Media Release by "The Chair"
The Penrith Rams U/18’s moved into second spot on the Sydney AFL ladder with a massive 97 point win over Moorebank Sports last Saturday at Gwawley Park.
In a match that was postponed from Round 1 due to wet weather, a quirk of the fixture meant that Penrith were taking on the fifth placed Magpies for a second consecutive week. Despite coming off the back of a good win against the same opponents, the Rams were expecting a far more difficult game away from home.
Penrith started the match well but were wayward in front of goal, with two majors from John Spicer helping them to a 25 point lead at the first change. The second term saw Penrith ram home their dominance, two soccer type goals from Reece Johnson being the highlight whilst the defence continued to hold strong as they took a 67 point lead into half time.
The Rams continued the momentum in the second half, the Magpies having no answer to Penrith’s pressure and run all over the ground as they recorded their fourth successive victory. Only profligate finishing kept the margin from being even greater.
Final scores were Penrith 15-19-109 to Moorebank Sports 2-0-12.
Coach Kevin Tate was again pleased with his side’s performance. “It was a game that couldn’t be taken lightly” he said. “After last week the boys could be forgiven if they expected an easy win, but they focussed on the importance of the match. With a few key players not available, everyone including the U/16’s boys that we brought in had to stand up and again they did.”
First Grade were looking to turn around a last start defeat to the Magpies, and up until half time they looked like doing just that, going into the long break holding a 2 point lead. Unfortunately, they ran out of steam in the second half, with a number of injuries proving problematic as they were unable to keep up with the fresher legs of the opposition.
Finals scores were Moorebank Sports 14-6-90 to Penrith 8-9-57.
Kris Wozniak made a great debut for the club to be Penrith’s best, whilst John Murtagh, Bryce Roney and Justin Brock were others who played well.
The seniors now travel to Trumper Park tomorrow as they take on UTS, whilst the U/18’s look to make it five straight wins when they tackle Pennant Hills.
The Rams are still looking for new players, please call Jason Bradley on 0417 243 009 for further details.
Match Results
First Grade (Div 3)
Penrith Rams 8.9-57 def by Moorebank Sports 14.6.90
PENRITH
Reserve Grade (Div 4)
Penrith Rams 6.3-39 def by Moorebank Sports 20.4-124
PENRITH
Under 18's Match Report
There was no rest for the Rams 18’s on the long weekend with a “catch up” round pencilled in due to the Round One washout. The match was moved late on Friday from the Magpies home ground at Rosedale Oval to the Shire ground at Gwawley Park due to the original venue being declared unfit for play, so an earlier start was in order for the longer trek.
After an easy win the previous week against Moorebank, the Rams could not allow any complacency against the home side who were fighting for a spot in the four. The Penrith outfit were again missing some players due to injury and Representative duties but were fortunate to be able to call on the services of Lions Under 16’s players, Shaun Stevens and debut player, Brayden Wilson. Moorebank also had injury problems and started the match with just a squad of 18.
The match started under clear skies and with Moorebank winning the toss and electing to run with a slight breeze advantage, showed better commitment in the early stages of the match than the previous week. Penrith, however, quickly got their act together and after a flurry of one-pointers, got the radar in better order with two goals to John Spicer, one to Kyle McDonagh with Matt Stevens opening up his account for the season with a well judged major. In reply, the Magpies were able to find a needle-eye opening to grab a sensational goal towards the end of the first stanza but found themselves with a twenty five point deficit as the siren sounded.
The second quarter saw the visitors open up and gain a big lead with the centre pack working hard. Moorebank had no answer with Hamish Mulligan scoring off a set kick, Matt Payne driving forward for a goal along with Daniel Schroot and Spicer adding another one. The hard working Reece Johnson showed great skill and a soccer background to jag a double off the floor which were both given the two flag salute by the goal umpire. The defence was magnificent with the shellshocked Magpies being unable to add to their tally. It was a very similar scenario to the previous week with the Rams going to the big break with an 11 goal lead.
Just like the week before, Moorebank refused to lay down and the third quarter saw some good, hard football. Harley Stibbard was rewarded for his great work ethics with a goal along with Shaun Stevens after John Spicer had generously handed off to Shaun in a better position. Kyle McDonagh kicked another after a handful of behinds whilst the Moorebank boys managed to kick their second for the match.
The final quarter saw a change of structure with a 13 goal advantage. Both teams were out on their feet as the morning warmed up. Alex Henry opened his account for the season with a magnificent goal whilst Reece Johnson put a third goal against his name. Moorebank could not improve their score due to the suffocating Rams defence and when the final siren sounded, it was the Rams recording a fine ninety seven point win over the depleted but courageous Magpies.
Coach Kevin Tate again had every reason to smile. “It was a game that couldn’t be taken lightly. After last week the boys could be forgiven if they expected an easy win, but they focussed on the importance of the match. With a few key players not available, everyone including the 16’s boys had to stand up and again they did.”
Again it was difficult for the coaching staff to select the best. Mitch Reinhart was sensational and his early hits took the steam out of his opponents. Former Lions juniors Matty Payne and Adam Sharp were again at the forefront with classy displays of hard football whilst Blue Mountains duo Harley Stibbard and Reece Johnson again showed their flair and skills all game. St Clair’s Jakeman King-Smith again was prominent and an inspiration to the side. The “Red Cow Inn” Award this week went to Kyle McDonagh who celebrated his 18th birthday and now finds himself able to partake in a glass of wine with his dinner award with the Rams major sponsor. Seniors player, Rick Allen will also be the recipient of a “Red Cow” feed with his “purchase” of Kyle in the players auction. On the historical front, it was the Rams Under 18’s/20’s 100th win in the club's history with the victory on Saturday seeing the boys belt out the club song for the sixth time this season.
The win takes the young Rams to second spot on the ladder behind the undefeated Southern Power. Next Saturday will be reminiscent of the “Auskick” days for the team with an 8:30 AM start at Pennant Hills against the fourth placed Demons. Past history would indicate that Pennant Hills will litter their team with Premier Cup players in their fight to stay in finals contention so a hard match is expected and the Rams will need to be at their best to maintain their impressive winning streak.
Penrith Rams 15.19-109 def Moorebank Sports 2.0-12
PENRITH
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