Penrith Rams commenced their 2014 campaign on Saturday when they travelled to Orange to take on 2013 Central West 2013 premiers, Orange Tigers.
After five weeks on the training paddock under new head coach, Barry Denton, it was his first opportunity to assess first hand players who will be vying for inclusion in the first grade squad.
A rather early 11 AM match was scheduled for six fifteen minute terms in what was a perfect day for football with a slight crosswind favouring neither side. A few late withdrawals saw the Rams provide 22 players, with the Tigers squad touching over the 30 mark. Surely fitness was to be a key for the visiting team in the 18 aside game.
The squad was a good mix of experience and youth, with six Under 19’s making the trek. The Rams were to debut new players Matt Laffan (Victoria), Tom Roberts (Nor-West), Malen Watson (Sydney Hills) and the diminutive Michael Papageorgiou, whilst James Clarkson returned to the side for the first time since 2006 where he played in the Under 18’s team.
A welcoming Tigers outfit heading by premiership winning coach, Nathan Pearce, looked intimidating in the warm up. They were a very big side, many from the regions mining industry and were there to play footy, after widespread TV and newspaper coverage during the week promoting the game.
Penrith knew they were in for a struggle at the opening siren, with the Tigers dominating the first five minutes including the first six pointer. They soon got into gear kicking the next four majors with Josh Anasis, Micky Denton, Malen Watson and Pat Pope all getting on the board to take an 18 point lead at the first break. The game broke open in the second session. Orange were able to boot another two, but controlled play by the Rams saw Walker Medallist, Josh Shephard kick a double, Denton his second and Adam Sharp open his account with a set shot for Penrith to extend their lead to 30.
Coach Denton was happy at the break with the commitment shown against their bigger opponents. He encouraged them to change to flow of play and be a bit more inventive without worrying about the scoreboard. His instructions were carried out to the letter. Only one goal was produced in the third term, by James Clarkson, but the teamwork had been outstanding.
The fourth stanza was to see many fresh legs for the home team, with the Rams seeming to tire with their small squad. Orange were to contribute three majors, whilst Adam Sharp contributed with his second. The Tigers were to reduce the Rams lead to four straight kicks and were looking dangerous with thirty minutes of football remaining.
The fifth term saw was another open affair with Orange kicking the first goal, but quickly Penrith were to regain momentum with goals Shephard, McGovern, Watson and George Paneras. With the match in safe hands, the final term saw good switch in plays and deliveries from the centre with Micky Denton adding his third and a Shephard double giving him five for the match.
At the end of the day, it was a victory for the Rams, prevailing by 51 points.
A solid start for the team, with many inclusions to come before the first grade opener on March 29 and spots in that team will be at a premium.
New players were all impressive. Tom Roberts was hard at the ball all day, Malen Watson showing pace and silky skills whilst Ex-Craigieburn (Vic) Matty Laffan was very impressive in his first match up north.
Under 19 players also stood up with Jarrod Dowton, Justin Eckford, and Michael and Manny Papageorgiou showing there were well and truly up to the task. Chris Nolan had no hesitation rumbling with the bigger opponents in a top display whilst Pat Pope showed his seniors experience, having a good match.
Josh Shephard again showed his class with an outstanding display of open football and was assisted by his experienced team-mates Jay Edwards, Nathan Wright, Adam Sharp, Michael Denton, Mitch Renehan and Tom Hall, all of whom stood tall to the task.
A big thanks to Orange Tigers for the match and hospitality on the day. They have a very good group of new and old players and will be looking at a back-to-back title.
The club now has a two week break before taking on Moorebank at Kelso Park on Sunday March 9.
Penrith Rams 17.11-113 defeated Orange Tigers 9.8-62
Goals: Josh Shephard 5, Michael Denton 3, Adam Sharp 2, Malen Watson 2, Josh Anasis, Pat Pope, James Clarkson, Ben McGovern, George Paneras.
Last Modified on 30/03/2014 07:40