RAMS U19s Match Report 26 April 2014 vs Macquarie University at Macquarie University – Northern Oval
On Saturday we experienced yet another pre-game change with the game being shifted from the Main University Oval to the much rounder Northern University Oval. Having been handed a couple of big thrashings by the Macquarie team last season we were keen to show Macquarie that we would be much stronger opponents this time around.
This week’s team was complemented by five of our regular ST Clair U17 players and three new U17s from the Blue Mountains juniors. In perfect conditions for football the first quarter was a scrappy affair with neither side gaining any real ascendancy. The ball spent a lot of time on the ground, with both sides fumbling a great deal due to the constant pressure applied from both sides. Eventually the young Rams headed into the quarter time break with a 2 point lead. The Rams had been notoriously slow starters in last season’s under 18 competition so the narrow lead after the first quarter was a significant step for the team which has now won both first quarters from its previous two games.
The second quarter was a more open affair with both sides able to put the first quarter fumbling behind them to show greater composure under pressure. The Rams seemed to control the majority of the play but only managed to outscore the Warriors by 1 goal, scoring 3 second quarter goals to the Warrior’s 2 goals, to extend the lead at half time by 8 points. After their strong second quarter the young Rams went into the third quarter full of confidence and extended the lead to 18 points by three quarter time after kicking 2 goals to nil for the term. In the final term Macquarie rallied early in a desperate attempt to steal the points, however the Rams fought back strongly to regain control, with both sides scoring 2 goals apiece, the Rams victorious by 13 points.
All players acquitted themselves extremely well; Of the regular under 19s Joey Eskander played arguably his best game for the club off a half back flank marking almost everything that came his way and operating at close to 100% efficiency by foot in a very classy display. Skipper Justin Eckford, Jacob Field, Joel Fisher, Zac Pianta and Aidan Quicke were all very strong through the midfield and in defence. But it was the great return from injury by our star full forward Angus Ehrl that was perhaps the most significant event from a player performance perspective. Angus played the second half leading strongly and taking some great marks to finish with 2 goals. Finally to Daniel Buckley our back pocket speedster who performed brilliantly on debut – well done and welcome to the Rams!
Special mention must go to the Blue Mountains U17 players Luke Hyland, Nate Lawson and Oscar Glass who all slotted into the side seamlessly having no trouble with the step up to U19 level – all three played significant roles in our victory. Our U17 St Clair boys Mark Neill, Patrick De La Mare, Jared Ryan, Ethan Claxton and Connor Owen-Auburn all starred, with three of them taking up the first 3 spots on the best players list. A very big thank you must go to both the ST Clair and Blue Mountains Juniors this week.
Thankyou to Jeff Ryan, Dave Nolan, Greg Corless, the water runners Adam Fisher and Jennifer Brown, Manager Fiona Hanrahan and anyone else I’ve neglected to mention for their help and support. Training continues this Wednesday night 6:30 – 8pm. Please make the effort to get there as we prepare for our away game against Holroyd Parramatta.
Goal Kickers: A. Ehrl 2, E. Claxton , M. Neill , J. Field , L. Hyland , C. Owen-Auburn , J. Eckford
Best Players: C. Owen-Auburn, P. De La Mare, E. Claxton, J. Eskander, O. Glass, J. Eckford
In other matches:
Senior Grade had a titanic tussle with Macquarie Uni but could not produce in final term, to go down by 13 points.
Goal Kickers: A. Sharp 2, B. McGovern 2, J. Shephard , J. Anasis , L. Jones , B. Robinson
Best Players: M. Laffan, G. Paneras, J. Pianta, N. Wright, P. Pope, J. Shephard
A dominant second half by Reserve Grade saw them run out easy 59 point winners over Macquarie Uni.
Goal Kickers: J. Shelley 7, M. Stevens 4, R. Ooms 3, C. Triffitt 2, R. Johnson 2, J. Field
Best Players: C. Triffitt, M. Cummins, L. Geeves, M. Purse, B. Katte, J. Shelley
Third Grade produced a huge last quarter comeback against Nor-West Jets at Bensons Lane, but fell just short.
Goal Kickers: G. Howell 5, D. Fysh 5, D. Lowe
Best Players: A. Prowse, T. Hutton, R. Newham, R. Sippel, G. Howell, D. Fysh
And finally, the Ramettes travelled to Trumper Park and withstood a third quarter challenge from the Bats to record a solid 21 points win.
Goal Kickers: J. Burnham 2, K. Easthope 2, M. Brydon , J. Brown , S. Kostic
Best Players: M. Brydon, N. Camilleri, K. Badger, S. Kostic, J. Vella, S. Halse
Last Modified on 15/09/2014 21:08