Round 18 - Rams Overpowered

Goal Kickers: R. Johnson, M. Reinhard, J. Ponton, H. Stibbard, M. Reardon, J. Spicer


Best Players: M. Payne, J. Ponton, D. Schroot, J. King-Smith, B. Robinson, J. Colquhoun




First Grade

Goal Kickers: J. Bradley 3, A. Prowse 2, L. Smith, C. Triffitt, R. Low


Best Players: D. Bradley, R. Low, B. Ridges, A. West, B. Roney, B. Cooke




Match Reports

 


Under 18's

 


It was slightly akin to running out for the season opener when the 18's travelled to Gwawley Park, Taren Point in the final round of the home and away series for 2009. After a wet wetaher weekend, a bye and three opposition forfeits, the boys almost had to wear name badges to be identified. A win would see them grab second spot on the ladder and face the daunting prospect of a Sydney Uni semi final. A loss would see them take the more comfortable route of a Moorebank clash, but without the luxury of a second bite of the cherry.


It was hard to comprehend that the team could only produce 21 players on the day, including two Penrith Swans 16's players in their debut Rams match.


The 10:00 AM game commenced with the first session a pretty even affair. Power had the radar set better kicking four straight majors whilst the Rams responded with an opening John Spicer goal and a Harley Stibbard six pointer the best two attempts of the seven scoring shots on offer.


The second twenty minutes saw the rusty Rams on the attack but let down by their many weeks of inactivity when it most counted. An early Matt Reardon goal saw Penrith get to within a point of the Shire team, but the home side found openings the size od Sydney Heads and were quickly able to pour another four goals on. Reece Johnson's late goal saw Penrith go to the sheds with a four goal deficit.


Things didn't get much better in the third stanza with the Power again finding their man and booting another three, whilst the Rams could only respond with four behinds with the lack of match fitness taking it's toll.


The final quarter saw the boys needing to overcome a thirty point deficit to grab second spot. On their form before the long break, it was easily a gettable score but the day was not to be as Power added another three six pointers which was enough despite goals to Jack Ponton and Mitchell Reinhard and another four behinds as the Southerners ran out forty point winners.


The Rams now need to regroup quickly in their sudden-death match at Henson Park next Sunday against the improving Moorebank Sports outfit. The game will be nowhere near the cakewalk it has been this season with two easy wins against the Magpies. The Penrith Swans 16's players, Brad Swinfield and Ben "Booga" Priest wer impressive in their first "seniors" hitouts and will be very high on the Rams recruitment list in 2010. Matty Payne again led the way with another strong effort whilst Jack Ponton played a blinder and will be a key component to the teams' chances of a Grand Final berth. First year 18's Daniel Schroot along with James Colquhoun again showed class along with perennial performers Ben Robinson and Jakeman King-Smith.

The Green Car Award, Red Cow Inn fabulous feed and Freestyler Awards will be handed out at training on Tuesday Night.


All Rams supporters are asked to get up early on Sunday morning and head to Henson Park at Marrickville when the boys take on Moorebank Sports  in the 8:30 AM clash.


Penrith Rams 6.13-49 def by Southern Power 15.5-89