The Rams' Round 14 commitments resulted in three wins. At Pittwater No 6 Oval, the Under 18s had a massive 162 point win over Manly-Warringah, whilst on home turf at the same time Reserve Grade won by 69 points - also over the Wolves. The second game at Greygums resulted in a big win to senior grade, by 117 points.
1st Grade V Pennant Hills Demons at Greygums Oval
With the unavailability of a few regular first graders for the match against the bottom placed Demons, Penrith promoted two Under 18's players, Jack Ponton and John Spicer to fill the void as the Rams were aiming for their 10th win of the 2010 Sydney AFL Competition.
On a perfect winter's day, the Rams exerted their superiority early in the match again dominating the midfield as they surged to a five goal quarter whist a committed Demons outfit managed one of their own as well as three single pointers.
The second term saw the team settle into a better rhythm although with a multitude of missed opportunity adding six more majors but another eight opportunities only being rewarded with behinds. However, with the Demons unable to add to their first quarter score, the Rams went to the sheds with an imposing 67 point lead.
The third quarter saw another five goals added to their tally whilst their opponents managed a single goal to the scoreboard with the defence standing firm.
Penrith looked ready to smash the previous high score ever against the Demons, recorded earlier this year when they won by 111 points in scoring 128 points at Ern Holmes but struggled with accuracy with a few on-field changes. A massive seventeen scoring shots only resulted in three goals, but with 11 behinds both records (highest score against the Demons and highest winning margin) were able to go into the history books. To cap it off, Pennant Hills score of 2.4 - 16 was their lowest score recorded by that club against the Rams.
The 117 point win keeps Penrith in second spot on the ladder with just four games remaining before the finals series commences.
With a few key players out on the day, it was pleasing to see the commitment of all the players coming off the last week's win against finals hopefuls, Macquarie Uni last week. Josh Hall took on his more experienced matchups with aplomb and was rewarded with the "IGA Siganture" Award. Tayt Corless, who dragged himself out of his sickbed, put in his best display of the season in a polished display to take out the "Red Cow Inn" Award. Blake Roberts (six goals) again showed that his years away from the game were all but memories as he continues his fantastic season whilst "Mr Consistency", Ben Robinson (three goals) again proved a nightmare for his opponents. Nathan Allison also continues his great season and was rewarded with a three goal haul whilst Captain Lachie Smith, as usual provided the team with great leadership as he controlled the mid-field. Youngsters John Spicer, having his debut first grade match, contributed with two goals whilst Jack Ponton again put in a very polished display.
The team get the opportunity to recover from the vigors of the tough season with a break next week before they travel to Rosedale to take on the premiership favourites and comp leaders, Moorebank Sports in what should be a season defining game.
Penrith 18.25 (133) d Pennant Hills 2.4 (16)
Goal Kickers: B. Roberts 6, B. Robinson 3, N. Allison 3, J. Spicer 2, J. Anasis , T. Corless , M. Woodford , J. Ponton
Best Players: J. Hall, T. Corless, B. Roberts, B. Robinson, N. Allison, L. Smith
Reserve Grade V Manly Wolves at Greygums Oval
The opening match of the day at Greygums Oval saw the Rams take on Manly Wolves for their second clash of the season. In the earlier encounter, Penrith fought out a tough 10 point win to stay in final contention and coming off a loss to finals aspirants, Mac Uni last week, were desperate to stay in tiuch with the first four.
Th return of full forward Jason Bradley from injury along with Brendan Cooke whose only other game for the Rams was against Manly was a welcoming sign for the Rams, playing without the sevices of club stalwart, Jason Ware.
The Rams got off to a flying start with a five goal quarter against a solitary Wolves goal and it looked as if the team were set for a big day. However, Manly found another gear in the second term and looked the stronger side as they outscored Penrith with three good goals against the home team's double. Penrith had a 25 point buffer going to the major break but seemed to need every one of those points in order to secure victory.
The Rams started off the second half with the same determination as the first term with a polished display of committed football. It was only inaccuracy that prevented a complete whitewash with eleven behinds being recorded but with five goals being added to the tally, Penrith had shut thye gates on the Northern Beaches outfit who managed just a single point in the entire 22 minutes of football.
It was a much quieter final session with the Wolves managing to add 15 points to their tally whilst the Rams were settling into celebration mode with just thirteen points. However, it was an impressive 69 point win that keeps the teams just out of the first four with their ninth win of the season. In what has turned out to be a stellar season so far this year, Penrith's win record has not been bettered since 1982.
Captain/Coach Mark Jackson put in an inspiring display to lead the troops to victory adn took out the "IGA Signature" Award. Brad Pathius, returning from injury, was solid all day and the recipient of the "Red Cow" Award. Christian Triffitt continually outsmarted his opposing number along with Alex Rogers being solid in defence. A lean Brendan Cooke, now one of our esteemed defence force, showed he has lost none of his skills with a polished display whilst Jon Barry played his usual "hard" game in a tough display. Phil Pennings hasn't watched much AFL and played his first ever match on Saturday. The imposing figure of the ex-boxer would have been daunting for his opponents and he had a dream debut with a goal and a few spectacular marks. Jason Bradley with 7 goals was excellent up front.
The team has a one week layoff until the all important clash against Moorebank at Rosedale Oval on July 31.
Penrith Rams 15.21-111 def Manly Wolves 6.6-42
PENRITH
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 7, J. Barry 2, M. Jackson , B. Pathuis , A. Prowse , C. Knight , S. Ayres , P. Pennings
Best Players: M. Jackson, B. Pathuis, A. Rogers, C. Triffitt, J. Barry, B. Cooke
Under 18's V Manly Wolves at Pittwater #6
The all-conquering Under 18's took the long trek to Narrabeen for the second time in a month to take on fourth placed Manly Wolves on Saturday.
Without polished performers Jack Ponton and John Spicer, who were called upon for first grade duties, the team were attempting to emulate their success in June when they scored a huge win against the Wolves.
It took all of 33 seconds for the boys to shrug off the effects of the long road trip as they sparked into action with a 6.3 term whilst keeping their opponents to a nil scoreline. Another nine goals in the second session were added with the Rams heading to the sheds with a ninety three point break in what was turning out to be a replica of their earlier clash.
Another 14 scoring shots, half of them being successful continued the rampage as again Manly could not muster a point on the scoreboard. Ben McGovern, who had kicked 11 goals, went for a break in the final quarter and some changes saw a quiter final term with Penrith adding another 4.3 whilst allowing Manly to kick their first goal of the match. The final siren couldn't sound quick enough for the undermanned Wolves, who to their credit managed to field a side after an earlier forfeit to the Rams this year.
The leadership group again provided the backbone for the Rams with trio Adam Sharp, Daniel Schroot and Matty Payne all leading by example after their inspiring efforts in the senior grades last week. First year 18's Nick Adams, James Heath and Liam Murphy also dominated play as the team sets themselves for the finals series in August. McGovern's stunning eleven goal haul was assisted by Scroot's four, Paynes three whilst Hayden Strong and Matt Reardon each added two. Ben Priest controlled the backline throughout the game and fought it out as if the team had a five point lead instead of the 15o point lead they had in the final term.
Next week the team plays the deferred match against Mac Uni in the 10:00 AM game at Greygums, the only match of the day.
Penrith Rams 26.16-72 def Manly Wolves 1.4-10
Goal Kickers: B. McGovern 11, D. Schroot 4, M. Payne 3, H. Strong 2, M. Reardon 2, B. Reed , A. Sharp , N. Edwards , L. Simmons
Best Players: M. Payne, N. Adams, A. Sharp, D. Schroot, J. Heath, L. Murphy
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Next weekend, Senior and Reserve Grades have a well-deserved break on the wet weather catch-up round. The Under 18s meanwhile, will play their Round 4 catch-up match - hopefully (on Saturday, time and venue to be confirmed).
Last Modified on 10/08/2010 10:12