Penrith maintained second spot on the ladder when they scored a comprehensive 111 point win over Pennant Hills at Ern Holmes on Sunday.The win now puts the Rams at 5-2, equalling last years win record. On Saturday, Penrith fought out a hard earned 13 point win over Sydney Uni to also give them a 5-2 start to the season whilst the 18's impressed in a trial match against St George at Harrington Park.
First Grade
Penrith Rams V Pennant Hills Demons at Ern Holmes Oval.
Penrith took to the road on Sunday to travel to Pennant Hills for the unusual 10:30 start to take on the Demons. With a few adjustments to the side that had beaten Southern Power the week before, the Rams took to the field under scattered showers on what was generally a good pitch that had avoided the Sydney downpours in the last week.
It was a dominant display from the opening whistle with Woody again controlling the rucks and it wasn't long before a Tim Cummins long range set shot found it's mark to open the scoring. Minutes later, Cummins again converted from the 50 and then added another two to kick the opening four goals after good deliveries from the centres. With Pennant Hills only being able to score a single point, the Rams left for the first huddle with a 28 point lead.
The second quarter saw Penrith again exert their superiority but the Demons added a couple of goals to try and stem the flow. However, a six goal haul aided by intensive "on the ball" play allowed the Rams to further extend their lead to fifty one as both teams retired to the sheds.
Hard as they tried, the Demons, who were fielding a rather mature side could not match the youth, speed and agility of the Rams. The home team tried valiantly but their infrequent forays into the Penrith backline were negated with fortress like defence and they were unable to add to their scoreline whilst the Rams piled on another 6 goals (5 behinds) to put the contest well and truly out of reach of the Demons, despite a horrendous penalty count against the Rams.
It was only innacurate kicking in the final session that stemmed the flow. Five consecutive behinds were scored before the first of two goals were kicked by the Rams but a 2.8 quarter against a lone point to the Demons saw the Rams gather for the team song with a 111 point victory, and their fifth win of the season, equalling the 2009 win record.
Coach Tate was satisfied with the win but will be reinforcing the fact that complacency cannot set in. "It was again a good team effort but we have to be aware that there are no "sure wins" in this competition" he said. "The next few weeks are critical in sorting out where we are at and the Moorebank game in two weeks will certainly indicate what is required to be classed as finals contenders. However, next week against Campbelltown will be no easy assignment as they will be a lot tougher than our previous clash with them.
Former St Clair Crows junior, Quinton Beavan, was magnificent in just his third game with the club. The twenty year old, who has been living and playing in the Broken Hill competition was awarded the "IGA Signature" Award. Adam West never puts a foot wrong and is playing with renewed zest. The mid-fielder showed his maturity and a great football head in taking out the "Red Cow Inn" Award. Dave Bradley and Lachie Smith both lead the side by example and again put in dominating performances whilst the younger brigade of Reece Johnson and Tim Cummins proved a nightmare for their opponents. Under 18's player, Harley Stibbard backed up from a Saturday game and provided solid support throughout the game. Tim Cummins had the radar on with eight goals whilst Blake Roberts chipped in with three to be the Rams multiple scorers.
Nest week, the Rams return to Greygums to take on Campbelltown Blues for the second time this season. Despite a big win against them in Round 2, they have proved a menace to better teams including a shock win over Macquarie Uni and will not be taken lightly
Penrith Rams 18.20-128 defeated Pennant Hills Demons 2.5-17
Goal Kickers: T. Cummins 8, B. Roberts 3, M. Woodford , A. Henry , L. Smith , J. Anasis , N. Allison , A. West , B. Robinson
Reserve Grade
Penrith Rams V Sydney University at Greygums Oval
It was an incredible achievement by club stalwart, Jason Ware, as he led the team out for his 300th club game on Saturday when they took on equally placed Sydney Uni at Greygums on Saturday. Jason's career started at the Rams in 1985 when most of the current Rams players were still twinkles in their parent eyes.
But the sentiment involved was quickly put on the backburner. The Rams were intent on making it a "double celebration" with a win that was required to keep the team in the top four mix at equal third spot.
All was going to plan as the team dominated the first quarter with a six goal haul. The students looked flat but were able to add two of their own after some concentration lapses.
Uni came back strongly in the second quarter and took the honours with three goals against a sinle major to the Rams and as the team retired to the sheds, it was just a narrow thirteen point buffer to the home side.
With a slight wind assisting the home side, the third quarter saw the ball travel from end to end on the big Greygums layout. Penrith got the better of the quarter with six goals but Uni were hot on their tails with four of their own against a tiring Penrith squad.
It was the Students final quarter as they continually surged inside the Rams forward fifty and the game was in the balance with ten minutes to go. Four goals to the visitors looked ominous in spoiling Warey's day as both teams slogged out the final minutes. But with Penrith scoring a late goal, the weary Rams were able to hang on to record a tough 13 point victory.
Dave Cummings was superb as he continues to get back to his best after injury and took out the "IGA Signature" Award for Best on Ground whilst first year player, Nathan White, enjoyed his return to the more suitable #55 jersey to tale out the "Red Cow Inn" Award for his courage and determination in controlling the backline. Jason Ware celebrated his milestone with another top performance as he now starts preparing dor his 400th club game. Darren Salt had a fine return after injury along with Justin Weller whilst Tim Folkes was prominent as he continues to excel in his first year of AFL. Jason "Jabba" Bradley was a great target up fron with four goals along with four from David Cummings whilst Jason Ware and Tayt Corless were the other multiple scorers with two each
Nest week will see the team take on one of the premiership favourites in Maroubra Saints at Greygums in what will be one of their toughest tests to date. The match begins at 12:00 PM
Penrith Rams 15.10-100 defeated Sydney University 13.9-87
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 4, D. Cummings 4, J. Ware 2, T. Corless 2, G. Howell , J. Makin , C. Ives
Under 18's
Penrith Rams V St George (Premier Cup) at Harrington Park
The Penrith Under 18's took on last years Premier Cup Grand Finalists, St George, in a trial match at Harrington Park on Saturday. In a match that saw both sides fight hard all day, it was a close fight to the end with St George taking the honours by just four points.
With both sides fielding 18 onfield players and a small bench, the game started well for the Saints and three quick goals to them could have disheartened most teams. The Rams, however, struck back quickly with three of their own including a good "second effort" snap to Nathan Walker which saw Penrith lead by a point going into the first break. The loss of ruckman Adam Sharp with concussion was a major blow to the side.
St George opened up in the second quarter and it looked as though superior match fitness by the Premier Cup second placed team were going to run away with the game when they added five goals against a single Rams major to fo to the sheds with a 24 point break.
The third quarter saw the Rams hold their own in an open game of football with both teams raising the two flags on three occasions each but it was St George edging a few points further in front to lead by 27 with the final 20 minutes looming.
A spirited final quarter by the Rams certainly put the frighteners on Saints as Penrith continually raided the Saints forward fifty. With a four goal haul and five behinds to a single Saints goal, the Rams were just a straight kick away from an unlikely victory when the final siren sounded handing Saint George a tough fought four point victory.
Despite the fact that both teams were missing key players, it was a great exercise to see where the team were at in terms of ability against a leading Premier Cup side and they certainly passed it with flying colours. Representations have been made to the league for Penrith to be elevated to Premier Cup status and the game will certainly enhance their chances for inclusion in the 2011 competition.
The 18's return to competition on Saturday when they take on East Coast Eagles at Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday. Penrith won the first round match in comprehensive fashion but will need to be focused to repeat the dose on Saturday at a ground that has proved difficult for many teams in the past.
Penrith Rams 11.12-78 def by St George 12.10-82
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Last Modified on 29/05/2010 21:03