Under 18's Match Report
With the Rams at near full strength the game started
in very positive fashion for Penrith who spent the opening stanza
embedded in the Uni's forward 50. However, the defence of the visitors
was outstanding in repelling the onslaught. Unfortunately, every time
the students got on a forward roll, they converted into majors and went
to the break with a commanding and heartbreaking 34 point lead.
The Rams put together a brighter second quarter and a
Reece Johnson goal to open the scoring account for the local side gave
them some heart whilst the defence worked hard to keep Uni to just a
single goal.
The third quarter saw the Blue and Golds step up a
gear or two and despite the home sides best efforts, kicked another four
unanswered majors and effectively put the game out of reach for
Penrith.
With injuries to Kyle McDonagh (1st quarter) and
Hayden McTaggert (2nd quarter) ending their days and Jack Ponton being
rested on the bench to keep him fit for his 16's Swans game that
afternoon, resources were getting low with Uni adding another seven
goals against a Jamie King goal and a Daniel Schroot six pointer. At the
final siren, Uni had won by a big margin but the boys were certainly
far from disgraced.
For the Rams there were many bright performances.
Daniel Schroot, playing his first Rams game after overcoming a shoulder
injury was sensational. The former Swans star will be a huge plus for
the team this season. Jakeman King-Smith again impressed and just keeps
improving in his second year with the Rams. Matty Payne played his usual
tough game despite still being affected by a rib injury suffered in the
recent Swans reserves match along with the enforcement trio of Mitch
Reinhard, Reece Johnson and Lachlan Gippel.
Coach Kevin Tate was upbeat despite his teams loss
"The score was not a true indication of the game. The boys continually
made inroads into the students forward 50, but their defence was imply
outstanding" he said. " It is hard to believe that an almost
representative team is playing Challenge Cup. They will continue to
domiinate the competition this year with lopsided wins. Our focus is now
on Saturdays game against Holroyd-Parramatta where I am sure they will
bounce back strongly"
Thanks to all the support staff including James and
Alex (rostered off this week). Special thanks go to Josh Anasis, the
club umpire for the game. With no AFL appointed umpire for the game and
the richly resourced Uni failing to provide the required club umpire,
Josh was forced to contol the entire match alone before backing up to
play seniors
Rams Youth Manager Greg Corless and Seniors player,
Tayt Corless would like to sincerely thank all at the club for their
thoughts and support with the passing of their sister/aunt, Yvonne, who
passed away the day before after a 12 year battle with breast cancer.
All teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
Next week the boys take the trek to Wrights Reserve
at
Quakers Hill to take on Holroyd-Parramatta in another local derby and
will be looking to go to the bye weekend the following week with a 3-1
record.
Penrith Rams 3.1-19 def by Sydney Uni
17.13-115 (TBC)
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: R.
Johnson, J. King, D. Schroot
Best Players: D. Schroot, J. King-Smith, M. Payne, M. Reinhard, R.
Johnson, L. Gippel
Last Modified on 22/04/2010 00:14