Rams Media Release by "The Chair"
The Penrith Rams notched their first win of the Sydney AFL season with a comfortable 37 point victory over Holroyd-Parramatta at Wrights Reserve last Saturday. Penrith began the match strongly with four first quarter goals without reply before a Goanna fightback in the second term saw the Rams take only a narrow 7 point lead into half time.
The Rams came out after the long break and dominated proceedings, setting up the win with a six goal third term which saw the lead extended to 39 points at three quarter time. The final quarter saw Penrith finish strongly, a further five goals rounding off what was a solid win.
Final scores were Penrith 17-6-108 to Holroyd-Parramatta 10-11-71.
Coach Lachlan Smith attributed the result to the hard working attitude that is fast becoming the Rams trade mark this year. "The playing group as a whole really lifted today. Everyone played their role in the team and we're all very pleased with the result." Smith said. "The backline were ruthless, setting the standard for the rest of the team. Before the game I spoke of the importance of second efforts and that's where we won the game. The boys never stopped running all day which was fantastic to see.
Jason Bradley returned to the goal square and proved to be unstoppable in booting seven goals. Adam West, Grant Kells and Sam Lockhart were others to be amongst the Rams best, whilst Anthony Kelly in the ruck gave the midfield first use of the ball all day.
The Reserve Grade clash saw the Rams fall short by just 5 points in a match that they should have won. An inaccurate Penrith side had five more scoring shots for the day, and despite taking a two goal lead into the final term were unable to hold on against the Goannas, who proved to be more clinical in taking their opportunities. Despite the loss, the Penrith side can take plenty of positives from their performance, with a clash with Camden this week giving them another opportunity to post their first win.
Final scores were Holroyd-Parramatta 13-7-85 to Penrith 11-14-80.
Jason Makin provided a target up forward to boot 4 goals, whilst Brad Pathuis, Jonathan Barry and Shane Turner were others to stand out.
The U/18's kicked off the day against Holroyd-Parramatta with a comprehensive 87 point win, which would have been even greater except for some profligate finishing. In a great defensive effort the boys kept the home side scoreless until half time, and to just one goal for the game. Jakeman King-Smith and Matthew Payne led the way in the backline, whilst John Spicer and Justin Weller booted 3 goals apiece.
The U/18's along with the First Grade side now enjoy a week off before tackling Manly and Pennant Hills respectively, whilst Reserve Grade will tackle Camden at Greygums Oval tomorrow.
The Rams are still looking for new players. Please contact Jason Bradley on 0417 243 009 for further details.
1st Grade (Div 3) Match Report by Lachlan Smith (Coach)
Round 5 vs Holroyd Parramatta
Saturday saw us travel to Wrights Reserve to take on Holroyd Parramatta. We took a new approach to our prematch preparation routine and the results were immediate. The boys came out firing kicking 4 unanswered goals in the first quarter. Anthony Kelly dominated the ruck giving consistent delivery to the midfield group who provided strong drive through the centre all day.
The Goannas fought back in the second quarter and were gifted goals through ill disciplined free kicks. The lapse in concentration proved costly with our lead reduced to 7 points at half time.
Sensing the opportunity for their first win of the season we were all business after the break kicking 6 goals to 1. The back line shut down any attack into the Goanna's forward fifty before rebounding skilfully to the hard running centre line.
Our accurate forward line made the most of the consistent delivery adding a further 5 goals in the final term to make 11 goals straight in the second half. Veteran forward Jason Bradley dominated kicking 7 goals with David Cummings adding three of his own before succumbing to a knee complaint. We never looked like slowing down eventually winning 17-6-108 to 10-11-71.
The win can be attributed to the hard working attitude that is fast becoming our trade mark this year. The playing group as a whole really lifted, with everyone playing their role in the team and we all should be very pleased with the result. The backline were ruthless, setting the standard for the rest of the team. Before the game I spoke of the importance of second efforts and that's where we won the game. The boys never stopped running all day which was fantastic to see.
Seniors can now enjoy the bye, and clear up niggling injuries before facing Pennant Hills a week later. Following a heart breaking 5 point loss on the weekend reserves will look to open their account against bottom of the ladder Camden on Saturday.
Penrith Rams 17.6-108 defeated Holroyd Parramatta 10.11-71
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 7, D. Cummings 3, G. Kells 2, L. Smith, T. Corless, S. Turner, D. Hartney, B. Dunkley
Best Players: A. West, A. Kelly, S. Lockhart, G. Kells, J. Bradley, B. Cooke
Reserve Grade (Div 4)
Penrith Rams 11.14-80 defeated by Holroyd Parramatta 13.7-85
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Makin 4, D. Perry 2, J. Ware 2, D. Barnes, S. Turner, N. Edwards
Best Players: B. Pathuis, J. Makin, J. Barry, S. Turner, D. Corbett, A. Savanah
Last Modified on 23/04/2010 13:02