Penrith Rams U19 Update – 26 July 2014
Well here we are at the aptly named wet weather round with a break before heading into the final four rounds of the season.
Season Update
After starting the season off so well it was disappointing to see us hit a mid season slump due to holidays/injuries and also a lack of commitment from many as the winter cold set in. Fortunately with the
addition of a few experienced players in Adrian Boelhouwer, Chris Nolan and Pat Pope along with the
return of a few others we have managed to turn things around to become a competitive force once again.
We currently sit two games clear of Macquarie University in fourth spot on the ladder but still not
guaranteed of a finals spot as we play Macquarie University next week (Sat 2 August) in round 15 and
have the bye in round 17.
The equation is very simple if we win against Macquarie University next Saturday at home we guarantee a finals spot. But if we lose then we must win our last two games as well as relying on other results. So simply put this coming Saturday is our first final and Macquarie University will be approaching it exactly the same way. Macquarie have lost their past four games and appear vulnerable right now and on our home ground with a near full strength squad we have an opportunity to end their season – and more importantly grab that finals spot with both hands. But we must take the game on and attack hard from the
first bounce – the side that is first to the footy and seizes the initiative will prevail. “So be ready!”
Bunning’s BBQ
Tomorrow we have the Bunning’s BBQ at North Penrith Bunning’s. The under 19s are operating the BBQ in 1 hour shifts from 8am – 12noon. The U19s have not supported the club in anywhere close to the manner I and the club would have liked through-out this season. The BBQ is an opportunity to show that you
support your football club and appreciate the sacrifices that others make so that you have the
opportunity to play footy (and hopefully this season finals footy). Please ensure you fulfil your
commitment – and please encourage all parents, family and friends to get down there for a snag
and a chat.
Finals
Coming into the last stages of the season with the prospect of finals I want to make it very clear, that
finals football is very different to playing home and away games. You must be mentally and physically
prepared. For us finals start next Saturday 2 August - we have a must win game and some difficult selection
choices will be made based on training and match day attendance. This is not to punish anyone for
being away but I simply have to have confidence that the players I pick are well prepared for the
increased intensity. If you find that you are left out I expect you to keep your chin up, support your
team, train hard and fight your way back in.
Div1 debutants
It is great for the clubs future prospects to not only have a highly competitive under 19 side but to now
have 8 players in the team with Division 1 experience. Along with more experienced Div 1 players like
Pat Pope, Chris Nolan and Justin Eckford, we have Adrian Boelhouwer, Aidan Quicke, and Ben Skinner
who have debuted previously. And this week it was a pleasure to see Jacob Field and Zac Pianta
make excellent debuts at the club’s highest level. It is also important to note a host of other under19s
have debuted, with many playing regularly in our other senior grades Div 3 & 5. In the coming weeks
there will also be other players who will get the opportunity for their Div 1 debut and this is very
exciting for the future of the mighty Rams!
Regards, Rick Allen
Last Modified on 22/09/2014 23:27