Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 5, D. Cummings 3, B. Cooke 2, A. West, J. Brock Best Players: D. Bradley, J. Brock, W. Taylor, K. Wozniak, B. Cooke, S. Lockhart
Reserve Grade
PenrithRams 7.3-45 defby UNSW/ES 13.9-87
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Goal Kickers: J. Ware 2, J. Makin 2, H. Mulligan 2, S. Ayres Best Players: M. Poulter, C. Knight, P. Newby, J. Barry, D. Corboy, L. Smith
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Under 18's
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PenrithRams 6.5-41 defby Southern Power 5.13-43
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Goal Kickers: K. McDonagh, J. Spicer, A. Henry, J. Weller, B. Wilson, B. Robinson Best Players: M. Payne, M. Reinhard, D. Schroot, A. Sharp, H. McTaggart, H. Stibbard
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Match Reports
Reserve Grade
Reserve grade put up another great effort against NSW Uni, despite again not having a full team and with a number of under 18's backing up for their second game. To make it worse, former best and fairest winner Rick Allen received a serious injury in the first 5 minutes and didn't play any further part in the game.
Despite this the team were competetive all game, however were unable to convert enough of their many scoring opportunities. Christian Knight played well all day in the centre despite it being only his second game of the year. Peter Newbie had another outstanding game in only his second game of Australian Rules football. Daniel Corboy also played another great game on the ball, getting a heap of possesions all around the ground. Others to play well were John Barry providing a great target at centre half forward, Matt Poulter playing in the back line and getting heaps of possesions and John Keane beating his man all day.
PenrithRams 7.3-45 defby UNSW/ES 13.9-87
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Goal Kickers: J. Ware 2, J. Makin 2, H. Mulligan 2, S. Ayres Best Players: M. Poulter, C. Knight, P. Newby, J. Barry, D. Corboy, L. Smith
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Under 18's
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It was finally back at home and a return to 10:00 AM starts for the "Young Rams" in the much awaited top of the table clash with the Southern Power. The match was always going to be an epic battle with the two premiership contenders and what a contest it turned out to be.
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With Penrith at full strength, the match started in slippery conditions with both teams defending rigourously. The Power got the best of the opening minutes and made continual raids into the forward fifty. With Nathan Sajowitz and Hayden McTaggart getting the early action with "rushing" a few behinds, it was evident that the next eighty minutes was going to become a tough day at the office. However, Penrith responded and an upfield surge saw the team kick the first major of the day with a John Spicer goal followed by a Justin Weller "poster". Justin made no mistake with his second angled shot on goal a few minutes later and the siren ended the first term with a 2.1 to 0.5 lead to the home team.
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The second term saw a physical encounter not experienced this year by the Rams. The Power had obviously done their homework and targetted the Rams top players. The southerners found their radar and added two goals to hit the lead but a Ben Robinson goal enabled the home side to go to the major break with a slim two point margin.
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Penrith came out in the third quarter with renewed vigour and with punishing defence got the better of the big Shire team. The backline held their own and again put off their opponents accuracy only allowing them 1 goal 5 behinds whilst Alex Henry and Kyle McDonagh added six pointers whilst accomplished interchange 16's player, Brayden Wilson slotted his first "senior" goal to give Penrith their biggest lead of the match with an eleven point buffer with a quarter of football to play.
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The final quarter saw some huge hits by both teams. Play was even throughout most of the final quarter but the opposition club umpire chose to blow the whistle in favour of the visitors with some highly contentious calls which resulted in two goals for the Power. With Penrith again on the attack and a Power player being sent off the field, wasting valuable time, the final minutes saw the visitors hang on to their two point lead as the game ended. The match was everything it had promised to be and the Power were just a touch too good on the day.
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Although disappointed with the result, coach Kevin Tate was upbeat. "The Power certainly came out to play a physical style of football and knew exactly who to target. It was the most tough and brutal display of footy I have seen in the last two years." he said. "After a swag of easier matches recently, it was good to see how the boys would perform against a better credentialled team. They did it in great style despite not getting the points on the day."
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Best for the Rams was again a lottery. The defence Mitch Reinhart, Matty Payne and Hayden McTaggart was simply outstanding whilst Daniel Schroot and Harley Stibbard continue to shine with their commitment and choice of options. Adam Sharp again played a major role and is the recipient of the "Red Cow Inn" Dinner Award which may be able to fatten him up. Matt Payne will be seen driving around in the "Green Car" after winning that prestigious Award whilst the "Freestyle" Hair Product award will be announced at training during the week.
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On paper, it would appear that the team should return to the winning list next week against East Coast. However, the Eagles will be well rested and fit after their forfeit win against Holroyd-Parramatta on the weekend whilst the Rams will need the full seven days to get over the bruising game played on Saturday. The game is at Greygums and commences at 10:00 AM
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PenrithRams 6.5-41 defby Southern Power 5.13-43
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Goal Kickers: K. McDonagh, J. Spicer, A. Henry, J. Weller, B. Wilson, B. Robinson Best Players: M. Payne, M. Reinhard, D. Schroot, A. Sharp, H. McTaggart, H. Stibbard
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