RAMS U19s Match Report 31 May 2014 vs Macquarie University at University Oval - By coach Rick Allen
Saturday’s game against Macquarie University was always going to be a difficult assignment with so many players away and a few others playing up in Div 1. Once the game commenced it was obvious that it would be more than a little difficult as Maq Uni were at near full strength and playing a very tall forward line. Maq Uni dominated the centre square off the back of their tall beanpole ruckman and were able to move the ball quickly into their tall forwards. The young Rams held their own in general play and had many inside 50’s but without tall forward targets the ball was rebounded quickly on most occasions by Maq Uni. The end result a resounding victory to Maq Uni.
There are not often many positives to come out of such a loss but on his occasion I thought there were quite a few. Firstly with so many players away it gave some players who have spent time on the interchange to have a really good hit out. A number of our younger players really stepped up to play their best games so far for the team including young Blue Mountains U17 forward Luke Hyland (3 goals) who proved to be a livewire across half forward. Defender Daniel Buckley who used his pace and tackling skills to perfection and young ST Clair U17 forward Michael Papageorgiou who dominated once moved onto a wing, gathering numerous possessions, operating at near 100% efficiency by foot and snapping a superb goal. In general play around the ground our players matched the intensity of the opposition and at no stage did anyone drop their heads and give up the fight which is a very good sign for the weeks ahead. I was very proud of the 19 players for the spirit and endeavour shown – well done boys.
U17 ST Clair midfielder Connor Owen-Auburn was again best for the Rams. Others to play well along with Michael Papageorgiou, Daniel Buckley and Luke Hyland included rovers Jacob Field and Joel Fisher who worked tirelessly around the ground, Centreman and acting skipper for the day Zac Pianta who also worked exceptionally hard putting in another solid performance and Ben Skinner was excellent both in defence and later in the midfield.
A big thankyou must go to Greg Corless who wore dual hats as both manager and goal umpire.
Also thanks to assistant coach / runner Jeff Ryan for his insight and advice. Last but not least the U17 players who once again put their hands up to help us out and to their clubs St Clair and the Blue Mountains juniors who have both been a tremendous support to us throughout the season to date.
Due to the upcoming long weekend followed by a bye the U19s have a fortnight off before our next game. This is an opportune time for many of the players (some have been training since October) to take a well earned break. Others that wish to keep training can train Tuesdays and Thursdays with the senior squad. Official U19 training will recommence on Wednesday 18 June in the lead up to our next game against the Moorebank Magpies at 10:30am on Saturday 21 June at Greygums Oval.
Macquarie University 19.11-125
Penrith Rams 6.7-43
Goal Kickers: L. Hyland 3, M. Papageorgiou, J. Field, C. Owen-Auburn
Best Players: C. Owen-Auburn, M. Papageorgiou, L. Hyland, Z. Pianta, B.
Skinner, D. Buckley
SWAFL Div 2: Round 8 wrap up
Last Modified on 05/07/2015 22:48