Five games at two different venues saw the usual mixed bag of results for the Rams last Saturday, with the highlight undoubtedly being a gutsy win by Senior Grade over UTS, their third win of the season.
Senior Grade
PENRITH |
2 |
0 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
19 |
6 |
4 |
40 |
10 |
4 |
64 |
UTS |
2 |
0 |
12 |
4 |
4 |
28 |
4 |
6 |
30 |
5 |
8 |
38 |
Goal Kickers: D. Chivas 5, M. Gann 2, J. Anasis , G. Paneras , A. Sharp
Best Players: D. Chivas, N. Wright, J. Edwards, G. Paneras, A. Sharp, N. Allison.
The Penrith Rams returned to the winner’s circle with a gutsy 26 point victory over UTS at Greygums Oval on Saturday. The clash with the third placed Bats gave the Rams another opportunity to measure themselves against the top sides, and an even first term ensued, before the visitors pulled away with the breeze to take a nine point half time lead. The third term saw a swing in momentum as Penrith began to gain control, booting three unanswered goals to take a ten point lead into the final change. Coach Phil McGuinness asked for a relentless final 22 minutes and his players delivered, their attack on the ball a feature as they finished the job with a further four goals to one.
Dale Chivas was a standout at centre half forward as he finished with five goals. Nathan Wright and Jay Edwards put in their usual composed performances, as did on-ballers Daniel Schroot and Nathan Allison. Grant Berry led from the front with his attack on the ball, whilst Adam Sharp provided a marking target when he went forward after half time. Special mention must also go to the three U/18’s eligible players in George Paneras, James Devlin and Matt Purse, who all performed well.
Reserve Grade
HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA |
2 |
4 |
16 |
4 |
4 |
28 |
4 |
6 |
30 |
4 |
7 |
31 |
PENRITH |
5 |
2 |
32 |
7 |
11 |
53 |
13 |
14 |
92 |
17 |
21 |
123 |
Goal Kickers: B. Robinson 8, B. Roberts 4, J. Jackson 2, L. Burcher , B. Leech , T. Corless
Best Players: T. Corless, B. Robinson, B. Wilson, C. Butler, L. Murphy, M. McNamara
Rams Reserve Grade, fresh off a 90 point thumping of Manly-Warringah, travelled to Gipps Road to take on bottom placed Holroyd-Parramatta. The Rams knew that they couldn't take their opposition for granted and prepared themselves for the usual hard battle against their long-time Western rivals.
Early on, the game proved to be a tight tussle, with both sides attacking and scoring. By the end of the first term however, the Rams had managed to break away to a handy 16 point lead. The second term saw Penrith pepper the goals at the northern end of the ground, invariably to the wrong side of the big posts. Nevertheless, a match-winning lead had been opened up by half-time.
The second half saw Penrith dominate, allowing Parramatta little in the way of attack, whilst continually moving forward themselves. Strong defence by the opposition and futher wayward kicking meant the Rams did not capitalize on their many forward thrusts as often as perhaps they should however. The end result of a 92 point win reflected the side's consistent performance across the ground.
Among the many good players were Ben Robinson, who tore up the forward line kicking 8.5. Blake Roberts proved a good foil booting four himself. Max McNamara celebrated his return to the side with a strong performance around the ground. However, all players did their bit and contributed to the result.
Third Grade
HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
9 |
2 |
8 |
20 |
5 |
10 |
40 |
PENRITH |
1 |
1 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
14 |
3 |
6 |
24 |
5 |
7 |
37 |
Goal Kickers: S. Ayres 2, J. Bradley , C. Manuel , C. Bamford
Best Players: C. Manuel, L. Geeves, B. Ridges, J. Weller, C. Knight, T. Cramp
The Div 5 boys fronted to Gipps Road with a real chance of taking out their first win of the season. Unfortunately withdrawals left the side with the bare 18 players, however their opponents only had one on the bench themselves. So an even contest was expected and that is how it turned out to be.
The opening term saw Parramatta with use of the wind, but the Rams defended brilliantly and scored the only goal of the term. The wind became more swirly in the second term (as it remained for the rest of the game) and as a result the Rams were unable to press home the advantage. In a very tight contest there was still less than a kick in it at half-time. This was still the case at the final break, after a third quarter where both sides had attacking periods, only to waste them through missed opportunities in front of goal.
The game was there to be won by either of these tiring sides in the final quarter. When Parramatta got 8 points in front midway through the term, it seemed enough in such a low scoring game. Penrith hit back with goals to Jason Bradley and Chris Manuel and hit the front. Parramatta attacked relentlessly for the final few minutes of the game with the Rams defence holding up brilliantly. However, in the final minute Parramatta regained the lead with a goal. The siren went with the ball being kicked deep into the Rams forward line from the resulting bounce.
It was a heartbreaking loss for all the guys who busted their respective boilers for four quarters. Well done to everyone.
Under 18 Grade
PENRITH |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
4 |
2 |
26 |
ST IGNATIUS, RIVERVIEW |
6 |
4 |
40 |
9 |
8 |
62 |
17 |
9 |
111 |
20 |
10 |
130 |
Goal Kickers: L. Woodworth 2, H. Doyle , M. Wyburn
Best Players: H. Burton, S. Hunt, T. Whitmore, L. Frew-Meyers, D. Looyschelder, J. Dowton
Ramettes
Penrith Ramettes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Western Wolves |
4 |
5 |
29 |
10 |
8 |
68 |
14 |
11 |
95 |
19 |
14 |
128 |
Best Players: J. Brown, N. Camilleri, S. Kostic, A. Rodman, A. Grosas, C. Manuel
The Ramettes were to again face a tough task against the in-form Western Wolves at Greygums in the opening match. Injuries were to get the better of a few players including star rookie, Katie Easthope, who cracked a finger and knuckle on Thursday, along with Sharon Braddish, Mel Howard and Sarah Rowley who were all late withdrawal. The team welcomed new recruit, Rachael Eldridge to the side as they played the first ever official women’s match at Greygums Oval.
Unfortunately, it became a battlefield in the first half with the Ramettes dropping like flies in the clash against a very well drilled, hard hitting and skilled Wolves outfit. Jess Noble suffered a fractured wrist, Rebecca Coleman’s day ended with a badly sprained ankle and other injuries had the team running at less than match numbers. Jen Brown was launching herself at everything that moves, whilst Nat Camilleri again was involved in all the major play. Crowd favourites Steph Kostic and the “Ash” duo of Grosas and Rodman were inspirational whilst the fearless Claire Manuel was kept busy all day in the fullback spot. Young Lauren “The Boss” Bozic shrugged of injury to play well, whist the Green siblings of Monique and April gave a polished display
The Wolves proved very hard and tough competitors, always within the spirit of the game it should be noted. Their experience showed through against The Ramettes who never, ever give up during a match. Andrea Pearce was a target up front, booting 6 goals whilst Bree Calderwood and Catlin Murray caused havoc to the young Penrith side.
Next Saturday the side returns to Greygums in their midday clash with leading contenders Newtown Breakaways and will be looking to show an improving effort against the strong side that beat them earlier in the season in a trial match at Dukes Oval.
Last Modified on 05/06/2012 10:55