After two successive losses away from home and facing up to a side that had won their previous match by over 100 points, it was D-Day for the IGA Penrith Rams when they faced Southern Power at Greygums on Saturday. A sensational opening quarter saw the Rams pave their way with s slick performance to completely dominate their rivals with an eighty point victory and grab second spot on the ladder.
The Under 18's had earlier toyed with their rivals when they defeated Holroyd-Parramatta easily despite the fact that their accuracy was way offline. But being only their second match of the season, they are expected to click into full action as the matches become more regular.
Both teams kept up the perfect winning record at Greygums this year after the six rounds to date which is quickly becoming the "Fortress of Fear" for opposing teams.
Reserve Grade, who had to travel to Bensons Lane to take on a strong Nor-West outfit, were unable to make it a treble for the club when they went down narrowly but are still taking a share of fourth spot on the ladder.
Match Reports to Follow
First Grade
Penrith Rams V Southern Power at Greygums Oval
In the last round of 2009, when Penrith took on Southern Power at Gwawley Park, a controversial decision by the appointed umpire cost the Rams a victory. Trailing by less than a goal, Josh Ansasis took a paid mark and as he was moving in to take the shot from around 50 metres, the siren sounded but Anasis put the ball through the sticks and got the all clear from the controlling umpire and the flag-waver. The official umpire over-ruled the decision and despite an appeal to the league, who found the umpire had erred, Southern Power were awarded the match.
There were no such controversies this year when the two teams clashed for the first time since that day. Penrith were in somewhat of a form slump, after losing their last two whist Southern Power came into the match on the back of a 109 point win over Pennant Hills. With both teams boasting a 3-2 record, one team was set to drop out of the top four.
With the late withdrawal of Tayt Corless, due to a flu attack, Jake Shelley was recalled to the side in a return from injury. African import, Seltene Yohannes was also promoted to first grade following sensational form in the seconds to replace the suspended Kyle McDonagh.
The game started and it was evident that Penrith were out to play. With ruckman Mark Woodford dominating the centre, the Rams flew the lids and continually attacked the Power's defence. Blake Edwards quickly put the opening goal on the card whilst Josh Anasis ran amok with the next two. It was only some inacurrate kicking that saw some respectability as they charged their way to a 5.7 quarter against a lone goal to their opponents.
The second quarter saw the Rams continue in the same vein, with slick passing, accurate chips and great backing up and again it was the Roberts/Anasis duo with the opening two goals of the session. Dave Bradley chipped in for another along with Tim Cummins as the team took further control despite Power getting two of their own. By the time the major break was signalled, the Rams had accumulated a 48 point lead with every player putting their hand up when required.
Obviously, the feel in the sheds was very upbeat at the break. It had been the best start to a game Penrith had played this season with the various combinations gelling.
When play resumed, Southern Power had made a few changes to their match-ups and the football was a lot tighter. Still being played at a frenetic pace, both sides showed that their radar was spot on with Penrith kicking 6.1 to their opponents three straight goals. The final quarter took it's toll on both teams as the pace slackened somewhat. Power making the most of a couple of "fatigue" errors by the Rams to grab three of the first four goals, but the Rams rallied for the last hurrah with a 5 goal quarter including a Seltene Yohannes six pointer and another courtesy of a fifty metre penalty after Ben Robinson was flattened after a late tackle and would be sporting a huge headache for a couple of days. The twenty goal haul provided the Rams with a well deserved 80 point victory and secured second spot on the ladder.
Probably the hardest work done by the coaching staff all day was their decision to try and select the best out of a myriad of players. Tim Cummins was awarded The "IGA Signature" Best on Ground for yet another magnificent performance. Nathan Allison overcame last week's illness to again play an inspirational role and was the recipient of the "Red Cow Inn" award. Max McNamara only knows one way to play the game-flat out and hard -and his opponents had a torrid time trying to contain him. It was no surprise to see the names of captain, Lachie Smith and Dave Bradley high in the "best" count. Both players lead by example with no hesitation of putting their bodies on the line every time they hit the paddock. Youngster Ben Roibinson continues to shine, week in and week out against his bigger rivals. Blake Robert's six goal haul sees him leap to the lead of the Sydney AFL goalkickers whilst big Josh Anasis contributed a personal best five goals.
Next week the team should consolidate their place on the ladder when they take on bottom placed Pennant Hills at Ern Holmes Oval. With an unusual 10:00 AM Sunday match, the team should not become complacent in their attempt to equal last season's winning record of five victories
Penrith Rams 20.14-134 defeated Southern Power 8.6-54
Goal Kickers: B. Roberts 6, J. Anasis 5, N. Allison , S. Yohannes , B. Robinson , R. Johnson , M. Woodford , T. Cummins , B. Skepper , D. Siljanoski , D. Bradley
Reserve Grade
Penrith Rams V Nor-West Jets at Bensons Lane
Reserves took the trek out to Bensons Lane on Saturday to face Nor-West in the local derby and in a keenly fought affair, the Jets took the honours by nineteen points.
Nor-West took control of the match early and only some wayward kicking allowed the Rams to stay in touch. With the Rams facing a three goal deficit at the major break and Nor-West maintaining that lead till three-quarter time, the game was in the balance in the last stanza when Penrith got to within two goals of another victory. But in the end, despite a valiant attempt, it was the Jets who prevailed.
The win now leaves the Penrith side in a precarious position at equal fourth with three other teams but will need a percentage boost to keep them on track.
Evergreen Jason Ware was awarded the "IGA" Best on Ground prize whilst Mick Bottrill was splendid in grabbing the "Red Cow Inn" prize. Mark Jackson, Wayne Krause, Bryce Roney and Christian Triffitt were also rated the best on the day. David Cummings was the major goal kicker with three whilst Under 18's Nic Edwards kicked one.
Next week sees the team return to Greygums for the 2:10 PM clash with Sydney University, also on equal fourth spot, who recorded a narrow win against Moorebank Sports on the weekend.
Penrith Rams 8.4-52 def by Nor-West Jets 10.11-71
Goal Kickers: D. Cummings 3, B. Roney , J. Ware , C. Triffitt , W. Krause , N. Edwards
Under 18's
Penrith Rams V Holroyd-Parramatta Goannas at Greygums Oval
The Under 18's could have been forgiven if they thought that the Goanna's team were a mirage when they turned up at Greygums on Saturday. Holroyd-Parramatta were in fact the first team this year to make a showing at the Rams home ground. With the 12:00 PM start under warm Autumn conditions, the twenty two selected players, leading the competition after a bye, a transferred match, two forfeits and just one from one winning matches, took to the field.
Despite showing good form on the training track for the previous 14 weeks, it was understandably a rusty start in the first twenty minutes against the third placed Goanna's, who had recorded a big win against finals contenders, Manly, just two weeks earlier before last week's surprise loss to Mac Uni. Despite dominating the play, the Rams found it difficult to convert the eight chances they had at goals, scoring just two. However, the defensive zone did their job in keeping the visitors scoreless.
It was much of the same in the second session as Penrith piled on the pressure. Holroyd showed some glimpses of being competitive with a 1.1 quarter whilst the local boys managed to put away four major scoring shots with another five going astray with the one flag salute.
In the second half, again the Rams dominated but without the rewards as they restricted the Goanna's to just another seven points whilst adding another 6 goals (6 behinds) to their tally. Time was halted in the final quarter as Gordon Howell had to be treated and taken from the field after a nasty incident with a head injury. Another incident after the siren marred the win somewhat with opposing side taking umbrage with their loss. Penrith, although not the instigators, were reminded by the coaching staff and leadership group post match that they need to maintain discipline no matter what their opponents and their coaching staff dish up to them.
The 75 point win keeps the undefeated Rams on top of the table. Luke Simmons, fresh after his good performance for Campbelltown in the Premier Cup last week, maintained his form and was the recipient of the "IceBreak" Best on Ground cash award. The former Penrith Swans junior proved very elusive and has stepped up to 18's football very easily. Big man, Shaun Stevens caused headaches for his opponents and the first year 18 from the Lions was rewarded with the "Goulburn Valley" cash. Other standouts were Ben McGovern and Pioneers player Jackson Swarbrick, again both first year players whilst the experienced leadership duo of Adam Sharp and Daniel Schroot showed old heads and discipline in the comprehensive win.
With the bye next week, talks are still underway to play a social match against Premier Cup team, St George. Details will be announced as soon as possible.
Penrith Rams 12.17-89 defeated Holroyd-Parramatta 2.2-14
Goal Kickers: J. Spicer 6, B. McGovern 2, J. Ponton , M. Reardon , J. Heath , A. Sharp
Last Modified on 29/05/2010 15:15