Media Report
by The Chair
The
Penrith Rams U/18's kept their undefeated record intact in the Sydney
AFL as they overcame a determined East Coast Eagles side in difficult
conditions last Sunday at Bensons Lane. Scoring was always going to
prove difficult in what were extremely blustery conditions, and so it
proved, with only seven goals being kicked for the match.|
After trailing by two
points at the long break, the Rams were able to slowly work their way
on top in the second half, keeping the Eagles goalless to run out 14
point winners.
The coaching staff
were especially pleased with the defensive effort, with skipper Matthew
Payne and Jakeman King-Smith outstanding. Harley Stibbard and Lachlan
Gippel both continued their excellent starts to the season, whilst Ben
Robinson put in a typically determined display to be found at the bottom
of every pack. Jamie King was the only multiple goal scorer for the day
with two.
Final
scores were Penrith 5-5-35 to East Coast 2-9-21.
Match Report
The pressure was certainly on the Rams in their second competition match of the year. The team was unsettled with the loss of five key players in the leadup to the game in their attempt to keep their unbeaten record against the club who draws their players from far and wide.
The game started with wild winds blowing across the ground and a low scoring match was anticipated. After five minutes it was the Rams who put the first goal on the board when Matt Reardon who missed taking a difficult mark, cleverly regathered and potted a six pointer from an acute angle. The Eagles were not going to let the visitors have it all their own way and responded with one of their own. Most of the play was from the grandstand side and a limited amount of scoring shots went astray which allowed the home side to go to the break with a one point lead.
The arm wrestle continued in the second quarter with the centre line working hard to inch towards their opponents goals. Both sides managed to kick a major each whilst East Coast edged further ahead on the behind tally courtesy of some free kicks given in the forward 50 to go to oranges with a two point lead.
Coach Kevin Tate was pleased with the boys effort at the break and reinforced that they had to put their bodies on the line and play for each other.
The third quarter got underway with increasing wind forcing much of the game played on the eastern side of the field with both the Rams and EPE sharing the scoring shots with three apiece, but the visitors managed to convert two of these shots into goals by Robbo and Jamie whilst due to great defensive work, limited their opponents to just single points to take a valuable eight point buffer with the final 20 minutes looming.
With both sides taking the big breaths in the final quarter, John Spicer was able to kick his first for the day (and edge towards emulating last years 99 goal performance) and despite the Eagles throwing everything at Penrith in the final few minutes, it was the Rams who poached the points on the day to keep their enviable unbeaten record against their Kellyville based foes for a fourteen point win.
Coach Kevin Tate was impressed with the Rams intensity and tenacity "We had 21 players out there today who all played a major part" he said. "Missing a few top tier players meant that everyone had to contribute and play to their best. And they did. With a few players new to the game, there is a huge upside for the team as the season continues" Kevin added.
It was a hard task for the coaching staff of Kev, Baz, Craig and Geoff to pick out the recipient of the prestigious Anzac Day Medal but finally it was awarded to Nathan Sajowitz for his tireless effort in the game. Jakeman King-Smith won the coaches "Red Cow Hotel Dinner Voucher" for his brilliant efforts.
Best on Ground was Harley Stibbard who just continues to impress at training and on the field. His skills and decision making are huge plusses for the team. The Blue Mountains deadly duo of Lachie Gippel and Ben Robinson again led the way with their typical "week in-week out" performances whilst Matty Payne, still suffering the effects of a heavy clash two weeks before was again sensational in defence aided ably by his former Lions teamate Adam Sharp. Another mention should go to Justin Weller who donned Rams strip for the first time. After just one training session with the team and a mad scurry to get a clearance from his former club, Nowra Blues. Justin slotted into the team easily and will be an important part of the group this season.
Next weeks match will be a completely different scenario when the Rams face the premiership favourites. Rod "the Fairy Godmother's" Collingwood Development team, under the guise of Sydney University, will head to Greygums coming off a 130 point win over Mac Uni last week. With a large component of the team being paid players under the scholarship scheme, the boys will have to be at their absolute best to ensure a good contest.
Penrith Rams 5.5-35 def East Coast Eagles 2.9-21
Goal Kickers: J. King 2, B. Robinson, M. Reardon, J. Spicer
Best Players: H. Stibbard, L. Gippel, J. King-Smith, M. Payne, B. Robinson, A. Sharp
Last Modified on 23/04/2010 12:45