the season progresses when it come to selecting the best on the day. Reece Johnson got out of his sickbed after a bout of the 'flu to play a blinder and will sleep well after his performance today. Kyle McDonagh was outstanding and matched it with the "Man Mountain" Uni ruckman whilst John Spicer was very active in the forward line and continually outplayed his thoroughbred opponent. Nathan Sajowitz was sensational and kept busy for eighty minutes in the backline, Jakeman King-Smith excelled despite being an unlikely starter in the morning due to the 'flu. Matt Payne as usual caused headaches all day for the opposition with his normal brutal display. The four Under 16's players, Brayden, Jackson, Aaron and Shaun deserve special mention for their brilliant efforts. With St Clair's Aaron Savage a late inclusion in the side and saddling up with the three Lions players he opposed just the day before in an Under 16's clash, he easily made the transition into 18's footy. With these juniors coming through, the future for the Rams looks very bright indeed in changing the culture of the club. The "Red Cow In" Dinner Award, The "Green Car" Award and the "Freestyler" Award will be announced at training during the week.
The two week break is now a blessing in disguise with the injuries over the last month mounting. It gives the squad three weeks to recover before the next encounter against Pennant Hills in the leadup to the finals. The team will be training next Wednesday at Dukes Oval with the Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Club and commences at 6:00 PM and a feed and drinks will be supplied after the session. The following Wednesday will see the team train with Penrith Swans (To be confirmed).
Penrith Rams 10.6-66 def by Sydney Uni 13.20-99
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Spicer 2, S. Stevens 2, B. Robinson, M. Reinhard, N. Edwards, M. Payne, M. Reardon, J. Weller
Best Players: R. Johnson, K. McDonagh, J. Spicer, N. Sajowitz, J. King-Smith, M. Payne
Last Modified on 05/05/2010 22:00