Penrith Rams First Grade fell short in their quest for the 2010 premiership in going down to minor premiers Moorebank Sports at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday. After leading until deep into the third quarter, the effects of the previous two finals matches took it's toll as their bigger and more experienced rivals ran away with the game with the score not reflecting the closeness of the contest.
Match Report
It is a great achievement to reach a grand final. At the beginning of the year, hopes were high for a finals berth in 2010. Many new players, a “youth orientated” squad looking to the years ahead, a new head coach and a rebuilding process all ahead.
On Saturday at Blacktown Olympic Park, the footy season was still alive against many odds. After surviving sudden death with wins in the semi-final and elimination preliminary final, the stage was set for a fairytale ending to an incredible year for the Rams.
After much considerable deliberation in selecting the final team, the selectors stuck with the same side that had succeeded in getting to the big one. Over forty players had played firsts during the year, but it came down to just selecting twenty two. All players who had played in the team in season 2010 are to be congratulated for getting the Rams there.
A tough campaign the previous few weeks was always going to be a tough assignment against Moorebank Sports, the minor premiers who are a well-coached and unrelenting side. Penrith had some outstanding clashes in their previous three matches this year, with Moorebank coming out on top in all three occasions, but all going down to the last quarter.
The vibe had been great during the week. Fairly light training sessions were the order of the day as the Rams needed to freshen and try and get over the many niggling injuries.
Penrith were enthusiastic with the talks in the sheds. Club legend, Michael walker addressed the side emphasising how they had come so far in so little time and his pride in seeing the club again being a force in Sydney AFL. Michael had been a part of Penriths two premierships in 1989 and 1991 as both player and captain (1991) and was player coach in 1989. History was made earlier in the day when his son, Nathan, grabbed a father/son Rams premiership double in the Under 18’s win.
Coach Kevin Tate then gave the final word as the team ran through the banner and the big number forming the guard of honour as they ran onto the field headed by captain Lachie Smith.
The opening siren sounded in perfect conditions and it was Penrith quickly dominating as they went on the attack. A few missed opportunities were rued but Blake Roberts was able to open up with the lone goal of the term, with another five shots finding the small posts. The defence worked well when required and allowed Moorebank a late goal and in a tight quarter, Penrith went to the break with a three point lead.
It was Penrith’s quarter again in the second term with Dave Cummings booting two, Josh Anasis one and captain Smith adding another as the midfield continually broke their opponents defence. Moorebank stayed in touch with a double and the teams retired to the sheds with Penrith holding a handy fourteen point lead.
News wasn’t good, however, as the physio worked overtime on many of the team. Mark Woodford had come out second best after a great knock on his opposing number, Max McNamara was suffering a shoulder injury and many other were feeling the effects of the previous week’s game. Tate asked the team to lift and try and break the hearts of their opponents, it was to be a battle of attrition but deep inside he knew that the odds were stacked against the Rams.
The thirds quarter saw Moorebank come out breathing fire and with the benefit of the week off, were the fresh horse on the scene. Penrith responded in magnificent style to lift and were able to restrict Moorebank to four goals with Tim Cummins grabbing a loose ball to give Penrith their only one for the session. Now with a seven point deficit and a busy time in managing the interchange, it came down to twenty minutes of football to see what was left in the Rams tank.
Unfortunately, whist the hearts and souls were in great order, the bodies had succumbed to the day. Moorebank kicked an early goal as they sensed themselves towards victory. It was only the last ten minutes where they put the match out of reach for the valiant Rams with another four to seal the match and take the 2010 flag.
Obvious disappointment surrounded the side at the conclusion but it had been a great Grand Final despite the final scoreline that was indeed no reflection of the match.
Captain Smith was very graceful in his speech on the podium to the applause of the Moorebank team and the big crowd. Opposition coach Mark Coles came over and congratulated all the team on their great season and encouraged them to stick together over the next few years saying they will be a dominant force in years to come and the respect he and his club held for the Penrith side.
Again it was the back men that won the accolades for the day. “Robo-Arm” John Keane was magnificent aided by finals sensation, Bryce Roney whilst Josh Hall put in a masterful display. Second year player, Adam West showed great poise and determination along with perennial warhorse Dave Bradley who again ran himself beyond exhaustion. Tim Cummins concluded his great AFL comeback with a brilliant performance with his sidekick Max McNamara.
Coach Kevin Tate was full of plaudits for the effort on the day by his warriors. Already he is working on plans to go “one better” for next year. Kevin’s contribution has been nothing short of spectacular as he managed to lead the club on and off the field in his dual role as chairman/head coach this year.
Congratulations to Moorebank on their fantastic year. A team not unlike Penrith in having little on-field success over the past few years but have rebuilt the club and been rewarded with the ultimate prize.
At the beginning of the year, bookmakers would have offered any old odds on a successful Rams season. Next year, they would be short priced favourites to grab the seniors third ever title. A simply outstanding season, Penrith. The Rams certainly rose again in twenty ten, it will be “heaven” in twenty eleven.
Penrith Rams 6.11-47 def by Moorebank Sports 12.14-86
Goal Kickers: D. Cummings 2, L. Smith , J. Anasis , T. Cummins , B. Roberts
Best Players: B. Roney, J. Keane, J. Hall, A. West, D. Bradley, T. Cummins
Last Modified on 13/11/2010 20:57