Penrith Rams secured the Under 18's premiership with a convincing 81 point win over Holroyd-Parramatta at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday. The team has the rare honour of being undefeated premiers in 2010. After a tough first quarter on the dewy and slippery ground. Penrith asserted their superiority with a disciplined display with Jack Ponton being awarded the umpires best on ground award.
The Penrith Rams have captured the Under 18 Challenge Cup with a 81 point victory over Holroyd Parramatta.
After a tight opening, Penrith took control to run away 17.17.119 to 6.2.38 winners.
Penrith midfielder Jack Ponton claimed the best on ground medal and recieved support from Gordon Howell and Liam Murphy. For the Goannas, Brent Johnston, Ben Jenison and Stephen Whitney were the best.
Match report
The early season fixturing frustrations of the Penrith Rams Under 18's were long forgotten when they took the 2010 flag at Blacktown Olympic Park on an infamous day in history, September 11.
After a faultless season to date, it all could have amounted to misery unless the team took to the dais at the conclusion of the match.
With the team assembling at the ground at 7:00 AM for the 8:15 AM start, it was time to get into the zone. A quick warm up was followed by team photo’s and it was time for final instructions. Rams Chairman, Kevin Tate, gave a rousing speech to the boys reminding them that they were about to be a part of history and how proud the club was of their commitment. He thanked the parents for their involvement and support during the year. Coach Craig Sharp then gave firm instructions to all including the need for discipline on the field and the need to stay focused against the expected toughening-up period.
As the team ran through the banner to a slippery and dew covered ground to the roar of the Penrith supporters, it was game on. Penrith won the toss and elected to go to the southern end in calm conditions.
All didn’t go to plan in the early stages with the conditions playing into the hands of the Goanna’s. Dropped balls and players not being able to keep their feet saw Holroyd take the early initiative with a behind and quickly followed up with a major. The Rams, however, did not panic and despite not playing to their peak, added two goals before the first break to hold a slender six point lead.
As the sun started to dry out the ground, the team responded to the quarter time talk and started to play the football they were capable of. The Goanna’s had limited opportunity but were able to convert these into two goals but it was Penrith starting to get the ball out wide that controlled the game with seven goals of their own and taking the game by the scruff of the neck with a thirty eight point lead.
The team was quiet at the major break. It had not been the flawless performance of the semi-final win over Southern Power but Grand Finals were completely different scenarios and it was evident that Holroyd were not going to give up the ghost on the big day.
Again in the third term, the Goanna’s saw just a glimpse of their forward fifty and were able to just post one score, a six pointer, as Penrith toiled towards the finish line. The 4.4 session saw the young Rams extend their lead to ten goals as the “fat lady” warmed up on the sideline to sing her song.
Just twenty minutes remained for the dreams and aspirations to be realized. Despite adding two more goals to their tally, Holroyd spent the final term in defence as the Rams peppered the posts of their opponents. The goal umpire was suffering RSI with one arm as he signalled a massive nine behinds but four “two flag salutes” saw the final siren sound to the raucous applauds of the crowd with Penrith taking the match by 81 points and the ultimate seasons’ glory.
After the traditional hand shaking with their opponents and umpires, the team made a great gesture to the senior players and supporters to join them in belting out the club song for the final time this year as the wild celebration continued in the middle of the ground.
Captain Daniel Schroot took to the stage to make a speech giving thanks to all the supporters and naming all the sponsors who helped gain them their historic win. Rams player Jack Ponton received the umpires “Best on Ground” medallion followed by Kevin Tate presenting each of the players premiership medallions with the cup then being presented to the squad as they rushed the stage.
The match ball presentation was made in the sheds after the match with Gordon Howell making it a great week for Ranga’s by taking the coaches award. Along with Ponton and Howell, Liam Murphy was one of the key figures with his safe handling and pin-point disposals, Campbell Hislop used his pace and poise to dazzle his opponents, captain Daniel Schroot led by example with yet again another great display and Matty Payne was feared throughout the game and put on some remarkable hits, including one to the chest of Ben McGovern with the Sherrin. McGovern took his tally to 95 goals for the season with his bag of five, Gordon Howell booted four and John Spicer chimed in with three as the other multiple goal-scorers
A great day and just desserts for this young team and their faith and commitment that has certainly put the Western region back on the AFL map.
The team celebrated late into the night with their families, friends, fellow Rams players and supporters late into the night. Congratulations on a fantastic season.
Penrith will now be confident of promotion into Premier Cup in season 2011 following the steps of Challenge Cup winners in previous years being Balmain, Riverview, Uni NSW and Sydney Uni and with about fifteen of the squad being eligible again to play 18’s next year, will be looking forward to the challenge
Penrith Rams 17.17-119 defeated Holroyd-Parramatta Goannas 6.2-38
Goal Kickers: B. McGovern 5, G. Howell 4, J. Spicer 3, L. Simmons , D. Schroot , J. Ponton , R. Ooms , C. Hislop
Best Players: J. Ponton, G. Howell, L. Murphy, M. Payne, C. Hislop, D. Schroot
Last Modified on 13/11/2010 21:18