It was a tough day away for the Rams this week with Macquarie University forfeiting their Under 18's match late in the morning whilst the Rams were travelling to the ground. A bitterly disappointed 18's team have now only played one match in the four rounds to date. Penrith fell just 14 points short of maintaining their unbeaten record whilst Reserves beat top of the table team, the Warriors.
The pleas to Macquarie University for them to continue the 18's game in preference to the Div 4 match fell on deaf ears and the 18's now find themselves in a similar position to last year with an unacceptable amount of teams forfeiting against them in what again seems to be an extremely fragile competition.
First Grade
Penrith Rams V Macquarie University at University Oval.
The Rams took on an extremely committed Mac Uni in round four of the competition in an attempt to keep their unbeaten status alive. With Uni reeling from their shock loss to Campbelltown last week, they were certainly keen to make amends and from the opening bounce took control of the match showing exceptional skills and positional play. A four goal quarter by the home team against a lone Ben Robinson goal put Penrith under the pump with Uni finding loose players in the midfield and forward line.
The second session saw Penrith's Josh Anasis put on the first goal but the comeback was short lived with the home side again dominating to stack on another five majors and as the teams went to the sheds, things were looking ominous for Penrith who were facing a thirty four point deficit despite trying their best.
It was fairly calm in the sheds as coach Kevin Tate told the players to believe in themselves and not to panic. The younger legs of the Rams would be a vital cog in the second half and there was still time on their side.
The team did exactly what was asked and despite some erratic shots at the sticks, dominated the third quarter with four goals and Uni hanging in with two of their own. The game was still very much alive with Penrith less than four goals from overhauling their opponents as the quarter ended.
The final quarter saw Penrith dominate in the first 15 minutes and three consecutive goals allowed them to get within just a kick of victory and Uni attempting to slow the play. But with a few 50/50 calls against them, Uni posted two late goals and as the siren sounded, Mac Uni took the match by just fourteen points in a thrilling match.
Coach Kevin Tate, although disappointed with the loss, was extremely happy with the commiitment shown by the team. "They were up against quality opposition today and after the first half, many teams would have folded in their position. The second half bought out the character in the side and showed that the club motto "We are never out of the game", was well and truly alive. I am proud of them again today and they showed that the boys are true finals aspirants in 2010
Lachie Smith was able to find his way to the ground despite an early morning theft from his car (including his NavMan) and put in a dominating display in the midfield. The loss of various valuables from his vehicle will be negated by a fridge full of food as the winner of the $75 IGA Award. Tim Cummins was sensational and his five year absence from AFL was brushed aside with ease as he dominated proceedings with his forages into the forward line reaping him a three goal haul and took out the $50 "Red Cow Inn" Award. Ben Robinson again proved a nightmare for his opponents for the fourth consecutive week whilst "talls" Mark Woodford and Josh Anasis both put in sparkling displays along with backman, John Keane who continually frustrated his opponents forward line.
Next week the team is looking to return to the winning list when they travel to Trumper Park to play UTS at the "Auskick" time of 10:00 AM. UTS, although having a 1-3 record, will be tough opponents as they haven't been far away in their losses and recorded a 92 point win against Holroyd-parramatta just over a week ago.
Penrith Rams 10.11-71 def by Macquarie University 13.7-85
Goal Kickers: T. Cummins 3, B. Roberts 2, B. Robinson 2, A. Savanah , T. Corless , N. Allison
Reserve Grade
Penrith Rams V Macquarie University at University Oval.
The Reserves season got back on track again in a thrilling match at University Oval on Saturday when they took on competition leaders, Macquarie University Warriors. After a demoralising defeat last week at the hand of Auburn and a very depleted team, due to injuries, it couldn't be a worse time to face the undefeated Warriors, but with the late forfeit by Uni in the 18's, there were 24 Under 18's players at the ground which enabled a few of this team to get a run.
In an even first quarter, where Penrith had the majority of the play, a somewhat shocked Uni found themselves just four points down at the first break but given their dominance this season, were certainly not in panic mode.
Penrith's radar improved in the second quarter with three straight goals against a lone Uni six pointer and held a slender fourteen point lead at the major break with the "top up" players blending into play in magnificent fashion. The game opened up in the third quarter with the Sherrin travelling all over the ground as seven goals were posted, four of them by the Penrith side but the game was still well and truly in the balance with the visitors holding a fifteen point advantage as the final twenty minutes loomed.
It was high pressure football as the Warriors came out breathing fire in the final quarter. Penrith were able to manage just another goal whilst Uni were pouring on the pressure in an attempt to keep their unbeaten season alive. With just a few just seconds from time and just a kick from snatching victory, Uni looked to snare an unlikely victory as the ball travelled deep into the Rams 50, but the siren beat then to the punch with Penrith hanging on for a gutsy four point victory.
Seltene Yohannes was a standout on the day. The refugee from Eritrea playing his first year of football is rapidly picking up the various skill required in AFL and his outstanding commitment on the training paddock is reaping rewards. Seltene was awarded the "IGA Signature" Best on Ground. Matthew Payne has achieved major awards in all three teams this year and his late callup to the side was instrumental to the the teams win. Matt was the winner of the "Red Cow Inn" Award. Nathan White again was solid in defence and took the right option on many occassions when outnumbered. Under 18's duo, Jack Ponton and Adam Sharp also featured strongly with Jack forgoing an NFL semi-final that clashed with his 18's committment and was quite devastated with the Uni 18's forfeit. Sam Lockhart showed a good return to form with some bone-crushing defence. A special mention to late withdrawals, Brent Venables and Corey Strickland who both attended the game and acted as runners for the team. Although not at 100% for the match, they were prepred to play with the depleted team but stood themselves down when some 18's became available. A wonderful gesture of club spirit.
Next Week sees the team at Greygums when they take on the "other" Mac Uni side, The Kookas, who have recorded a win over Sydney University in amongst some big losses. With Penrith now equal second on the ladder, it's a game they certainly cannot take for granted in the 2:10 PM clash.
Penrith Rams 10.10-70 defeated Macquarie University 9.12-66
Goal Kickers: D. Schroot 2, S. Stevens 2, C. Triffitt , J. Ware , S. Yohannes , M. Payne , W. Krause , A. Rogers
Under 18's
Penrith Rams V Macquarie University at University Oval.
The club would like to offer a sincere apology to all players, families and supporters who took the long trek out to Macquarie University to play the scheduled 12:30 PM fixture. As players were asked to be at the ground by 11:00 AM, it was far too late when Macquarie University announced they were forfeiting the match at 10:30 AM. Mac Uni informed the Rams that the Div Four match on an ajoining ground had to be transferred, due to a dual booking, to the main ground thus squeezing out the 18's game. A request for Uni to forfeit the Div Four match and play the 18's match on the scheduled ground was denied as we were informed that the coaching staff had decided that the Div Four match was of higher importance as they were leading the competition !
Obviously very disappointing that the 18's team, a very important part of Sydney football, were unable to play and have now only participated in one match in the four rounds this season. We ask that players and their families show patience despite the difficult circumstances so far in this competition and as a club, place our major priorities with the future development of our youth squad.
Next week sees a return to Greygums for the 18's when they hopefully take on Manly in the 12:00 PM match.
Late Update
Please Note: We have been advised by the league that the game has been re-scheduled and not forfeited as previously advised on the day by Macquarie University. The game will be now played on June 12.
Last Modified on 17/05/2010 11:46