The Under 18s took on second placed Macquarie University last Saturday at Greygums Oval.
The final margin of 50 points was anything but a true reflection of the nature of the contest, as Greg Corless explains:
The Rams were back at home again on Saturday in a very important clash against second placed Macquarie University “MacWarriors” and team confidence was good despite the mounting injury toll that saw seven players look on from the sidelines. The addition of talented Under 16’s players, Matt Payne and Michael Hartley were a bonus as the team took to the field in the all important match.
As has been the case this season, the Rams struggled in the first twenty minutes with the Warriors dominating with four quick goals and a handful of behinds with a late goal to the rams keeping their hopes alive. The second quarter came alive as the locals contributed with three straight goals to get within a goal of the visitors at one stage, but the Uni boys rallied and with two late majors, went to half time with a twenty point buffer.
The second half saw the intensity of both sides increase with both teams kicking two goals, the game was heading for a titanic finish. The first ten minutes of the final quarter saw a real arm-wrestle with no team able to convert the many chances on offer. This was disheartening to the young Rams who had given their all but the gap was too big to bridge and Mac Uni piled on some late goals to give them a final score which didn’t reflect the closeness of the game. It was a good spectacle both both teams that played good, hard and fierce footy all day.
Although beaten, the Rams again showed what a quality side they are. With most of the team eligible to play 18’s again in 2009, the future looks bright. For the Rams, Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Under 16’s player, Matt Payne, was brilliant in the backline and diffused many onslaughts by the opposition. The “Mountain Trio” of Ben Robinson, Lachlan Gippel and Max Roberts were superb once again whilst Cameron Jaworski and Kyle McDonagh were all over the park in non-stop displays. Jamie King, who just joined the Rams last week after moving from South Australia, showed what an asset he will be for the team in the latter half of the season with a polished display.
The boys travel to Manly next week to take on the third placed Wolves in what should again be a tight match. The game is scheduled to start at 10 AM.
Final scores: Macquarie University 12.19-91 def Penrith 6.5-41
Goal Kickers: Max Roberts, Ben Robinson, Kirk Perkins, Simon Osborne, Alex Lewis, Brendan Cooke
Best Players: Matt Payne, Cameron Jaworski, Jamie King, Lachlan Gippel, Max Roberts, Ben Robinson
Last Modified on 30/05/2010 12:38