Ladies (Div 2)
The Ramettes played their penultimate game of the home and away series with finals in their sights and minds, whilst playing a side whose season was coming to a close. The last game against Auburn had been close, so the girls could not afford to take the conteest lightly. They could have won the game in the opening term, but for poor kicking. Nevertheless, they gained full control in the second term and never looked in trouble from there, the wayward goalkicking costing them a greater winning margin.
Goal Kickers: J. Burnham 3, A. Deighton , K. Easthope , L. Hazell , K. Badger
Best Players: N. Camilleri, M. Brydon, J. Vella, L. Hazell, M. Hunter, J. Burnham
Third Grade (Div 5)
Third Grade simply had to win its game against Blacktown to keep any chances of making the finals alive. And, having beaten the Magic earlier in the season, they would have considered themselves to be a good chance. Well and truly in the game at half time, the Rams wilted in the second half somewhat to go down by 26 points.
Goal Kickers: A. Cook 2, D. Fysh 2, K. Kirk
Best Players: M. Pope, L. Donoghue, D. Fysh, J. Hyland, J. Scala, M. Brown
Reserve Grade (Div 3)
Reserve Grade faced the unenviable task of taking on the high flying Blacktown side, which was clearly in a division too low for the talent it contained. The Rams started very promisingly, engaging in a very even open term with their opponents. But unfortunately from then on it was all one way traffic, as Blacktown took over all over the ground. The Rams fought the game out right to the end however and could hold their heads very high.
Goal Kickers: J. Shelley 2, J. Sultana , M. Reinhard , J. Anasis
Best Players: N. Collimore, M. Cummins, J. Sultana, L. Smith, L. Geeves, E. Kirby
Under 18s (Div 2)
The Under 18s faced a very confident Parramatta in extremely windy conditions. And the boys delivered an outstanding win, sending the Goannas home with their tails between their legs.
Match report from Rick Allen:
U18 MATCH REPORT - Sunday August 4 versus Holroyd Parramatta
On Sunday our Under 18 Rams hosted the second placed Holroyd Parramatta. With a number of stars retuning to the side over the past couple of weeks including Full forward and vice captain Angus Ehrl, midfielders Shaun Ashman and Joel Fisher, under 16 sensations James Monks and Eddy Steffan as well as our own version of Luke Hodge (the teams spiritual leader) Justin Eckford, I was quietly confident of a good showing.
In very windy conditions both sides found it difficult at times to capitalise on scoring opportunities and the game became a battle of the midfields in a low scoring affair - with work around the stoppages critical to both team’s chances of a victory. The young Rams although behind for the majority of the game worked incredibly hard to remain in touch on the scoreboard. In an exciting last quarter the Rams outplayed their more fancied opponents to setup a number of scoring opportunities which resulted in full forward Angus Ehrl slotting two final quarter goals to give the Rams a slender lead with only minutes remaining in the game. To Parramatta’s credit they mounted a final charge that provided them with the final two scoring opportunities and it was heart in mouth stuff as both shots drifted wide to give the Rams a 1 point victory over a team that had put them to the sword by big margins on two previous occasions earlier in the season.
All our players had great games on the weekend and it was the most difficult time I have had picking out 6 best players. All players can be justifiably upset if they were not included in the best players – all I can do is apologise to all. Aidan Quicke won the player of the match award for an outstanding 4 quarter performance off half back with his run and carry and calmness under pressure simply outstanding, Liam Veigel was a close second with his ferocious attack on the , hard work at the stoppages and strong marking around the ground also critical to our success. Marty Wyburn was brilliant as a roaming centre half forward scoring 2 goals and playing an incredible third quarter that swung the momentum of the game in our direction. Angus Ehrl was dominant at full forward scoring 3 goals from several chances which was a good return in the windy conditions. Angus also created numerous opportunities for our crumbers by both bringing the ball to ground and providing a pathway through congestion with strong body work and shepherding.
Joel Fisher returning to the team after some weeks out with work commitments started the game on fire in defence and was soon moved into the midfield where he was responsible for a number of centre clearances and his disposal skills and speed around the ground were keys to our win. Under 16 Ruckman James Monks was again outstanding, winning the majority of the hit outs and as usual his second, third and fourth efforts at ground level were amazing to watch and instrumental to the cause. Our other under 16 star Eddy Steffan was again exceptional with his controlled aggression and high skill level critical around the stoppages. Justin Eckford was fantastic around the ground providing his usual blend of aggression, hard work and leadership. Jacob Field was outstanding booting two goals and working hard through the midfield and up forward winning his own hard ball when required as well as providing outside run. And finally Skipper Anthony Leech and Jeromy Watts lead an outstanding defensive group in a wonderful display of rebounding football that created numerous opportunities for players further afield.
A tremendous effort by all players and support staff, and a lesson that hard work and never giving up will always pay dividends in the end. Amonth ago I gave 3 main Objectives for us to achieve by season’s end as stated below we really have one more goal left to achieve ;
1/ Get off the bottom of the ladder - (Winning our final two games will lift us off the bottom.)
2/ Get our best possible side onto the park before seasons end. (This has arguably been achieved although next week is likely to see the biggest competition for spots for the entire season.)
3/ Beat one of the top 3 sides (Done – but let’s do it again next week!)
Goals: Ehrl 3, Field2, Wyburn 2
Best: Quicke, Veigel, Wyburn, Ehrl, Fisher, Monks - (in what was truly a full team effort)
Training this Tuesday and Thursday night is 6:30pm – 8:00pm at Greygum‘s Oval.
We now have 26 available players to choose our 22 from for next week’s home game against Macquarie University on Saturday 10 August at 10:30am – reminder all team members and support staff must be present on Saturday at 9:30am for team photos. Please ensure you train to give yourself a chance of selection - all those that train will be given first preference, regardless of why a player misses training! Regards Rick Allen
Senior Grade
Senior Grade came up against a very well performed Parramatta in the final game of the weekend. A win would have enhanced the Rams' finals prospects enormously. Parramatta seemed to have the edge over Penrith early on, but the Rams' straight kicking kept them close. The trend continued for much of the game and with only several minutes left to play, Parramatta led by 18 points and had it won. But the Rams kicked two swift goals, and were in attack when the final siren rang.
Goal Kickers: J. Devlin 3, B. Robinson 2, C. Withers 2, J. Ponton , L. Murphy , T. Cummins , J. Shephard , M. Renehan
Best Players: J. Shephard, G. Paneras, J. Devlin, T. Cummins, L. Murphy, J. Edwards
Next week
The final home games for the Rams on Saturday see Div 5 play the opener against Holroyd-Parramatta at 8:30 AM. Under 18's follow at 10:30 AM against Mac Uni whilst the 12:30 PM match sees Reserves play Mac Uni. First grade need to beat the Warriors in the 2:30 clash to stay alive. The Ramettes take on UTS in the Pink Sock Day at Mahoney Park at 11 AM. Photo day for 18's, reserves and firsts.
Last Modified on 14/01/2014 19:40