After a week of inclement weather and the first home games of the season due to be played, a decision was made to close the ground on Friday morning, resulting in the four men’s games being transferred to Mahoney Park at Marrickville at late notice.
The first game of the day kicked off at 9 AM when the Under 19’s took on Western Suburbs, who had been relegated from Division One in 2013.
Penrith were to rely on six St Clair Under 17’s players for the match against their bigger opponents and dominated the game early with five majors in the first term, but Kane showed clever play by putting on a double for the Rams. With the ground starting to dry out, the quality of the match improved but it was the Magpies who held a handy 38 point lead at the long break.
The second half produced some good footy but the young Rams were unable to pull back the deficit, eventually going down by 44 points to their bigger and more experienced rivals. The two league umpires commented on the game being played in great spirit and clean play, a credit to both clubs indeed.
Zac Pianta was judged best on ground in a fine all round performance earning him an O’Donoghue’s meal voucher, whilst the Crows representative trio of Connor Owen-Auburn, Patrick De La Mare and Ethan Claxton all figured in the best with outstanding displays and knocking in a goal each, along with Jacob Field and Aiden Quicke. The side will be looking to put their first win of the year on the board next week when they again play the Magpies, but the Moorebank species.
Under 19’s - Penrith Rams 5.11-41 def by Western Suburbs Magpies 12.13-85
Under 19 Coaches Match Report – By Rick Allen
Match Review – Penrith Rams under 19s versus Western Suburbs Saturday 5 April 2013 at Mahoney Park Marrickville.
After a long pre-season the Rams Under19s finally kicked off their season against Western Suburbs who had been relegated from Division 1. With our home game being moved to Marrickville due to Penrith’s wet and wild weather we were playing in unfamiliar territory against an unknown opposition, and after the long drive from Penrith for the early 9am start. I guess even though I was quietly confident after a great pre-season build up I should have realised the issues surrounding the lead in to this game would be difficult to overcome.
And so it was that we embarked on our 2014 season campaign with what can only be described as a very disappointing first half of football. No doubting our player’s commitment and efforts to the cause but the simple fact was the opposition were mentally ready to play from the first bounce and we were not. West’s jumped to an impressive five goals to nil lead in the first 15 minutes, playing with higher intensity and being prepared to run hard both offensively and defensively. Two late goals to forward/ruckman Kayne Quirk just prior to the quarter time break gave some respectability to the scoreboard and more importantly a sense of belief to our players.
For the next 3 quarters our players matched the opposition in intensity and general play however we missed a number of opportunities in front of goal that would have resulted in a much closer contest.
I was very proud of the way the players responded to the situation from late in the first quarter to make a genuine contest and show that they will be more than competitive this season. At this stage it will take a few rounds to work out where we are placed against the other teams, however if West’s end up being the bench mark (which they could quite well be), we could be in for an exciting season.
All players acquitted themselves very well from about the 15 minute mark of the first quarter onwards, however our best player on the day Zac Pianta, played four consistent quarters right from the first bounce with aggressive, hardworking and skilful footy. Not far behind him were ST Clair U17 debutants Connor- Owen Auburn and Patrick De La Mare who both played outstanding midfield roles. Jacob Field ran himself into the ground on his wing and displayed great skill and determination throughout the game. Ethan Claxton was strong in the marking contests and around the ground as a ruck rover whilst Aidan Quicke was locked in a tough battle at full back all day and his poise and skill under pressure was outstanding. Two other players I must make mention of are Kayne Quirk who worked hard in the ruck all day and brought us to life with those successive goals late in the first term, and Ethan King the youngest member of our permanent U19 squad who contested the forward line battles well and converted a great set shot for his first goal in the Rams colours (and on his birthday as well)!
With the change in Junior and senior club age groups from 16s & 18s to 17s & 19s this season, it has meant that we miss one year of having junior players transitioning into senior club football. This means all under 19 teams are heavily reliant on the under 17s playing up from the junior clubs each week to make up the numbers. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Blue Mountains, Emu Plains, Penrith and ST Clair Junior Clubs for their show of support towards the local under 19 side. In particular this week I must especially thank ST Clair who provided 6 players - Ethan Claxton, Jared Ryan, Connor Owen-Auburn, Michael Papageorgiou, Patrick De La Mare and Dylan Apicella, all those boys acquitted themselves extremely well and we look forward to them playing a crucial role in our season ahead. A big thank you to those players and their parents, and well done yesterday boys fantastic efforts from all of you.
This week training will be Wednesday and Thursday at Greygums Oval 6:30 – 8pm (subject to weather / ground closures). We will pay particular focus on our kick outs from full back and setting up for opposition kick outs.
Finally thanks must go in particular to Keith Claxton & Dave Nolan for their help and support on match day, and anyone else who contributed in any way.
Goal Kickers: K. Quirk 2, C. Owen-Auburn, E. Calear-King, P. De Le Mare
Best Players: Z. Pianta, C. Owen-Auburn, P. De La Mare, J. Field, A. Quicke, E. Claxton
The 11 AM game saw the Rams take on new Div 5 team, North Shore Bombers. It was a fit looking Bombers outfit that took the field against last week’s opening round one point victors against Blacktown. It quickly became evident that the Bombers were fielding a few first year players in what was to be their opening match of the year. Penrith gained the upper hand early kicking 8 goals to 3 in the first half with the experience of the old hands leading the way. Player/Coach Kevin Kirk, enforced with the team at the long break that the game was long from over and didn’t want to see a repeat of the previous week collapse against Blacktown. However, it was North Shore who gained the honours with some good, controlled football in the third term. However they could only peg back the margin by three points with 22 minutes last of the last quarter remaining.
The final session saw the Rams awake and go on a rampage. Despite the Bombers adding 2.1 to the scoreboard, the Rams were to kick an incredible 10 straight goals, running away with the match with a 72 point victory.
Big ruckman, Tim Hutton won the OD’s award, with his fine performance winning the ball in the middle and a tough all round display. “Captain” Kirk again proved the warrior controlling play up front and added 8 goals to his resume whilst Tayt Corless chimed in with six of his own. Gordon “Combat” Howell, played solidly in first game back at the club in two years along with Ben Priest and Under 19’s workhorse, Jarrod Dowton backed up to play a pivotal role.
But again it was truly an inspiring team effort from all, that sees them having their best start to a season yet and will be looking for another win at home next week against Moorebank.
Div 5- Penrith Rams 21.4-130 def North Shore Bombers 8.10-58
Reserve Grade were to play the following match at 1PM and it was a very different side than the one that took the field the previous week in their win against Pennant Hills, with only 10 players backing up. Balmain had been good victors over Southern Power in round 1 and a tough battle was looming. Four Under 19’s were to back up for their second game of the day, with Dylan Nelson, Manny Papageorgiou, Nat Brew and Jeremy Rix all eagerly putting up their hand.
The first term saw an even contest with the Tigers taking a slim 2 point lead at the first change. The Rams gained the upper hand in the second quarter and established a three goal lead at the big break. Despite the lead, things were looking gloomy for the side with Daniel Schroot iced up with a hamstring injury which ended his game along with the terrible news that young gun, last year’s third grade Best and Fairest, Marty Pope had suffered a broken collarbone and an ambulance was called. Two other smaller injuries had left the team with no bench as they returned for the premiership quarter.
The Tigers were to whittle the lead back to a deficit of 15 in the third quarter and looked set to run over the Rams, but it was a gutsy final 22 minutes for the wounded warriors who spent most of their time in the Tigers forward line, repelling all attempts and adding two late goals to run out deserving 23 point winners.
Again Dan Smyth was outstanding, in particular the final term as he moved to the backline and was attacked from all sides, never putting a foot wrong. Liam Murphy showed his class with another strong display, Mitch Stevens again toyed with his opponents up front and busting through packs whilst youngsters Ben Mayer and Jackson Swarbrick, two junior stars returning to the fold after a few years on the sidelines, proved valuable opening up the play. It was also a very good return from 2013 medallist, Matthew Cummins, who took the sort drive from his Eastern Suburbs mansion to play a big part in the win.
Mitch Stevens took the scoring honours with a great bag of five, Daniel Schroot grabbed three in his only half off football and Cam Butler and 19’s star, Dylan Nelson both chimed in with one.
The team has the extra day off this week when they return to Greygums and face off with their 2012 grand final opponents, Gosford, next Sunday.
The entire club gives their best wishes to Marty Pope on a quick recovery.
Division 3 - Penrith Rams 10.11-71 def Balmain Tigers 6.12-48
The final game saw the first grade match at 3 PM against the relegated Premier Division side, Balmain Tigers. The Tigers humiliated 2013 premiers, Southern Power last week and a tough match for the Rams was evident.
The team was as named with the exception of the tough Sam Lockhart, who came in to replace the late withdrawal of Jackson Ireland. It turned out a horror start for Penrith, despite them having much of the play. Great defence by the Tigers saw them negate good Penrith plays, each time taking the ball downfield and putting on an unanswered six goals. It didn’t get much better in the second term, the Tigers adding another four majors with a brilliant display of top line football that saw them take a massive 64 point lead at the long break. If there was to be answer, it was only to restore pride and credibility to the Rams by not crumbling for the second half to an embarrassing three figure loss against the new 2014 premiership favourites. It turned out to be a big turnaround in the second half with Penrith pride the victor. The Rams were to kick their first goal of the match in the third quarter and kept Balmain to just a single goal in that time. The visitors had been overheard in the sheds their intent to bury Penrith, but Penrith had different ideas and despite the game being realistically out of reach. Responded again in the final 22 minutes, again winning the quarter with another four goals.
Penrith were down but not out at the end of the day, going down by 49 points and proving that the return match may be a different scenario. Balmain are a proud old club, steeped in history, who have had many off-field issues in the last few years. It was just 2011 and 2012 that they played in Premier Division Grand Finals and our firsts played their reserve grade side in the historic Div 2 grand final win in 2012. However, it would be hoped that their journeyman coach reels in his temperament during the year instead of displaying his disgraceful and unsporting behaviour during the match both on and off the field. An incident that marred the spirit of the games played earlier.
For Penrith, big Max McNamara was awarded the OD’s award with a memorable display in the physical encounter. Jake Pianta added to the family reputation with his younger brother, Zac, being Best on Ground earlier in the day, with a solid display, Jay Edwards who was the busiest player all day, kept defending well whilst Adam Sharp, Pat Pope and George Paneras both put in their usual tireless displays.
James Devlin was leading scorer on the day with a double. Adam Sharp, Michael Denton and Ben Robinson all contributing on the scoreboard.
Next week sees another tough match at the return to Greygums where the side takes on the other Premier Division relegated team, Illawarra Lions. The club passes on their best wishes to head coach, Barry Denton and his wife Lee, who are heading overseas for a few weeks and team can assure them that the structure put in place in his absence will result in some happy news for them on the other side of the world in the coming weeks.
Penrith Rams Division 1 – 5.8-38 def by Balmain Tigers 13.9-87
The Ramettes were to open their start to the season, hopes held high to play an extra week this year after last year’s preliminary final loss to Southern Power. Two trial matches against Moorebank and Auburn produced wins and it was to be an Auburn Giants re-match in Round One at Mona Park for the opener.
The game started in slippery conditions with Penrith Linda McCarthy, Magda Bazan, Simone Halse and Jana Webb all making their football debuts. In an even quarter, the Ramettes squandered a few opportunities but were able to lead at the first break by 12points.
They were to up the ante in the second quarter, putting on another 3.4 and keeping their opponents to just five single pointers for the first half to go to the sheds handy 31 point leaders.
The second half saw some tough, scrambling play with the big sticks still being elusive but the result was never in doubt despite a late Auburn revival as they went on to hand Auburn their fourth successive Ramettes defeat by 41 points.
Natacha “Frenchy” Loiseau showed that her impressive pre-season training regime produced results with a Best on Ground performance and was the recipient of the O’Donoghues Irish Pub dinner. Second year player, the diminutive Nikki Perrett again showed an enormous motor with her hard work in the middle whilst Justine Vella kept the gamily flag flying (With sister Megan suffering a season ending injury) with a great all-round display whilst Ashley Grosas (2 goals), Jess Burnham (1 goal) and dual medallist Natalie Camilleri all provided experience and good football brain. Captain Courageous Jen Brown was the other multiple scorer with a double.
The team gets the extra day off this week when they play on Sunday at Greygums against league newcomers, Gosford Wildcats at 10 AM in what promises to be a tough encounter.
Penrith Ramettes 8.7-60 defeated Auburn Giants 2.9-19
Last Modified on 15/09/2014 08:18