Penrith Rams progressed to the Preliminary Final on Sunday when they staged yet another "come from behind" win against Southern Power at Henson Park. After a nervous start to the game, Penrith again opened up in the final quarter with an eight goal term to send the Power out of the 2010 Sydney AFL competition. The Rams now are just one win away from a grand final berth as they face UTS on Saturday.
Elimination Final - Penrith Rams V Southern Power at Henson Park
Penrith travelled to Henson Park on Sunday to play the elimination final against fourth placed Southern Power after finishing third in the home and away series. The third placing was the highest by the club since 1993 when the Rams were runners up.
A strong team took the field with the inclusion of Reserve Grade coach Mark Jackson along with Bryce Roney, John Keane, David Cummings and Mark Woodford who were all returning from injury.
It was a nervous start for the Rams as Power kicked the first major. Ben Robinson took a set shot from 40 which was touched on the line but minutes later took another good mark and confidently slotted one from a similar angle. Southern Power were hard at the ball and rewarded with the next two goals but the Rams were not to be denied with Tayt Corless kicking one from an acute angle to go to the first break with a five point deficit.
The second quarter saw the Rams take control on the field but not on the scoreboard as they dominated play. Just a single goal by Nathan Allison was the only reward as Penrith squandered many opportunites with six behinds not giving a true indication of the proceedings whilst Power had just two scoring opportunities and grabbed them with both hands to retain their five point buffer at the major break.
The Rams were told in the sheds to make better decisions, as they had the game at their mercy if they played to the plan. There was no need for panic as their fitness would see them gain ascendancy in the premiership quarter.
The third quarter started off quite disastrously with Power kicking the first two of the term. Blake Roberts responded after a strong mark and Corless added another with a snap shot that found the big posts. Robbo then crumbed one from a contest and Tim Cummins hit his straps with another fine goal. A rare indescretion by Penrith saw a fifty metre free given to their opponents which resulted in a goal on the siren but Penrith had edged to a two point lead.
With the Rams in a far better position than the previous week against the Power when they were six goals behind at the same time, Penrith were intent on finishing the game off again. A mountain of possession saw the local side run riot with doubles to Dean Siljanoski, Tim Cummins and Josh Anasis whilst Blake Roberts added his second and a late Mark Jackson goal saw a repeat eight goal haul to run away with the contest by forty eight points and a treasured spot in the prelim final next week.
Despite the late rally goalfest to win the game, it was the backmen that stood up and paved the way for the win. Bryce Roney underwent a strenuous training run on Thursday that enabled him to force his way back into the team and was magnificent on his return securing him the "IGA Signature" Player of the Match. His attack on the ball under pressure was inspiring along with with evasive skills and measured long kicks bak to the centre were a highlight of the game. Cohort John Keane worked in unison with Roney and frustrated Sydney AFL leading kicker throughout and was given the "Red Cow Inn" Award. Mark "Woody" Woodford also showed his two week break was a great benefit as he dominated the middle with captain Lachie Smith and Dave Bradley. Mitch Reinhard proved the hardman again in one his his best for the year.
The club would like to thank the support crew, runners supporters and their families and friends who attended and hope to have a large cast when they play UTS at Gipps Rd, Greystaynes next Saturday for a chance of being at Blacktown on the biggest day of the year.
Penrith Rams 15.15-105 def Southern Power 9.4-58
Goal Kickers: T. Cummins 3, B. Roberts 2, J. Anasis 2, T. Corless 2, B. Robinson 2, D. Siljanoski 2, M. Jackson , N. Allison
Best Players: B. Roney, J. Keane, M. Woodford, L. Smith, M. Reinhard, D. Bradley
Last Modified on 13/11/2010 16:47