A ten goal haul by Dale Chivas was not enough to get the points against a classy Balmain side at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday. Despite leading for much of the match, the injury toll showed in the last 15 minutes as the Dockers rallied to keep their unbeaten 2011 run with an 18 point victory.
A third quarter collapse triggered the Rams reserve grade first loss of the season in the top of the table clash against Mac Uni Warriors at University Oval on Saturday. The match was up for grabs with Penrith leading at the half time break but a six goal third quarter by the Warriors sealed the game for the home side with a 22 point win.
Over at Alan Davidson Park, the Under 18's were no match for a young, skilled Sydney Uni side who dominated completely the first half and went on to record a big win.
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First Grade V Balmain Dockers at Drummoyne Oval
The newly revamped Drummoyne Oval was the venue for the first grade clash when the Rams travelled to the picturesque location on Mother's Day to take on the undefeated Balmain Dockers.
With Adam West a late withdrawal, Justin Weller, who had played less than 24 hours earler in the reserve grade game was called into the team as a late replacement.
The opening minutes saw the Dockers on the attack but innacurate kicking saw them unable to convert. A booming kick from the centre by Mark Woodford found the awaiting arms of Ben Robinson and he found the big sticks for the Rams to hit the front. A Tim Cummins six pointer and the first two Dale Chivas majors saw the Rams head to the first break with a 15 point lead against the Div 2 heavyweights.
The second quarter saw a Dockers fightback as Cummins kicked his second and Chivas chimed in with three more in the only scoring chances for the Rams. Balmain however, kept on fighting and posted 5.3 and the teams went to the big break with the Rams holding a one goal advantage.
Physio Declan was working flat out at the break with players lined up for treatment in the brutal encounter with Matty Payne, Harley Stibbard, Daniel Schroot and Mark Woodford all requiring intense work.
The thrid quarter showed the heart of the side as they battled a big, fierce Balmain side. Four more majors to Dale Chivas against three for the Dockers allowed the Rams to creep to a 12 point lead with the final 22 minutes looming.
The three week absence of football for Penrith and the diminished bench became the devil. Matt Payne was penalised for holding the ball after a suspect tackle from behind and John Keane was extremely unlucky to be pinged for forcing a rushed behind whilst under massive pressure. Both resulted in goals for the Dockers and the momentum changed in favour of the home team with the Dockers kicking a final quarter five goals whilst Penrith could only manage one with Dale Chivas booting his tenth for the match as the Rams suffered their second defeat of the season going down by 18 points.
It was a courageous effort by the Rams but certainly showed that they will be knocking at the door at finals time if they continue their form.
Young Harley Stibbard took out the Best on Ground effort with a gutsy performance against his older and bigger opponents whilst Bryce Roney again proved valuable in the backline with solid defence and well executed clearances. Captains Dave Bradley and Dale Chivas were inspirational with Bradley copping plenty off the ball and bouncing up again to head to more punishment whilst Dale Chivas toyed with his opponent all day with a sensational haul of ten goals. Tim Cummins (2 goals) worked in unison with Chivas and put in a masterful performance whilst Jimmy Denton, despite playing much of the match with a broken finger, again proved what a great acquisition he has been this season with the Rams.
Coach Geoff Payne would be happy with the progress so far this season and will be looking to get the team up again as they chase their third win of the season next Saturday against 2010 finalists, Holroyd-Parramatta, hopefully at Greygums Oval.
Penrith Rams 4.2 8.2 12.4 13.8-86 def by Balmain Dockers 1.5 6.8 9.10 15.4-104
Goal Kickers: D. Chivas 10, T. Cummins 2, B. Robinson
Best Players: H. Stibbard, B. Roney, D. Bradley, D. Chivas, T. Cummins, J. Denton
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Reserve Grade V Mac Uni Warriors at University Oval
The late 3 PM game was played under warm conditions as a strong Rams outfit took to the field. Penrith took the early initiative with two goals to the big man, Jason Bradley who treated his opposing number with contempt but the Warriors rallied late in the first term to go to the break with a slim five point buffer.
It was all the visitors in the second session with some slick movement out of the centres which saw the Rams convert all of their four opportunities to take a 10 point lead at the big break.
Coach Kevin Tate showed his disappointment at the lost opportunities in the first half and urged the players to all move forward when in possession and man up quickly when the ball was with the opposing team.
The third quarter showed what short memories they had with Mac Uni dominating possession with loose men all over the park resulting in a horror quarter for the Rams. It was a case of leather allergy for the Rams who didn't dig in for the hard gets allowing the Warriors to post a 6.5 to 0.1 drubbing of the team and surge to a 30 point lead with the final 22 minutes remaining.
Reminded of the Rams motto "We are never out of the game" at the final break, Penrith quickly gained their composure with an early goal, but the Warriors quickly responded making time the devil. Despite winning the final stanza, it was Mac Uni who got to deny Penrith of a club song with their 22 point victory.
Alex Henry returned to his 2010 form with an inspiring performance to have him named best on ground. Tayt Corless relished his opportunity in the midfield with a tough display including bagging a double whilst Nic Collimore (2 goals) and Brad Pathuis worked hard all day along with Reece Johnson (1 goal) and 2010 Best and Fairest, Christian Triffitt. Jason Bradley headed the goalscorers with three to take his season tally to 14
The team, now relegated to second on the Div 4 ladder, will be looking to return to the winners stall next week against Holroyd-Parramatta scheduled for Greygums Oval.
Penrith Rams 3.3 7.3 7.4 10.7-67 def by Mac Uni Warriors 4.2 5.5 11.10 13.11-89
Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 3, N. Collimore 2, T. Corless 2, J. Clark , R. Johnson , J. Jackson
Best Players: A. Henry, T. Corless, N. Collimore, B. Pathuis, R. Johnson, C. Triffitt
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Under 18's V Sydney University at Alan Davidson Oval
Penrith Rams 3.0 3.1 5.1 7.2-44 def by Sydney University 9.4 16.8 21.13 24.17-161
Goal Kickers: J. Ponton 2, B. McGovern 2, A. McGee , J. Jenner , J. Hunt
Best Players: J. Devlin, J. Ponton, B. Wilson, J. Hunt, B. McGovern, H. Doyle
Match Report to follow.
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Last Modified on 29/05/2011 21:41