Penrith maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought win over East Coast Eagles at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday. The Rams dominated the game throughout but a determined Eagles outfit put some life into the game in the final quarter. The Under 18's had a bright start to the season with a huge 115 point win over East Coast whilst the Reserves were no matach for Auburn.
First Grade
Penrith Rams V East Coast Eagles at Blacktown Olympic Park.
With five changes to last week's team that dominated Campbelltown, the Rams headed to Blacktown Olympic Park to take on arch rivals East Coast Eagles. With the Eagles celebrating their 10 year association with West Coast Eagles this weekend and coming into the match with a 1-1 record, including a first round 137 point win against Holroyd-Parramatta, it promised to be a tough affair.
The first five minutes saw a dominant Penrith side take control with three quick goals against a shellshocked Eagles but the visitors fought back during the quarter to accrue a couple themselves. But two more Rams conversions saw them take a handy nineteen point lead at the first break.
Although the radar left deserted the Rams in the second quarter, they continued the march forward with a three goal (five behind) effort in the freeflowing contest that enabled East Coast to two majors of their own and as the players went to the sheds, it was Penrith having a twenty nine point margin.
The Eagles appeared to man up better in the second half but the speed and intensity of the Penrith side allowed them to keep control as they surged a little further in front to seemingly have the game at their mercy with a forty two point buffer as the final twenty two minutes approached.
With the assistance of a strengthening wind to their advantage, East Coast flew the lids in the final stanza and four quick goals early in the quarter put the Rams on notice. A set shot from just inside the fifty from Josh Anasis fell short but a searing mark in the goal square by Kyle McDonagh above three East Coast defenders and the subsequent conversion ended East Coast's chances and another late goal allowed the team to post an impressive thirty one point victory.
Coach Kevin Tate was impressed by the effort. "it was a different scenario today in comparison to our other games where we had to fight hard early before running away with games. Unlike previous matches, East Coast never gave up and they boys now realise it is a ninety minute game. Despite having a few missing, their replacements acquiited themselves in great style. We have used thirty players in firsts in just three matches and that will increase with other reserve grade players knocking at the door of selection.
Mitch Reinhard was again outstanding. Stepping up from last year's 18's, the eighteen year old showed maturity and poise above his age to win the "IGA Signature" Award with his teammate from 2009, Ben Robinson who was again outstanding taking out the "Red Cow Inn" Award. Nathan Allison, a former Westbrook junior in East Coast territory, was magnificent and completely owned his opposing number whist captain Lachie Smith and Dave Bradley created havoc in the centre line. New recruit, Max McNamara after a five year layoff from the game, was also dominant in his first game with the club.
The Rams now have bigger fish to fry and take on the strong Macquarie University club next week at Macquarie Park. Uni had easy victories in their first two matches before going down in a shock defeat by the Dale Chivas led Campbelltown at the weekend. Penrith and Moorebank remain the only two unbeaten sides in the 2010 competition.
Penrith Rams 13.10-88 defeated East Coast Eagles 9.3-57
Goal Kickers: T. Corless 3, A. Savanah 2, B. Robinson 2, K. McDonagh , G. Kells , L. Smith , C. Triffitt , D. Siljanoski , N. Allison
Reserve Grade
Penrith Rams V Auburn FC at Blacktown Olympic Park
With a massive sixteen players unavailable in seniors this week, it was the reserves that copped the brunt of this unusual situation. With Auburn set to completely dominate the Div 4 competition this year following four massive trial wins and winning both their competition matches by around 100 points, the Rams could not meet them in a worse situation.
The game started well for Auburn with quick goals in the opening minutes and Penrith's late callup, Glenn Bradley suffering a match ending calf injury. Penrith looked as though they might become competitive again with a good goal to Jason Bradley after a strong mark, but Auburn snapped into action again with a mountain of possession to go the the break with an eight goal advantage.
Penrith seemed to somewhat stem the flow in the second quarter with Seltine Yohannes booting a nice major on the run and restricting their opponents to four goals. A sickening ankle injury saw Shane Turner require ambulance treatment and the tone at half-time was subdued with his teamates concerns.
With further injuries to Jason Bradley and Gordon Howell leaving an empty bench, the visitors piled on another dozen goals with Stuart Ayres and Hamish Mulligan adding one each to the Rams scorecard as Auburn careered away to end Penriths unbeaten run and see them drop out of the top four.
Craig Ives was the best for Penrith and took home the "IGA Signature" Award whilst Michael Bottrill continued his good form after a few years off the paddock and was the recipient of the "Red Cow Inn" Award. Nathan White also continued his good form along with veteran Jason Ware whilst Alex Rogers had his best game to date this season. A very pleasing performance from a key member of last years Under 18's was given by Reece Johnson, playing his first match this season and coming off surgery just a month ago. Reece will certainly be in the mix for first grade selection in the upcoming weeks.
Next week sees the team travel ro Macquarie University to take on compettion leaders, Macquarie Uni Warriors in another tough test. With the return of many players a great contest is assured.
Penrith Rams 4.1-25 def by Auburn FC 25.14-164
Goal Kickers: S. Ayres , H. Mulligan , J. Bradley , S. Yohannes
Under 18's
Penrith Rams V East Coast Eagles at Blacktown Olympic Park
Penrith's Under 18's finally got off the ground on Saturday when they opened the day against East Coast Eagles under fine conditions. East Coast had recorded a good win against Holroyd-Parramatta in their round one clash before having the bye last week so with an extra game under their belts, were expected to be tough opponents with both teams having ful squads of twenty two.
The opening quarter saw Penrith dominate play, though looking rusty in their first match and the early morning dew coupled with the new ball causing handling difficulties for both sides, innacurate kicking allowed East Coast to stay in touch as Penrith kicking 3.7 against East Coast who added a goal courtesy of a 50 metre penalty.
With another four goals added in the second quarter Penrith were continually on the attack whilst another 50 metre penalty allowed East Coast another six points to go to the sheds with a forty one point deficit and unlikely to be able to record their first ever win in this division since the formation of the Eagles ten years ago.
After the break, with the ball becoming a lot easier to handle, the Rams put their feet on the pedal and booted another 5.5 against the dejected Eagles who could only muster a single point in the twenty minute term. Another seven goals in the final quarter allowed Penrith to "retire" a couple of players to prepare for the follwing Reserve Grade match whilst yet another 50 metre free saw the Eagles kick their third for the day. As the final siren sounded, the umpires agreed on the Rams 115 point winning margin as the boys performed the club song with gusto.
Coaches Craig Sharp and Geoff Payne were satisfied with the win after a frustrating start to the season. "It's appears to be a topsy-turvey competition this year and no team can be taken for granted" Sharp said. "With some teams short on numbers, and matches being played with less than the full 18 aside games, it's hard to structure the team plans during the week" he said. "It's early days still so the boys cannot get complacent against any side this year".
Matthew Payne had the benefit of two seniors games this season and was again outstanding, adding the "IceBreak" cash award to his "IGA Signature" award in firsts last week. Handy Thorne, in his first match with the club caused headaches of the Eagles. The big former Southern NSW junior was the recipient of the "Goulburn Valley" cash award. Adam Sharp also relished his return to 18's football after two good performances in firsts this year whilst Matt Reardon, showed that the loss of his golden locks has not impeded his football ability. Last seasons Most Improved, James Colquhoun, also put in a dominating display along with major goalkicker, former Emu Plains/Glenmore Park junior Ben McGovern, who knocked over six majors in the game.
Nest week the team travels to Macquarie University to take on that team. With Uni having access to Pennant Hills Premier Cup players due to their alignment, it will be interesting to see their selected team. After a slow start to the season with low player numbers, Uni scored an impressive victory over Moorebank Sports at the weekend to open their account and the 12:30 PM clash will be an interesting affair
Penrith Rams 19.20-134 defeated East Coast Eagles 3.1-19
Goal Kickers: B. McGovern 6, J. Spicer 3, G. Howell 2, N. Adams 2, L. Simmons , M. Payne , G. Tapping , B. Reed , M. Reardon , R. Ooms
Last Modified on 17/05/2010 10:27