The IGA Penrith Rams have blasted their way into a Grand Final berth in Saturday September 11 at Blacktown Olympic Park when they recorded an impressive twenty two point victory over UTS Bats at Gipps Rd on Saturday.
The historic victory will see the Rams take to the field on this day for the first time since 1993 when they take on minor premiers Moorebank Sports for the 2010 flag.
Penrith will join their Under 18’s squad in the Grand Final in what is expected to be an outstanding clash.
With the selectors electing to field the same side as the previous week in their win over Southern Power, Penrith took to the field in light rain and overcast skies as they attempted to reverse the result of the previous two games against UTS this year. In a tightly contested first term, The Rams drew first blood with a Ben Robison goal after five minutes of play. Robbo added another shortly after whilst Josh Anasis chimed in with a third to stun the Bats. UTS struggled early with the pace and intensity but were able to settle and added two of their own before Robinson added his third with Penrith going to the break holding a thirteen point buffer.
The pace didn’t falter in the second stanza as Penrith again played the same football that earned them the best attacking record in the competition with Blake Roberts warming to the task with a double, Dave Cummings finding the big sticks after a splendid, multi-contested mark and Max McNamara booting a boomer after the siren sounded for another four goal quarter whilst UTS stayed in touch with three of their own to slip nineteen points behind their opponents.
Coach Kevin Tate stoked up the boys in the sheds at the big break and emphasised that UTS were on the ropes after their brutal clash with Moorebank the week before, but there was still a long way to go and any lack of concentration would be fatal against the more experienced Bats. Tate introduced a special guest in the sheds. Keith Claxton, the Rams founder in 1981 had travelled from his South Coast home for the game and to the applause of the team, gave one simple word of advice. “Keep Going Boys”. Captain Lachie Smith reminded the team that it was “premiership quarter” coming up, and to stay focused and set up a lead that would put the Bats out of contention.
The Rams responded exactly as asked and displayed total domination in the third term with sensational movement from the midfield delivering the goods to the forward line. Both Dave Cummings and Josh Anasis added two more each to their tally’s whilst Tim Cummins grabbed a loose ball from a huge pack and slotted another for a five goal quarter haul. The backline repelled any attack with Bryce Roney, carrying on from the previous week’s form, John Keane and Sam Lockhart not giving the Bats a chance to add any mote to their tally. The “Premiership Quarter” saw the Rams extend their lead to forty seven points with just twenty two minutes of football to contest for a spot on the ultimate day.
The Rams had left nothing on the field in the three quarters played and it started to show in the final term. UTS showed the pride and determination that won them this year’s Club Championship and whilst lesser teams would have called it a day, the Bats experience started to rise as they went into attacking mode. With 34 players involved in the UTS half, they started to slowly peg back the margin adding four goals to their tally, but stoic defence negated another three being added and as the siren sounded, it was the battle weary Rams who had prevailed to advance to the last day of the football season by twenty three points.
The jubilant team were joined by the support staff and supporters on the field to celebrate as the blasted out the Rams song once again in what is hoped to be their second best rendition of the tune this year.
Again a great team effort to record the teams fifth consecutive win and the fifteenth for the season. Warhorse Dave Bradley again broke through the pain barrier that saw him rewarded with the “IGA Signature” player of the match. “Braddles” completed a fairytale day as he was also playing his 50th first grade game with the Rams. Bryce Roney was again sensational in the backline and has been magnificent in his comeback after a stint on the sidelines along with fellow backman, John Keane who again managed to put paid to many UTS offensives. Adam West earned the respect of the opposition with a sparkling game whilst Josh Anasis and Dean Siljanoski both rose to the occasion with solid games.
In an appreciated gesture during the warm-down, UTS player-coach and club president, John Colbert addressed the side. Although disappointed with his teams loss, he congratulated the Rams on the win and spoke to them about the great culture, energy, commitment and discipline the club has shown this year and predicted a bright future for the club. It wasn’t smooth sailing for a few years in the UTS camp in the early days so the view of Sydney’s powerhouse club was another indication of the respect that the Rams are rapidly gaining.
So it comes down to one more match, on the last day of the football season next Saturday for Penrith. Their opponents, Moorebank Sports have certainly gained respect and admiration recently after being almost forced to fold just five years ago. Full credit must go to this club who have both their senior sides represented next Saturday. Maybe it is fitting that both clubs played each other in their first trial match of the season and face each other in the last. Moorebank currently have the “wood” over the Rams with wins in all three matches this year, but all have been close encounters and a great clash is expected in the 12:40 PM at Blacktown this Saturday.
The Rams would like to thank the supporters for their attendance at the match and to the support staff Sharpie, Jabba, Jason Makin, Cliff Bradley, Brad, Alex, Payney, Baz, Triffo, Skep and everyone else and hope to see a huge support crew cheering on the big day.
Penrith Rams 12.12-90 def UTS Bats 10.7-67
Goal Kickers: J. Anasis 3, B. Robinson 3, D. Cummings 3, B. Roberts 2, M. McNamara , T. Cummins
Best Players: D. Bradley, B. Roney, J. Keane, J. Anasis, A. West, D. Siljanoski