Penrith avenged its loss to Sydney Uni earlier in the season with a solid 34 point win at Greygums Oval yesterday.
Reserve Grade was well placed at three-quarter time in its top of the table clash against Macquarie Uni, but a goalless final term saw them go down by 9 points.
Under 18 Grade were never in the hunt in a disappointing 10 goal loss against UNSW/ES, however did rally in the final term.
IGA "Best on Ground" Adam Sharp takes a scorcher. (Pic Courtesy of Triffo)
Match reports
First Grade V Sydney University
Penrith Rams virtually assured themselves of a top three finish in the Div 2 competition on Saturday with a hard fought but comprehensive win over Sydney Uni at Greygums Oval. Going into the match as ladder leaders, they faced up against the only side they had not conquered after their round 2 loss to the students back in April. The victory puts them a step closer to the minor premiership with just two rounds of the 2011 home and away series to be completed.
Penrith went into the side without Dale Chivas and Mitch Reinhard with Chris Scanlon making his seniors debut along with Lachie Smith coming into the team. The opening term saw some great controlled football by both sides in the warm winter conditions but it was the home side that took the early advantage with Blake Roberts opening up the scoring. A good goal on the run to Josh Anasis was quickly replied to by the students in the free-flowing game. Tim Cummins opened up his account late in the quarter which enabled the Rams to edge to a 13 point lead.
The second quarter was almost a repeat of the first with some fierce defence by both sides being a feature. The backline trio of Jay Edwards, John Keane and Brad Redfern kept the students to just one goal, whilst at the other end, goals to Luke O”Connor, Matty Payne and another to Cummins allowed both sides to post identical first term scores with the Rams going to the long break with a 26 point buffer.
The talk must have been effective in the Sydney Uni shed as they came out in the third term with renewed vigour and commitment. The students dominated the early part but were unable to post major points in a flurry that saw them boot 4 behinds in as many minutes as the Rams backline scrambled to keep them in check. Jimmy Denton and Blake Roberts both scored against the run of play but it was all the visitors as they booted 3.7 to fight back with just a 16 point deficit at the end of the session.
Mindful of Penrith’s last quarter collapse back in Round 2, the local side again opened up the ground in the final term whilst throwing everything at Uni when they had possession. Roberts and Cummins both added their third for the day, whilst Denton chimed in for his second and Daniel Schroot’s conversion from a set shot from 35 metres sealed the game for the Rams against a lone opponents goal to take the match by 34 points.
It was another satisfying match for coach Geoff Payne as they recorded their 12th win of the season and retained control of the ladder. IGA Best on Ground Adam Sharp played his best game of the season and was heavily involved all day, taking some great grabs with immaculate decision making. Flanker Nathan Allison set up countless segments of attack and was outstanding in defence to be the recipient of the Red Cow Award. Matty Payne shrugged of a recent injury to be prominent along with Luke O’Connor who lifted with a solid contribution. Brad Redfern was solid in defence whilst utility Josh Anasis put in a sterling performance.
With two round left before finals time, the top five have been established. Penrith face up to St George and Camden in the final two rounds and wins against those sides should see them take out the minor premiership. Next Saturday sees the side play their final home game at 2:10 PM when they take on St George.
Penrith Rams 3.2 6.4 8.7 12.11-83 def Sydney Uni 1.1 2.2 5.9 6.13-49
Goal Kickers: T. Cummins 3, B. Roberts 3, J. Denton 2, J. Anasis , M. Payne , D. Schroot , L. O''Connor
Best Players: A. Sharp, M. Payne, L. O''Connor, B. Redfern, J. Anasis, J. Shelley
Jimmy Denton flying high (Pic Courtesy of Triffo)
Reserve Grade V Macquarie Uni Warriors
Penrith headed to Greygums Oval on Saturday intent on claiming their only nemesis for the season when they took on Macquarie University Warriors in the 1-2 clash on Saturday. A strong squad was named for the match with the home side playing just their second game in a month as they were out to retain the top of the table lead and looking to record a club record twelvth win of the season.
Despite having a greater bite of possession in the first term, it was the Warriors who jumped to an early lead as the Rams continually turned over the ball to the well drilled visitors. The lack of recent matches saw a rusty Rams outfit go to the first break with just a single goal but just three points off the lead.
The Rams showed a slight improvement in the second term but again could not find their man in another period of turnovers. It was an even quarter on the scoreboard as the Penrith managed two majors, the same as their opponents but Mac Uni went to the sheds with a narrow 4 point buffer in the tussle of the season’s best two teams.
The third quarter saw a more coherent Penrith side slowly take control against a side who were playing smart football. Nic Collimore added two goals and another two saw the Rams edge two a two point lead with the final quarter looming.
Penrith started the final term brightly and with confidence but some inaccurate shots were to prove costly. The warriors defence stood firm and two vital turnovers saw the Rams punished with Warriors goals converted. Penrith had got out of jail a few times this season in the dying stages of matches but it was not to be as the Rams fell and gave up their perfect Greygums 2011 record by nine points.
Despite the disappointing loss, coach Kevin Tate has not pushed the alarm button as yet. “The team did not have the best preparation with a bye and a washout in the last three weeks” he commented. “However, the fallout from recent training sessions has been a concern and players need to be aware that their spots are up for grabs and will need to show a big commitment to training in the coming weeks as the finals series looms.”
The loss has almost certainly cost the side a minor premiership but they are certain to have a double finals chance later in the month.
Nic Collimore (IGA Award) and Nathan Gatt (Red Cow Award) stood out like beacons with their attack of the ball with no thoughts of self preservation. Aaron Goodwin and Jason Jackson were both inspirational whilst the backline of Nathan White and Josh Hall were doing exceptional work. It was a devastating blow for Josh Hall with a serious injury ending his day.
Next week the team travels to Trumper Park to play third placed UTS and will need to lift a few notches with the Bats a deadly proposition on their home turf.
Penrith Rams 1.3 3.4 7.5 7.9-51 def by Macquarie Uni 2.0 4.2 7.3 9.6-60
Goal Kickers: N. Collimore (3) J. Bradley (2) T Corless (1) J. Clark (1)
Best Players: N. Collimore, N. Gatt, A. Goodwin, J. Jackson, N. White, J. Hall
"Red Cow Award" winner, Nath Allison in action (pic courtesy of Triffo)
Under 18's V Uni NSW/ES Bulldogs
The Rams made the long trip to the Village Green at Kensington today for the early morning game against Uni of NSW Bulldogs. They approached the game full of confidence and refreshed after the week off.
However the Rams were again slow to start and allowed the Bulldogs kick away with 5 goals in the first quarter. At the other end of the ground the Rams could only register a solitary goal. Nick Adams returned from injury today and started the game in great style creating opportunities for the Rams in the forward line. The boys tried hard but unfortunately were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard. The Bulldogs enjoyed a 21 point lead at quarter time.
The Rams were determined to fight back in the second quarter but although they fought valiantly, the Bulldogs ran away to kick 6 goals while the Rams could not register a major. This left the deficit at half time at 57 points. Jack Ponton and Liam Murphy were trying hard but the Rams could not convert this effort into goals. Matt Purse was moved into the backline and did a great job defensively for the remainder of the game. George Paneras and Harry Doyle were working hard for the Rams to try and keep them in the game.
The Rams needed to pull out something special in the second half if they were to win this game and while they improved with 3 goals for the quarter they could not contain the Bulldogs who kicked a further 5 goals and extended their lead to 70 points at the final break. It was looking to be a very bleak day for the Rams and the risk of the Bulldogs running away in the last quarter was staring the Rams in the face. To the boys credit they played their best football in the last quarter and kicked 6 goals to outscore the Bulldogs.
David Looyschelder played well in the ruck and gave the midfielders first use of the footy. James Devlin was doing the hard work for the Rams all day and it was a great 4 quarter effort.
Ben Priest made his presence felt in the forward line kicking 3 goals for the day. Cameron Forrest made the most of his opportunities and kicked a goal to add to the Rams tally. Luke Simmons ran hard all day and played his best game for the year. Ben Mayer played in the backline again today and continually repelled the Bulldogs attack. Brayden Wilson played well in the forward kicking 3 goals.
It was a disappointing day for the Rams who despite an improved effort in the last quarter were beaten by Uni of NSW by 10 goals
Penrith Rams 1.5 1.8 4.10 .11-71 def by UNSW/ES 5.2 11.5 16.8 20.11-131
Goal Kickers: B. Wilson 3, B. Priest 3, T. Noble , J. Ponton , C. Forrest , B. McGovern
Best Players: J. Devlin, B. Mayer, M. Purse, G. Paneras, L. Simmons, B. Priest
Last Modified on 19/10/2011 15:41