Penrith Rams Reserve Grade side is looking to go one better than 2011 when they face Gosford Wildcats in the 2102 Div 4 Grand Final at Blacktown Olympic SportsPark on Saturday. After facing sudden death elimination finals in the last two weeks, it comes down to one game against minor premiers Gosford to try and add the Rams third flag in as many years.
Both teams have impressive records with ne club Gosford only faltering twice during the year. In round two back in April, the Wildcats suffered an 18 point loss to UTS at home but went on to win their ten matches until round thirteen where they travelled to Greygums Oval and an under-strength side without Armstrong Medallist, Brad Deitz, fell to the home side by 31 points. They quickly regrouped after that loss to record wins at their next six starts including another win over UTS in the major semi, coming from behind in the last quarter to procure their spot in the Grand Final.
Penrith suffered four losses during the year. After easy victories in the opening two rounds, they received a wake up call in round three when they were convincingly beaten by Uni NSW/ES Bulldogs, going down by 40 points at Village Green. The following week they were unable to bounce back when they went down by 18 points to Gosford at Adcock Park. They bounced back with four wins, but again suffered defeat at the hands of UTS at Greygums Oval, failing by 17 points. Defeats by three of the eventual finals sides in the opening half of the season looked ominous for the early premiership favourites but they were to regroup in the second half of the year with nine consecutive wins, including a 31 point win over Gosford at home, a thirty point victory over UTS at Trumper Park and a 10 goal revenge win against UTS.
The first semi saw the team play UTS at Gipps Rd. Penrith had no answer to the inaccurate Bats that day and went down by 22 points and had to face the task of elimination games for the next two weeks. They bounced back at Henson Park, recording a 36 point win over Uni NSW after being behind in the first two quarters. The following week they played UTS for the fourth time this year and prevailed by 41 points, with a second quarter trouncing of the Bats that sealed the win.
So it comes down to one match on Saturday with both teams likely to produce their strongest sides of the year. Gosford would deserve their favouritism but will need to produce their best to enable them to hoist the premiership cup on the big day.
Rams members, families, friends and supporters are encouraged to get to the 11 AM game and roar the roof of the Blacktown Stadium. A post match function will be held later in the day at the Red Cow Inn.
Div 4 Grand Final - Penrith Rams V Gosford Wildcats
Blacktown International SportsPark - Saturday Sept 15 11:00 AM
Dressing Room #3 - Players to be at ground by 9:30 AM. Please note all players, emergencies and coaching/ support staff will have their names at the gate for entry. Others required to pay $10 Entry. No Alcohol is to be bought into ground. Bag checks will be done. Alcohol and BBQ/Canteen service is available.
Mark Batten |
Luke Burcher |
Cam Butler |
Tayt Corless |
Matthew Cummins |
Lachlan Geeves |
Gordon Howell |
Mark Jackson |
Chris Manuel |
Max McNamara |
Scott Randall |
Brad Redfern |
Mitch Reinhard |
Blake Roberts |
Bryce Roney |
Nathan Ropwley |
Lachlan Smith |
jake Sultana |
Christian Triffitt (c) |
Adam West |
Brayden Wilson |
Mark Woodford |
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Emergencies (in order) |
Christian Knight |
Ed Kirby |
Josh Chapple |
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All players, emergencies, coaches and support staff required to brig club gear for GF photo approx 30 minutes before match.
The Red Cow Inn has made an exclusive area upstairs from about 5 PM for a post match function. All welcome
GO RAMS
Last Modified on 23/01/2013 20:53