The Rams reversed the first round defeat by Macquarie University Warriors with at comprehensive 82 point win to regain second spot on the ladder. The 18's remain undefeated when Mac Uni forfeited their match whilst the Reserves can hold their heads high despite a loss to the Warriors.
First Grade V Macquarie Uni Warriors at Greygums Oval
A good rollup of former Penrith Rams players attended the "Old Boys Day" headed by club founder Keith Claxton on Saturday where the Rams were fighting for a finals spot. Up against the Warriors, who had inflicted Penrith's first defeat of the season in round four by fourteen points, the Rams elevated a quartet of Under 18's players. Experienced campaigners Matthew Payne and Adam Sharp joined the team along with first year 18's Ben McGovern and Jack Ponton, who celebrated his 17th birthday the day before.
It was a flying start for the Rams that set the tone for the day with an impressive display of controlled football. The midfield was methodically carving up the Warriors as they piled on five goals with McGovern adapting immediately to seniors football in his debut first grade appearance kicking a double and Adam Sharp adding another whilst Tim Cummins booted the other two. With Mac Uni putting a 1.1 quarter behind them, the Rams had forged to a twenty six point advantage after the first 22 minutes.
The second term saw the domination continue with the determination again shining from the re-commencement of play. Seven more majors were added as Uni struggled to stay in touch. However, they did commence a comeback of sorts with three late goals to go to the sheds with a 52 point deficit.
Coach Tate was positive in the rooms at the break and asked the boys to keep up the momentum. There were little, if any, changes to the tactics and the team were encouraged to get the job done with the minimum of fuss.
The Warriors came out a much more focussed side in the third quarter and had changed their matchups in an attempt to stem the flow. Their defensive line was putting far more pressure on the Rams forward line to their credit. Though peppering the sticks, it was just a three goal session with five single pointers to the Rams whilst their opponents managed just the single goal to put the result out of their reach with a seventy point lead.
The final quarter was a pretty even affair as the legs got worn on both sides. Penrith countered Uni's two goal term with four of their own and the welcoming final siren saw the Rams regain second spot on the ladder with a comprehensive 82 point victory, a remarkable sixteen goal turnaround from their first round clash.
Captain Lachie Smith led the charge with a tireless running display and motivational effort and was awarded the "IGA Signature" player of the match. Bryce Roney keeps improving this year and his "Red Cow Inn" Award will see him returning to his favouite haunt once again to savour their wares. Fellow backman John Keane had his "robo arm" working to capacity along with great clearances from the opponents danger zone whilst Dave Bradely manages to always run out that 88 minutes of football with nothing left in the tank at the end. Mitch Reinhard showed a great return to form after injuries have restricted him in the last few matches and Nathan Allison again produced a gritty display out wide.
Next week the side returns to Greygums to take on bottom placed Pennant Hills in what should keep the Rams solid in second spot as the finals series looms.
Final Scores:
Penrith 19.15 (129) d Macquarie Uni 7.5 (47)
Goals: T. Cummins 5, B. Roberts 3, B. Robinson 2, B. McGovern 2, R. Johnson 2, T. Corless, J. Ponton, J. Anasis, A. Sharp, D. Bradley
Best: L. Smith, B. Roney, J. Keane, D. Bradley, M. Reinhard, N. Allison
Reserve Grade V Mac Uni Warriors at Greygums Oval.
With the 18's forfeit, being their fourth forfeit received this year, along with two byes, The Rams included seven of this team to take on thrid placed Mac Uni Warriors.
The game started well for the Rams with a four goal quarter with 18's player, Mat Reardon crumbing in style to produce three of them but the Warriors responded with three of their own to trail by just three points at the first break.
In apen and free flowing second quarter, Penrith added another four majors, but a seven goal haul by the visitors saw them go to the major break with a 15 point lead.
With a tight game on offer, the changes and half time message seem to have backfired as Mac Uni took full control of the game in the third quarter with a massive 6.5 count with Penrith only able to muster up a single goal in the 22 minutes of play and finding themselves with a fifty point deficit.
The final quarter saw the tide stemmed somewhat with Penrith adding two consolation goals whilst the Warriors with their better structure on the day, kicking 1.4 to take honours on the day by 41 points.
Although disappointing to go down, the team can hold their heads high and are still a hope of playing finals football remaining in fifth spot on the competition ladder.
A fine effort by the youngsters despite playing in new on-field positions. Along with Raerdon's treble, John Spicer booted two and 18's captain Daniel Schroot was magnificent and added another in his top line display. Justin Weller and aJson Ware both put in good displays along with Craig Ives and Jakeman King-Smith whilst big Shaun Stevens and Ben Priest also put in solid efforts.
The team now faces Manly at home next Saturday in the 12:00 PM match.
Mac Uni Warriors 17.14 (116) d Penrith 11.9 (75)
Goals: M. Reardon 3, J. Ware 3, J. Spicer 2, M. Jackson, B. Pathuis, D. Schroot
Best: J. Weller, J. Ware, D. Schroot, J. King-Smith, S. Stevens, C. Ives
Under 18's
Penrith d Macquarie Uni on forfeit
Oficial score under the forfeit system Penrith 80 def Mac Uni 0
Last Modified on 20/07/2010 21:17