Penrith have got off to a steady start to the 2011 season when they travelled to Macquarie University to take on the Warriors in all three grades on Saturday in the first trial match. All teams recorded wins in the calm conditions with good team numbers in attendance.
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The first match saw Penrith take on last years Div 4 preliminary finalists Macquarie Uni and after conceding the first goal, slowly took control of the game to record a narrow win. With a few players having their first taste of AFL and performing well, it was the experienced boys that led the charge with Mitch Renehan, Daniel Schroot, Nathan Rowley, Mick Bottrill, Sam Lockhart and Reece Johnson all being prominant. Coach Kevin Tate was pleased by the first run of the season and will be experimenting with the eclectic mix of players over the next few trial games.
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The following match saw the Rams take on the Warriors Div 3 side which turned out to be a lopsided event from the opening whistle with Penrith dominating the game. The game was soured by the loss of returning Ram, Grant Berry, who was involved in a nasty head clash and is expected to be out for a few weeks. The team kicked nineteen goals in a solid display with Dale Chivas leading the fray and good opening performances by Dave Bradley, Nathan Allison, Ben Robinson and Blake Roberts. New recruits James Denton and the O'Connor duo also gave a lot of depth to the team in their first game for the Rams.
The final match saw the newly promoted Under 18's take on a strong 28 man Mac Uni squad. A solid first half saw the team establish a lead but Mac Uni to their credit kept up the pressure throughout with the Rams finally prevailing by twenty five points in an entertaining match. Coach Rob Murie was please with the first hitout of the season and will be working hard on the training track to mould this young team into a competitive outfit for the April start of the 2011 season.
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Next week all teams will paticipate in a trial match against Moorebank Sports as the year gets into full swing.
Full details of the venue and times will be posted early in the week.
Last Modified on 29/05/2011 16:02