The Rams scored a clean sweep in their Round 8 matches today.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, the Under 18s had a substantial win against the locals, the East Coast Eagles, by 91 points. The final score was Penrith 16.16 (112) to East Coast Eagles 3.3 (21).
Whilst over at Monarch Oval (the game being transferred from Greygums), the Reserves had a gutsy 11 point win over the Maroubra Saints in a low-scoring encounter. Final score - Penrith 5.9 (39) d Saints 4.4 (28).
The Seniors finished the day nicely with a comprehensive 83 point thrashing of Campbelltown, also at Monarch Oval. The final score there was Penrith 18.15 (123) d Campbelltown 6.4 (40).
First Grade
Penrith Rams V Campbelltown Blues at Monarch Oval
The late change in venue saw the Rams travel to Monarch Oval at Macquarie Fields to take on seventh placed Campbelltown, a team that Penrith had comprehensively beaten in Round 2. With the late withdrawals of Blake Roberts on Friday and Jake Shelley and Darren Salt on the morning of the match, Dave Cummins returned to the side along with 18's player, Matt Payne and Seltene Yohannes, who both had played an earlier fixture that day. Campbelltown had the luxury of playing three members of their successful Premier Division team including former Penrith star, Jay Edwards. It was certainly lining up to be a good contest and the Rams could not take it for granted that they could take an easy win like in the second round where they came out victorious by a massive 105 points.
In slippery conditions and light showers, the match began with the midfield dominating once again. The Rams continually mad inroads in the forward fifty, but good defence, especially from the Blues recruit Jay Edwards saw most of the hard work go unrewarded as Penrith piled on five early single pointers. Two late goals were quickly added as Penrith found their rhythm with the backline doing their duties in allowing in a single point to Town.
Early in the second quarter, Penrith opened up and scored another three majors with another four behinds ticking the scoreboard over. However, at the twelve minute mark, the momentum turned completely in the Blues favour and some panic set in as they proceeded to pile on four unanswered goals to be just fifteen points in arrears at the half time break. The coaching staff became a little more animated in the sheds and the team were implored to lift their game and stick to the match plan. The following forty four minutes was to be a test of the teams character and they needed to show that to be considered as genuine finals contenders.
It was a fairly even first few minutes of the third quarter with a pumped up Campbelltown sniffing an unlikely victory, but Penrith soon exerted their superiority to again take control and although many opportunities were missed, they ended up with a six goal (five behind) session whilst the Blues managed two of their own. A nervous Kevin Tate, who had to leave the ground early in the quarter due to another engagement, was constantly phoning for updates and showed relief that the boys were again building a solid lead.
The final quarter showed the hard work and fitness was prevailing as they again dominated their opponents. With seven goals in the bag, it was a pleasing performance as the young legs continued to take control and a weary Town outfit unable to find any answers with just three behinds. An eighty three point win kept the Rams in sole second spot on the ladder as they face their biggest test to date next week when they take on competition leaders, Moorebank Sports next week.
Coach Tate showed some trepidation prior to the match as it was a very different side to the one played in round two. However, he welcomed the challenge with a stronger team this time around to give the boys a good lead-up to next week's important clash.
The Rams again showed great spirit and camaraderie in the victory, their sixth from eight this season. First year player, Mark "Woody" Woodford was voted best of the bunch in taking out the "IGA Signature" Award. Dave Cummings, who has been fighting injury all season, arrived to play Reserves but found out about his promotion at the ground. Still playing on one leg, he put in a sensational performance at full forward bagging eight goals and taking out the "Red Cow Inn" Award and showing what a what a great clubman he is. The "other" Cummo, Tim Cummins, continued his sparkling form with a haul of four goals along with his mate, Max McNamara whom Tim recruited from Penrith's victorious Poidevin-Grey cricket team this year. Both are looking for a cricket/AFL winning double in 2010. A week wouldn't go by without seeing Dave "Braddles" Bradley and Lachie Smith in the top six and this week was no exception. The duo show great leadership and enthusiasm and are great mentors to this young side. Best for Campbelltown was easily former Ram, Jay Edwards. Hopefully he will make a return to Penrith in the future as he had left the team in 2007 to play a higher division. During the match, with Dave Cummings struggling with injury, he was asked if he wanted to have a break on the bench. His reply was "No way, unless they put Jay on me, that is". Other multiple scorers for the Rams were Baron "Baz" Savanah and Ben "Robbo" Robinson with two each. Both put in warhorse like performances and have both cemented their spots in the top side. Top up players, Matty Payne and Seltene Yohannes both completed winning doubles for the day after earlier wins and were very effective when called upon.
Next week sees what should be the "Clash of the Season" when the Rams take on competition leaders Moorebank Sports at Greygums. The much anticipated 1 V 2 game should be sensational and all supporters are urged to get to the ground and give their full support to the team for the 2:10 PM game
Penrith Rams 18.15-123 defeated Campbelltown Blues 6.4-40
Goal Kickers: D. Cummings 8, T. Cummins 4, A. Savanah 2, B. Robinson 2, T. Corless , L. Smith
x
Reserve Grade
Penrith Rams V Maroubra Saints at Monarch Oval
It was likely to be one of the Reserves biggest tests to date when they took on finals contenders, Maroubra Saints on Saturday. Forced with the loss of the home ground advantage with the match being transferred at the last minute to Monarch Oval, the Rams were facing Saints, who were coming off a 100 point win last week, with the services of Dave Cummings and Jake Shelley, who were called on in First Grade. Another couple of late withdrawals saw the team reduced from a full squad with a limited bench. Maroubra went into the game very confident as they arrived by bus with copious supplies of celebratory fluids to celebrate with on the return trip home.
The game commenced under light showers on a slippery pitch and it was to become a "dogfight" throughout the match. An even first quarter saw just one goal apiece with Saints taking a one point lead with two behinds to one at the first break. The Rams became more confident with their chances after the break and edged ahead with a slight breeze aiding them. With just a one goal (three behind) quarter, it seemed that the Rams didn't take all their opportunities but the sterling backline excelled in keeping the Saints scoreboard stagnant for the quarter. As the teams went to the sheds, the score of 16 to 8 seemed like a rugby league scoreline.
The "Bra Boys" came out determined to use the breeze better to their advantage and continually kicked long and were rewarded with three majors whilst Jason "Jabba" Bradley sent shivers down the spine of the Rams with a set shot in front that almost collected a Saints player. The kick got the thumbs up but Saints had obtained a four point lead with the last twenty two minutes remaining on the clock. Penrith again got the upper hand in the final quarter putting on two goals but the final ten minutes proved crucial with the backline throwing themselves at the ball in an attempt to maintain their slender advantage. They managed to claw one back and a few missed opportunities were rued by the Rams with four one-pointers. As the siren sounded for the final time, a jubilant Rams gathered for the victory song for the sixth time in eight outings this season.
It was an extremely gutsy display against a somewhat shocked Eastern Suburbs team whose loss saw them drop from third to fifth spot on the highly contested leaderboard. Alternatively, Penrith now grab equal second on the ladder behind the undefeated Auburn side.
Bryce Roney was up to his best in winning the "IGA Signature" Award. After missing last weeks match due to equine duties, Bryce put in an intensive display of wet weather football. Justin Weller continued his good form in taking out the "Red Cow Inn" Award whilst coach Mark Jackson again led by example as did captain Daniel Barnes, whose display in the backline paved the way for the tough victory. Christian Triffitt continued his great form and Seltene Yohannes again showed his improving skills to figure highly in the best. Jason Bradley was again very strong up front and was the major scorer with limited opportunities with with of the five goals whilst Jon Barry and the "Dent Squad's" Craig Ives both chipped in with one each.
Another big test next week when the team plays equal fourth placed Moorebank Sports at Greygums at 12:00 PM. With Moorebank coming off a huge 146 point win in keeping Holroyd-Parramatta scoreless, it will be another tough test for the second placed Rams
Penrith Rams 5.9-39 defeated Maroubra Saints 4.4-28
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 3, J. Barry , C. Ives
Under 18's
Penrith Rams V East Coast Eagles at Bruce Purser Oval
Penrith 18's faced up to East Coast Eagles for the second time this season in only their third competition match and kept up the perfect record against that team. With East Coast never recording a win against the Rams, it is probably extra pressure on the team every time they clash, but it was quickly established that Saturday wasn't to be the day when Penrith again comprehensively scored an eighty three point win on the Eagles self proclaimed "Fortress" of Bruce Purser Reserve.
With both teams fielding eighteen on-field players and a full bench, it was somewhat of an unusual scenario for Penrith given it was just their third competition match coming into round 8. Penrith got off to a steady start kicking for goals against the Eagles two on a generally good pitch after heavy midweek rain. If East Coast thought they had a sniff of an upset, it was quickly put to be as Penrith piled on five unanswered goals to go to the sheds with a forty four point advantage.
The defence stood up in the third quarter as with just a single point to the home side whilst Penrith ran riot in the forward line. However, inaccurate kicking saw just three six pointers added to the scoreboard whilst an extra seven points were added with just one flag salutes.
The final quarter saw the Rams pile on another four goal (six behinds) whilst the Eagles managed to kick just their third major for the game, but as they match wrapped up, it was another big win for the young Rams with an eighty three point victory.
It was a solid match for the visitors who easily retain their top top on the ladder. Shaun Stevens was outstanding as he controlled the centre-line to take out the "IceBreak" cash award. His partner in crime, Adam Sharp, recovered well from last week's bout of concussion in the St George match and will certainly remember to cash his cheque with the "Goulburn Valley" Award. The younger brigade stood up to the test with Liam Murphy playing an outstanding game along with Jackson Swarbrick and Ben McGovern who topped the goal count with a haul of four. Captain Daniel Schroot (3 goals) and Grady Tapping (2 goals) were the other multiple scorers with both being heavily involved in the match.
Nest week sees the team return to Greygums for the clash with Moorebank Sports at 10:00 AM. The teams last met in a March Trial game with Penrith taking a solid victory. Moorebank, however, have hit their strapss with two consecutive victories including a massive 90 point win over Mac Uni followed up by a victory over third placed Holroyd-Parramatta at the weekend and cannot be taken lightly.
Penrith Rams 16.16-112 defeated East Coast Eagles 3.3-21
Goal Kickers: B. McGovern 4, D. Schroot 3, G. Tapping 2, L. Simmons , M. Reardon , G. Howell , J. Ponton , B. Reed , H. Stibbard , N. Walker
Last Modified on 14/06/2010 17:33