Penrith have held on to defeat Gosford by 18 points to claim the Division Four Premiership.
Penrith jumped out of the blocks with three goals in the first seven minutes to shock the minor premiers. Gosford responded with two consecutive goals in time-on of the first quarter to reduce the margin to ten points. Penrith ultimately created the most chances in the first quarter and finished with a goal on the siren.
The second quarter saw the match turn more into an arm wrestle. Penrith still created opportunities but were wasteful with only one goal from six scoring shots. Gosford on the other hand were wasteful in the middle-third.
Gosford made their charge in the third quarter with five goals to two. A mark and goal to Scott Manuelle set the wheels in motion for the Wildcats, while Pete McCarthy and Brad Deitz added majors by the seven minute mark. Mark Woodford was still an influence for the Rams and set up a nice goal to Blake Roberts mid-way through the term.
That was the closest Gosford would get as Penrith kept them goalless in the final quarter, while managing to kick one goal themselves.
Woodford was the superb big man throughout and rightly claimed the Best on Ground award. Max McNamara and Mark Jackson were also strong for the winning Rams while Gosford Best and Fairest, Brad Deitz tried hard for the Wildcats who impressed many in their first year in the Sydney competition.
PENRITH 5.6, 6.11, 8.13, 9.16 (70)
GOSFORD 3.1, 3.2, 8.4, 8.6 (54)
GOALS, PENRITH :
Mark Jackson 2, Tayt Corless 2, Mark Woodford 2, Blake Roberts 2, Lachlan Geeves 1
GOSFORD :
Scott Manuelle 2, Brad Deitz 2, Steven Camm 1, Scott Burkinshaw 1, Peter McCarthy 1, James Kemp 1
BEST, PENRITH :
Mark Woodford, Max McNamara, Mark Jackson, Lachlan Smith, Bryce Roney, Lachlan Geeves
GOSFORD :
Brad Deitz, Neil Walker, Peter McCarthy, Scott Manuelle, Dean Simonson, James Kemp
Story courtesy of sydneyafl.com
The Division Four Grand Final saw Gosford Wildcats, in their first season in Sydney after crossing over from the Black Diamond AFL, taking on Penrith. The Wildcats had been first to qualify for the Grand Final, but it was the Rams who had the better of proceedings on the day, running out winners by 16 points.Penrith got off to a flying start, with three goals on the board before the Wildcats scored; on their way to a 17-point lead at quarter time. The game then tightened in the second quarter, and only one goal was scored in the second term. With the Rams scoring that goal, they got out to a 27-point lead at half time.But Gosford fought back in the third quarter. Five goals to two saw the Wildcats storm back into contention, the margin getting back to nine points at three-quarter time. Gosford had the momentum and were looking a good chance to run over the top in the last quarter, but the three-quarter time break gave the Rams a chance to steady and regroup. And Gosford could go no closer in the last quarter, held goal-less as the Rams repelled all Wildcat attacks to claim a well-earned premiership.Mark Woodford was awarded the best on ground medal, while Mac McNamara and Mark Jackson also picked up plenty of the ball. For the Wildcats, Brad Deitz, Neil Walker and Peter McCarthy were among their best.Penrith 5.6 6.11 8.13 9.16 (70)
Gosford 3.1 3.2 8.4 8.6 (54)
Goals : Penrith - M Jackson 2, T Corless 2, M Woodford 2, B Roberts 2, L Geeves. Gosford - S Manuelle 2, B Deitz 2, S Camm, S Burkinshaw, P McCarthy, James Kemp.Best : Penrith - M Woodford, M McNamara, M Jackson, L Smith, B Roney, L Geeves. Gosford - B Deitz, N Walker, P McCarthy, S Manuelle, D Simonson, J Kemp