Penrith Rams completed their trial commitments in preparation for the 2011 season at Dukes Oval on Saturday. The Under 18's scored a win against Premier Cup side, St George whilst the mixed bag of seniors were easily defeated by Nor-West Jets in the six quarter inaugural running of the "Riff-RAAF Cup"
The Rams now get down to the serious business with the opening round next week where Firsts and Reserves take on Moorebank Sports whilst the Under 18's take on powerhouse club, Pennant Hills Demons, in the historic first ever game for Penrith in Premier Cup history.
![](https://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199639_10150167924754048_730279047_8318165_7900442_n.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Stuart Tibben - Nor West Jets
Under 18's V St George
After a couple of easy wins against Challenge Cup side, the 18's stepped up to stiffer opposition on Saturday when they took on a 22 man St George squad at Dukes Oval.
The Rams got off to a flying start, scoring after just 20 seconds and continued to attack the Saints forward line in scoring seven straight goals in the first twenty minutes whilst the visitors finished with a 3.2 session.
The next three quarters saw a good tussle with the Rams taking the second stanza by five points, whilst the third quarter was St George's by four points.
The Dragons seemed to be finishing the better early in the final twenty minutes with a couple of quick goals but the home side colts responded with 3.5 to their opponents 4.1 to finally seal the match by twenty one points.
The game was played in good spirit by both sides and hopefully it is an indication that the young Rams will be a competitive side this year as they step up to the top division of Under 18's in Sydney football.
Next week the season starts in earnest with Penrith taking on one of the leading clubs in Pennant Hills in the 2:30 clash at University Oval at North Ryde.
Penrith Rams 7.0 10.3 13.5 16.10-106 Def St George Dragons 3.2 5.6 9.6 13.7-85
![](https://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197363_10150167925954048_730279047_8318200_7396830_n.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Stuart Tibben - Nor West Jets
Seniors V Nor-West Jets
The final trial game for the senior squad concluded on Saturday with the running of the "Riff-RAAF" Cup in the six quarter, twenty minute combined grades match.
With both sides missing key players, it was a great early tussle for supremacy with the Rams holding a slender two point advantage over last years preliminary finalists at the end of the first. Penrith came out on top in the second quarter with a five goal to three effort but the lead was quickly reversed in the third with the jets knocking up six majors to the home sides three to take a seven point lead at the major break.
The second half saw the Jets experience prevail as they went on a rampage, kicking fourteen goals to eight to run out victors with an eleven goal victory and take home the Cup.
Whilst the Jets looked impressive and intent on improving on last years great effort, Penrith's young squad will be looking to improve as the year progresses and the opening round should be a fair indication where the two Div 3 Grand Finalists from 2010 go head to head.
With Greygums Oval still out of play, it is expected that a change of venue will be announced during the week.
Nor-West Jets 2.1 5.2 12.2 16.6 21.9 26.11-167 def Penrith Rams 2.3 7.5 10.7 10.9 12.10 15.12-102
![](https://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199751_10150167928024048_730279047_8318255_7178594_n.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Stuart Tibben - Nor West Jets
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Last Modified on 29/05/2011 16:33