Penrith Rams took their tally to five straight wins and jumped to the top of the ladder on Saturday when they posted an impressive 88 point win against St George on Saturday. A ten goal opening half againsta sole Dragons goal paved the way for the victory which completed the first half of the season and puts the Rams in good stead for a final berth.
The Under 18's could not complete the double with the side decimated by unavailabilities in going down easily to the Dragons and slipped to 7th on the Premier Cup ladder.
First Grade V St George Dragons
Penrith Rams surged to the top of the Div 2 ladder on Saturday when they easily accounted for St George Dragons at Olds Park in the deferred Round 4 match. In a tightly packed ladder, Penrith now have a percentage lead in the top spot over Balmain in an enthralling 2011 competition that see the sixth team only two wins away from a share of the lead.
The Rams went into the long weekend match missing three of the players who were part of the stoic win against Nor-West Jets the week before. The game started at a hectic pace with a strong cross breeze testing the skills of both sides but the Penrith midfield took control early giving excellent delivery to the talented trio of Dale Chivas (2 goals), Tim Cummins and Ben Robinson (one each) against a lone Dragons six pointer which saw the visitors surge to a 20 point lead at the first break.
The Chivas/Cummins firm continued on their merry way in the second term collectively adding another five goals to the tally whilst young tall, Adam Sharp made the most of his opportunity with a top six pointer bought back beautifully in the wind. The Rams defence again were almost faultless in allowing just a single Dragons point. A ten goal lead at the long break had sealed the fate of the St George outfit as frustration started to set in.
Saints were looking to restore some pride in the third term and played their best quarter with a three goal haul but the Rams responded with Cummins and Chivas both adding two each whilst Jay Edwards joined the party with a memorable six pointer to see the Rams extend their lead to 76 and looking likely to break the 100 point winning margin.
It was only innacurate kicking in the final 22 minutes that prevented that milestone. Tim Cummins booted his seventh for the day whilst Adam Sharp knocked home his second, but with seven shots going wide of their mark, Penrith were to settle for an 88 point victory as the first half of the season came to a close.
The good guy/bad guy coaching duo of Geoff Payne and Craig Sharp (in no particular order) were content wiyh another big victory, the fifth successive win. The great depth within the club this year has ensured that the 2010 Under 18's premiership coaches will be sure to field a strong 22 team squad each week.
Former Hawkesbury/East Coast player James Denton has been a sensational "get" this year in his first season as a Ram and was magnificent all over the park. The youngster was equally fired up in defence and attack with a good football brain. Denton again put his best foot forward in the big win. Jay Edwards showed his Premier Divison skills, continually making surging runs and delivering the Sherrin with pin-point accuracy along with the robust Bryce Roney who has the knack of dancing through a gap half the size of himself. Daniel Schroot continued his recent stunning form with another great effort whilst the tall timber duo of Mark Woodford and Nathan Wright continue to dominate the rucks with massive doses of possession.
After last week's eight goal haul, Tim Cummins collected seven majors and kept younger brother and newly contracted Australian cricket bowler, Patrick, out of the headlines for a few hours. Dale Chivas was again magnificent with a six goal haul and destroying runs that caused headaches for the Dragons whist young Adam Sharp kicked his first double in senior football.
The hardest task for a ladder leading side is to remain in that spot as opposing side always lift against the top dogs. Next week will be no exception when third placed Holroyd-Parramatta host the Rams at Gipps Road. The Goanna's coaching staff were on hand to witness the St Geoge clash and will be fired up to reverse the Greygums result a month ago when the Rams took the match by fifty points. Horoyd-Parramatta leapfrogged Sydney Uni into third spot with the students indifferent form over the last month and are looking strong for a spot in the final five. The match is set down for a 2:30 timeslot with the Rams Reserves looking to continue their winning ways in the preceding 12:30 pm game.
Penrith Rams 4.5 10.8 15.14 17.21-123 def St George Dragons 1.3 1.4 4.4 5.5-35
Goal Kickers: T. Cummins 7, D. Chivas 6, A. Sharp 2, J. Edwards , B. Robinson
Best Players: J. Denton, J. Edwards, B. Roney, D. Schroot, M. Woodford, N. Wright
Under 18's V St George Dragons
After last week’s effort the young Rams were looking forward to the challenge against St George Dragons this week. It was a wintery day with damp, slippery conditions. Luke Simmons and Will Taylor returned to the team today after long absences due to injury. The Dragons won the toss and elected to kick with the aid of the strong breeze in the first quarter.
The Rams worked hard in defence as the Dragons took advantage of the strong wind and peppered the goals. The Rams fought valiantly and restricted the Dragons to 3 goals for the quarter. Hayden Strong led the way in the back line with assistance from Greg Major. The Rams however could not get the ball forward often enough and managed only 2 points for the quarter. They had the assistance of the breeze in the second quarter and were hoping to match the Dragons 3 goals. Matt Purse, Jack Ponton and Harry Doyle were working well in the centre and gave the Rams opportunities in the forward line. The Rams kicked 2 goals 6 for the quarter with Brayden Wilson and Jack Ponton scoring majors. Ben Mayer provided the Rams with drive and ran hard to get the Rams into attack, however the Rams could not hold the Dragons who kicked 2 goals against the wind.
The Dragons kicked away in the third quarter with a further 4 goals while the Rams were held scoreless. While the Rams tried hard they were always second to the ball. By the end of the third quarter the Dragons had extended their lead to 44 points and set the Rams a huge task for the last quarter. The Rams were looking tired but with the aid of the breeze in the last quarter were hoping to reduce the margin. The last quarter did not go to plan as the Dragons came out strongly and ran the Rams off their feet. The Dragons kicked 6 goals in the quarter and ran over the top of the Rams. George Paneras continued his work and pushed into the forward line to kick the Rams third goal for the day.
While they were outplayed for the most of the day the boys never gave up. Tom Noble defended well in the backline with Jack Ponton and Brayden Wilson giving the Rams drive in the middle of the ground. David Looyschelder and Jackson Swarbrick tried hard for the Rams.
It was a tough day at the office for the Rams today and a disappointing result following last week’s win. The Rams need to learn to be more consistent and get their chance against competition leaders East Coast Eagles next week.
Penrith Rams 0.2 2.6 2.6 3.7-25 def by St George Dragons 3.5 4.8 8.14 14.14-98
Goal Kickers: J. Ponton , G. Paneras , B. Wilson
Best Players: G. Paneras, G. Major, H. Doyle, H. Strong, B. Mayer, M. Purse
Last Modified on 16/07/2011 15:03