On a day marked by intermittent rain, Penrith Rams took on Moorebank Sports in both senior grades and Under 18's at Dukes Oval on Saturday. The 18's recorded their second win in trial matches and Reserves did likewise in a narrow win. In first grade, the two teams met for the first time since the 2010 Grand Final and although now solace for last years Grand Final loss, were able to gain the upper hand and record a win.
A large squad of 27 were available for the Under 18's game and with Moorebank fielding 20 players, it was played at 18 aside.
The keen Moorebank side, fielding many Under 16's players from their feeder clubs, put up a solid and intensive display in the first session but late in the first half, the size and experience of the Rams graduallly gained the upper hand. Greg Major, Jackson Swarbrick, Liam Murphy and Brayden Wilson all made solid contibutions as the coaching staff worked furiously on the rotation of the team.
The second half saw the score blow out in favour of the local side but full credit to the "baby" Magpies who will be a competitive force in the Challenge Cup this year.
Another big squad took the field in the Reserve Grade side against the 2010 Moorebank Div 4 Grand Finalists. The game was keenly contested throughout in what was a see-sawing match with Penrith finally prevailing by a couple of goals. Tha match again saw many first season AFL players take the field and a sharp improvement is expected by the team as these players find their legs as the year progresses. Nic Collimore and Brett Regan put in good performances whilst the experienced quartet of Josh Anasis, Nathan White, Mick Bottrill and Sam Lockhart were impressive. Veteran Jason Makin chimed in with a couple.
The First Grade side took the field against the Magpies in the final game for the first time since the heart wrenching loss in last years Grand Final.
A sparkling start saw the Rams go to a twenty point lead after the opening twenty minutes but got a bit lost in the second quarter where Moorebank responded, as they always do, with four unanswered goals with the visitors hanging on to a five point lead at the major break.
The third quarter saw a tough battle as the weather deteriorated with steady rain falling. Moorebank got a quick goal but Penrith fought back adding four themselves. The Magpies grabbed on back late and the stage was set for a big finish with the Rams holding a slender nine point lead.
Moorebank again took the initiative in the final quarter and attcked in the worsening conditions but could not find the radar as Penrith kicked two majors with each side booting three behinds each as the Rams took out their second trial win by twenty one points.
James Denton, Nathan Wright and Nathan Allison all played well along with the forward trio of Aaron Goodwin, Blake Roberts and Ben Robinson.
Next week sees the final trial game against Nor-West in a combined seniors six quarter affair for the coveted Riff-RAAF trophy before the blockbuster opening round against last years premiers, Moorebank.
Pictures of the Under 18's trial courtesy of Christian Triffitt
Last Modified on 29/05/2011 16:24