First Grade
IGA Penrith Rams V Sydney Uni
If it was horseracing, the stewards would have ordered swabs and an enquiry into the enormous form reversal by Penrith Rams when they dominated Sydney University by 72 points at Greygums Oval in Round One of the Sydney AFL competition.
A year ago, when the students last made their trek to the outer edge of Western Sydney, Uni never got out of a canter in demolishing the Rams by 138 points. You don't need to be a bachelor in pure mathematics to figure out that this was a massive 210 point turnaround in just 12 months..
With the Reserves win giving added incentive in the "lead-up" race, Penrith jumped out of the barriers slightly in front of the visitors and an early two goals made it look as though a tight finish was on the cards with a late goal in the first session to Uni providing the home team with a nine point lead at the first break.
With no less than fourteen new players to the first grade ranks, The Rams allowed a little more reign in the second session when they piled on another six unanswered goals to ensure that new seniors coach, Kevin Tate, could not vent any anger in the sheds at the half time break. But like a Group One race, no-one is sure what is left in the tank when the straight looms.
The tone in the opponents shed must have been somewhat different as when play resumed, Uni showed renewed enthusiasm and the pride that took them to last years flag by matching stride with the "Teals" and only dropping another goal.
As both teams hit the long straight in the hot conditions, Penrith showed that their arduous pre-season training campaign had paid dividends as they strolled "Hands and Heels" towards the post with a 5 goal 7 behind finish to take the winners cheque with a 12 goal margin in their favour.
The record books now show that Penrith has defeated Sydney Uni a total of three times in the last 27 years and coach Tate could not be happier with the teams dream start to the season. "I was very confident that the boys would be competitive and that results in previous years would not be repeated. If their commitment shown in pre-season with training attendance was an indication, an upset was even on the cards" he said. " A twelve goal win was never in my mind but the team did it for each other. It will get tougher from here, with opposing teams sure to realise that playing the Rams in 2010 is not a guaranteed four points as the past few years has proved to be.
The youth orientated team was held together with veteran Dave "Braddles" Bradley leading the way with "Best on Ground" and receiving the IGA "Local Hero" award. Blake Roberts returned to AFL after last playing for the Blue Mountains Kangaroos in 2004 with a stunning comeback performance after almost being a withdrawal on match morning and was the recipient of the "Red Cow" prize. Under 18's players Matthew Payne and Adam Sharp relished the step up to senior football with classy displays with the ever consistent Ben Robinson easily making the transition to senior football. Newcomer, "Kingsgrove Sports" sponsored Mark Woodford and prodical son, Dean Siljanoski (after a stint with East Coast) were both magnificent.
Next week does not get any easier when the teams travels to Monarch Oval to take on the relegated Campbelltown Blues at 12:00 PM.
Penrith Rams 16.13-109 defeated Sydney University 5.7-37
Goalscorers: Blake Roberts (5) Ben Robinson (3) Tayt Corless (2) Kyle McDonagh (2) Lachlan Smith (1) Dave Bradley (1) Nathan Allison (1) Dean Siljanoski (1)
Reserve Grade
IGA Penrith Rams V Uni NSW/ES Bulldogs
The opening match of the 2010 competition kicked off on Saturday at Greygums Oval when the Reserve Grade side took on last year's Grand Finalists, University of NSW/Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in Division Four.
It was a somewhat different team that took to the field in their two losses to the Bulldogs last year (one by forfeit) and it was most pleasing to have twenty two fresh senior players on the teamsheet unlike the past.
With newly appointed captain, Daniel Barnes at the helm, the Rams got off to a flying start with a four goal opening quarter with a lone Uni goal late in the session. Nathan Gatt, playing his first AFL match ever, set the tone with some lightning breaks that carved up the visitors early in the match and it wasn't long before the local team started believing they could cause an upset. Dominating the second quarter with another five goals against just a single major to the shell-shocked visitors.
The enthusiasm in the sheds at the break was obvious to all but the teams realised that only half the job had been done. Two early goals to the Bulldogs gave them a sniff of hope when play resumed but the Rams hit back with four of their own to post a thirty nine point lead as the final twenty minutes approached.
The final quarter saw a group of weary players look for the final nail as the temperature hit the 30 mark and with another three goals added, the welcoming final siren sounded with Penrith a big 57 points in front of the Dogs.
It was a tip top effort by the side and a certain indication that the boys are in for a very competitive season of football. Nathan Gatt was awarded the "IGA Signature" Award whilst another newcomer to the club, Jake Shelley, was the recipient of the "Red Cow" coaches award. Both players will certainly be pushing for selection in First Grade in the upcoming weeks. The Hall brother, Josh and Tom both performed well after a lengthy "retirement" after playing junior football at the Swans, whilst Albaron Savanah and Christian Triffitt were also great contributors,
Captain Daniel Barnes was upbeat with the teams performance. "A great effort from the boys today in the heat against such a quality team. Realy looking for a successful season this year with the great numbers at the club
The team will now head to Harrington Park next week to play Camden in what should be another fircely contested battle. With the other Rams teams at a different venue, support staff will be desperately required. Volunteers are need for the 12:00 PM game for goal umpiring, club umpire, water runner, trainer and statistician. Please contact Barnesy or jacko at training if you know someone that can help out.
IGA Penrith Rams 14.12.96 def University of NSW/Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 5.9-39
Goalscorers: Jason Bradley (6) Jake Shelley (2) Christian Triffitt (2) Jason Ware (2) Wayne Krause (1) Albaron Savanah (1)
RAMblings - Coaches Report by Kevin Tate
Coaches Report Round 1 Rams v Syd Uni April 10th 2010
After 3 months of intense pre season training, the IGA Penrith Rams kicked off their season at home against last years 2009 premiers and undefeated champions Sydney University.
Significant changes both on and off field added to the excitement of the day. The coaching staff were optimistic regarding the enormous task that confronted them and their team of young men against one of the benchmark teams of AFL
No one would have predicted what was about to transpire and unfold over the next two hours in the searing Greygums heat on that Saturday afternoon – A scream of “Go Rams” bellowed from first grade captain Lachie Smith as the bounce of the ball kicked off the 2010 season.
The opening quarter delivered a very even contest with the Rams failing to capitalise on some early opportunities but held sway by 2 goals to one at the first break. Both backline and midfield were on top led by David “Bradles” Bradley and Lachie Smith who both attacked the ball with ferocity at all times. Grant Kells was dominant as was first gamer Mark Woodford. Our defence was tough with young Matty Payne and Mitch Reinhard presenting at all times with Salty backing up with poise in support.
I asked for the guys to settle that little bit more and play on at all costs to keep the ball moving quickly…”run and support was brilliant and the talk was great , as was the constant attack on the ball” I said !!
In the second quarter the young Rams opened up with 6 goals to one to put a stranglehold on the game at the half time break. Sensational defence from Tim Cummins and John Keane and Brian Skepper totally dominated Uni’s forward line aided with Matty and Mitchell and Brycie.
The forward line came abuzz with Tayt Corless, Blake Roberts and Kyle McDonagh causing mayhem with goals between them with Nathan Allison showing his blistering pace to feed off the bigger bodies. Ben Robinson dominated with his gut busting running and will be a nightmare matchup for any team that he plays against.
In the sheds at half time, I implored with the playing group that we have only finished half the job and warned that Uni will come out blazing at the third quarter. Comments and positive talk from the leadership group ensured the Rams were focused to finish the job !
And to those words of wisdom they did finish it off. the First 10 /12 minutes of the third was a classic arm wrestle as both teams were hanging tough with some ferocious attacks on both ball and body…the Rams won the quarter by one goal but the heat was taking its toll on all players – both teams were feeling the pinch.
With the Rams in a commanding position I again reminded the boys that they were on the cusp of a memorable win for the club and a win today would set the season up…..with all the pre season road runs, sprint sessions, ball sessions etc.
I again pleaded with them to dig deep to find that last effort and finish them off….and that they did !!!
The Rams piled on another 5.7 in the last quarter recording an outstanding 72 point win to kick off the 2010 season in brilliant fashion. I was absolutely full of praise for my troops in such trying conditions. With such a youth infused team that had played together today for the first time, the result was just simply outstanding.
To have guys like Mark Woodford playing his first ever game, Blake Roberts having his first game in over 5 years, Tim Cummins in over 4 years, U18’s Matty Payne & Adam Sharp adapting to senior football with aplomb, seeing Ben Robinson, Nathan Allison, Dean Siljanoski and Justin Weller run tirelessly all day with club captain Lachie Smith, Braddles , Grant Kells and Adam West controlling the midfield all day was simply brilliant.
To pick the BOG and Coaches award was near impossible today given the contribution by all 22 players. I announced that David “ Braddles” Bradley won the IGA $75 food voucher with his fearless attack on the ball and gut busting run and support for his team mates. Blake Roberts won the $50 dollar Red Cow bottle shop voucher with his silky skills that has all the coaching staff licking their lips in anticipation of his natural improvement given his time out of the game…he did however change his award to cash at the dismay of his father who was seen reading a IGA liquor catalogue at the time of the announcement…….he was last seen leaving the ground pleading with Blake to reverse the decision however the final siren had sounded !!!!
I made one very important fact after the match that I was absolutely thrilled with the discipline that both Reserves and First grade players showed throughout both games of football on the day. The leadership and maturity demonstrated today by all players was a credit to them all & will be one of the key platforms to rebuilding an outstanding culture within our football club
We will refocus our energies to Campbelltown next week & take one game at a time and use every week as a building block to ensure we have a successful 2010 season. We have been the laughing stock of the competition for many years and been around way too long to know that complacency is and will be the greatest threat to this club.…we will leave no stone unturned as we strive for ultimate success in all grades in 2010 week in week out……….
Last Modified on 02/05/2010 15:43