After a long pre-season, Rams third grade side were to first to wear the teal in 2014 in a competition match when they were scheduled to play 2013 finalists, Blacktown Magic in the season opener at Blacktown International SportsPark on Saturday. With heavy rain falling during the week, many ground faced closure and BISP was closed for the day. However, some re-scheduling saw the game transferred to a soggy Greygums Oval for a 10 AM Start.
Player/Coach Kevin Kirk, a well credentialed veteran of Sydney football in his maiden coaching role with the Rams, selected a well balanced side of experience and youth with five Under 19’s joining the side, a reward for their pre-season dedication. With the entire club training together for the last few months, there was a good buzz in the club intent to get all teams into finals contention after a somewhat disappointing end to the 2013 season. Assisted by Reserves coach, John Rix and the mercurial Jason Makin, the team was pumped for a good start to the long year ahead and it wasn’t long into the match when they scored the opening goal. However, the Magic hit back and after a real arm wrestle in the opening term, the sides went to the first break locked at 3.2 apiece.
The second quarter saw Blacktown gain the upper hand booting 3.4 with the Rams only being able to add seven points to their tally to go to the long break with a 15 point deficit.
Kirk was composed in the sheds and told the players that there was no need to panic as they were well in the game. James Clarkson, back at the Rams after an 8 year hiatus, was carrying a nasty head wound, but was to soldier on.
It’s an old cliché that the third quarter is the premiership quarter and Penrith were to go on with an exceptional third stanza adding 4.3 to their ledger and keeping the Magic to 8 points to take a narrow 4 point lead into the final term. Penrith were to edge further in front in the first 17 minutes and looked to have the match in their keeping with six minutes on the clock with the visiting team needing three goals to steal the game. Hearts were fluttering when the Magic put on two quick majors and suddenly a point separated the sides. With 34 seconds on the clock, the match was stopped with the warrior, James Clarkson, being stretchered off with a fractured tibia and knee injury. The game resumed at centre field wing and the Rams were able to strangle the ball for the next half minute to score a gallant one point win.
The Rams song was sung with gusto on the ground and a weary 22 retired in jubilation to the sheds. Kev Kirk was ecstatic after the win and commented:
Fantastic start to the season for our football club. Third grade 1pt winners over Blacktown’s seconds at a soggy Greygums today. Tough effort by the all 22 players, everyone contributing in some way toward group success, the fact players were prepared to dig in and “kill“ the ball for the last 3 ball ups showed a desire to win which was very pleasing. The ball did not move than ten metres in that time, everyone smashing in, tackling and blocking. The most satisfying 34 seconds I’ve had since……..never mind...
Special mention must go to the five under 19 players who tasted senior footy for the first time this year, Justin Eckford, Jacob Field, Dylan Nelson, Nick Green and Nat Brew. Outstanding. No question all of these young fellas are capable of higher grade senior football in the future. I could easily single out each and every one of the remaining seventeen blokes for deserving individual praise but as a group, well done today, we have something to build from.
Best wishes from all team members to James Clarkson in regard to the knee injury he suffered today, his probable absence for future games will be sorely missed.
I’d also like to express my appreciation to the members of the club who supported and assisted us today, all were not compelled to attend but the fact they did so warmed my cold heart;
John Rix (assisting coach), Jason Makin ( aesthetically pleasing runner) , Nathan Wright (scoreboard), Tommy “the G Man” Hall (Scoreboard and general sledging), Michael Walker (President & assisting coach ) Kev Priest (Manager), Ben Priest ( Water ), the soon to be Mrs Shaggy ( Water ), Chris Nolan ( Goal Umpire ) Josh Anasis ( Field Umpire ) Rick Allen (for his astute insight into the u19s), Mark Spooner ( for his efforts and timely advice on remaining seconds) , Barry Denton ( for supporting us today and also providing a quality pre-season that benefited us today no question) and also the tireless Greg Corless and Dave Nolan for their operational excellence.
It felt more like a football CLUB than a football team today, thank you. Kev "Captain" Kirk
It’s a thankless task selecting the top six after a real team effort. Jacob Field had a sensational debut against the bigger bodies and was adjudged BOG, closely followed by 19’s team mate, Dylan Nelson. A member of the KKK (Kollingwood Kirk Klan), Jamie Edwards showed a good pre-season produces good football with a sterling display whilst experienced Rams, Tayt Corless, Bryce Roney and Jason Scala showed all put in big performances that can only improve with more work on the training track.
Corless was to kick four, whilst Kev Kirk chimed in with three. Justin Eckford, Jamie Edwards, Dane Fysh and Matt Lane all added goals.
Next week sees the team at home in their 10:30 AM match against North Shore.
Penrith Rams : 3.2 4.3 8.6 11.8- 74 defeated Blacktown Magic 3.2 6.6 7.8 10.13-73
Goals: T Corless 4, K Kirk 3, Jamie Edwards, J Eckford, D Fysh, M Lane
Best: J Field, D Nelson, Jamie Edwards, T Corless, B Roney, J Scala (in a strong team effort)
Last Modified on 12/09/2014 21:18