Five big games on the weekend at three venues over two days was the makeup for round five.
Under 19’s kicked off proceedings at Gipps Rd against 2013 Grand Finalists, Holroyd-Parramatta. The team again was below the maximum of allowed players and relied on three Under 17’s players to fill the void. Facing a half time deficit of 11 points, the third quarter proved the turning point where great determination and commitment saw them take a 15 point lead with the final quarter into the wind looming. Against the bigger bodies, they grew in stature and confidence and ran away with the game by 36 points that saw them win their third on the trot and leap to second on the ladder. Zac Pianta was named best on Ground closely followed by 17’s players Patrick de La Mare and Manny Papageorgiou, whilst the experienced heads of Justin Eckford, Pat Pope and Jacob Field provided the spark in the misfield. Angus Ehrl, after an early injury scare led the goal scoring tally with a six goal haul.
Coach Rick Allen's match report:
RAMS U19s Match Report 03 May 2014 vs Holroyd Parramatta at Gipps Rd Oval
After two successive wins the U19 Rams travelled to Gipps Road Oval full of confidence and ready to take on last year’s Division 2 under 18 grand finalists, the Holroyd Parramatta Goannas.
In cold windy conditions after some early morning rain it was the Goannas that jumped out of the blocks best with a faster more aggressive approach to the game. The young Rams squandered opportunities and did not take full advantage of the breeze to finish the first quarter 2 points behind. With the Goannas kicking with the breeze in the second quarter Patrick Pope was sent down back as the loose man in Defence and played the role to perfection, playing a major part in keeping us in touch with the Goannas at the half time break – the Goannas leading by 11points.
At half time I asked the players not to waste all our hard work and great start to the season. To their credit the players lifted accordingly to play a much more aggressive, hard running brand of football in the second half, kicking 5 goals to 1 to take a 15 point lead into the final break. With the Goannas kicking with the breeze in the final term our players were going to have to play inspired football to hold them at bay. Fortunately the Rams did just that kicking 5 goals to 2 to seal a great 36 point win
Patrick Pope was best on ground playing a vital role as the swing man between attack, midfield and defence – with his outstanding defensive efforts in the second quarter really setting up the opportunity for the win. ST Clair U17 player Patrick De La Mare backed up his great game last week with another outstanding midfield performance. Immanuel Papageorgiou was sentational playing the centre half back role to perfection with a perfect blend of attack and defence. Angus Ehrl who continues his return from a knee injury with limited game time came onto the field briefly in the first half kicking 1 goal and then played the entire second half, marking strongly and kicking 4 more goals to finish with 5 for the day from just over half a game.
Another player to kick goals whilst managing a knee injury was Justin Eckford who played as a permanent forward rather than in his customary midfield position to finish the game with 4 majors in a classy display. Jacob Field once again worked incredibly hard through the midfield , Kayne Quirk was very strong, rucking for the entire game and Aidan Quicke played a vital role in setting up attack from defence when moved to full back in a quality display. Others to make big contributions included midfielders Zac Pianta and Shaun Ashman and forwards ST Clair U17 Michael Papageorgiou and Nepean Rams U17 Eddy Steffen.
A big thankyou once again must go to ST Clair, and for the first time, the Nepean Rams for the loan of their players. Thanks to the following people for their help and support - Greg Corless (manager), Dave Nolan (runner), Jason Bradley (goal umpire) and anyone else I have missed.
The U19 Rams have now jumped to second on the Div 2 ladder and will be looking to consolidate that position with a win in our first home game of the season against Southern Power next Saturday. Please make the effort to get to training this week as competition for spots heats up.
I would also like to welcome Ben Skinner (former Blue Mountains player) and Adrian Beolhouwer (former ST Clair and Holroyd Parramatta player) to the team.
Goal Kickers: A. Ehrl 6, J. Eckford 4, P. De La Mare 2, E. Calear-King
Best Players: Z. Pianta, P. De La Mare, I. Papageorgiou, A. Ehrl, J. Eckford, J.
The following game saw Third Grade take on the Goannas in the Div 5 contest. Following last week’s 11 point loss, the team were keen to sing the song again with the return of coach Kevin Kirk, battling the flu and jet lag, leading the troops. With injuries and unavailability’s mounting within the club, three of the victorious Under 19’s team, Jarrod Dowton, Jacob Field and Manny Papageorgiou backing up along with coach Rick Allen. Sam Devlin made a comeback to the Rams with former Blue Mountains junior Matt Martland making his debut for the club.
The match didn’t start well for the Rams, with the Goannas having the early play but a second quarter revival into a strong wind set up the game for Penrith with a 29 point lead at the long break. Ferocious tackling and some fiery exchanges in the second half saw the game take on the traditions of a local derby but it was the Rams running away with the match to win by 47 points and secure second spot on the ladder.
Justin Weller made a welcome return to the club with a strong performance whilst Kev Kirk and Dane Fysh both topped the scoring with three each. Aiden McGinley and Jake Clarke worked tirelessly and Lucas Jerznya showed the way in toughness with some bone shattering defence.
Goal Kickers: D. Fysh 3, K. Kirk 3, T. Corless 2, J. Dowton 2, J. Weller 2, S. Jenkins
Best Players: J. Weller, A. McGinley, J. Clark, L. Jerzyna, J. Field, J. Dowton
After two sparkling wins, it was up to First Grade to attempt a clean sweep at the ground. However, they were to go in as huge under-dogs for the match against the team that has had the wood over the Rams in previous years. Injuries have ravaged the team in the last six weeks and this game was to be no different. After a last minute fitness test by star back man, Jay Edwards, he was to take the field and with Tayt Corless and Pat Pope backing up from the previous match, the Rams went in with a 21 man squad. The Goannas were to run with a howling wind at their backs for the first term and took full advantage of the conditions to race to a 40 point lead. Coach Andy Roberts was unperturbed at the break despite the team having their back to the wall. He’s had a tough job at the helm with the absence of the vacationing Barry Denton, juggling the side every week. The key was not to panic, get on the board and use the conditions. And that they did, despite many Goanna forays into their forward line, the Rams backline were superb whist the midfield gelled with great deliveries, keeping Parramatta pointless whilst kicking 5.5 to get back in the match with just a five point deficit at the long break.
There was nothing truer than the old cliché about the third quarter being the premiership quarter. With the wind being proven as a 6 goal assistance, the team were to concentrate on minimising the damage. Frustration was showing in the opponent’s camp as they were unable to convert their opportunities that saw the defence of the Rams simply outstanding. The Goannas were to just add 1.3 whilst Penrith’s 2 goals into the gale, saw the first goals of the match at the northern end. As the Parramatta cheer squad died down, the Rams were intent on a big finish being just a point down with the final 22 minutes remaining.
Despite the best efforts of the home club, it was to be the Rams determined to not produce an “If Only” match, as they put their foot on the pedal, finally running away with the match by 17 points, securing their maiden 2014 victory against class opposition. To come from 40 points down without scoring and restricting the Goanna’s to just 22 points for the final three quarters is undoubtedly an outstanding achievement ranking highly amongst the best ever club wins.
There were ten individual goal scorers but 21 players were the catalyst for victory on the day. Jake Pianta was to be the recipient of the both the Rams and Parramatta’s best on ground and graciously shared his prize around. Pat Pope, sporting a nasty eye cut was feeling no pain after his second great game and win on the day. Tom Hall led the backline with a tough display, Josh Shephard and George Paneras both performed brilliantly in the midfield with Tom Roberts playing his best game yet with the club.
Baz Denton may have enjoyed his best Irish Breakfast yet, with constant text messages for updates flowing from the other side of the world, the final one being “Bring it home, boys”. And that they did.
Again a big thanks to the support crew, Michael Walker running the board, Dave Nolan pounding out instructions on the field, Theo Paneras and the other water runners and the girls from the Ramettes and all the other supporters at the game who witnessed a great day of footy.
Goal Kickers: J. Anasis 2, J. Devlin 2, L. Smith , J. Pianta , P. Pope , L. Murphy , B. McGovern , J. Shephard , M. Renehan , M. Brown
Best Players: J. Pianta, P. Pope, T. Hall, G. Paneras, J. Shephard, T. Roberts
Reserve Grade were to be the standalone team at Pioneers Park for Penrith as the undefeated team took on a strong Randwick City outfit in freezing and windy conditions. Due to injuries, they were to field another different team from their previous matches. Randwick won the toss and kicked with the wind which set up their day, scoring nine unanswered goals. In a forgettable performance, the Rams had no answer and suffered a big loss.
Tim Beutler was named best on ground for the Rams, followed by Cam Butler. Ross Donaldson was tough against the fiery Saints, whilst Lachie Geeves, John Green and Jesse Hyland all put in.
Nest week sees their first home game at Greygums against Southern Power and the boys will be looking to erase the memories of the loss and return to the winning list.
Best Players: T. Beutler, C. Butler, R. Donaldson, L. Geeves, J. Green, J. Hyland
The Ramettes travelled to Rosedal Oval for a Sunday fixture and, after a slow start, drew away for a comfortable win.
Goal Kickers: J. Burnham 4, K. Easthope 4, J. Vella 3
Best Players: J. Vella, N. Perrett, N. Loiseau, S. Kostic, N. Camilleri, N. McNeill
Last Modified on 15/09/2014 21:34