- Jarrod McGrouther
SIDELINE-EYE June 16
AFL
FOOTBALL has been in hiatus mode for the last two weeks for the Penrith Rams. The torrential rain and flooding that hit Sydney two weeks ago forced the postponement of four games at Greygums Oval on June 4 and the long weekend provided a bye for the club.
However, two Ramettes hit the track during this period. Renee Tomkins was awarded one of the highest honours, being selected in the NSW/ACT State team that played South Australia at Adelaide Oval and absolutely justified her selection with a great game despite the team going down by two points.
Diminutive midfielder, Emma Nolan was selected for the Sydney Team that trekked to Canberra to play the nations capital’s representative side. After a tardy start, Sydney stormed home and went agonisingly close to pulling off an upset win, going down by just three points.
Football resumes this Saturday at Greygums Oval with first grade taking on ladder leaders, NSW University, Reserves play Balmain and Third’s face up to NSW Uni with the first match to commence at 10:00 AM. The Ramettes have a bye.
Netball
AFTER a busy start to the Premier League season, Penrith had a week off to finish May, before playing Sutherland last Wednesday. In a tight contest Penrith went down 55-43. The Under 20’s side went agonisingly close to victory, with Sutherland proving too good, winning 48-47. GWS and UTS are the upcoming fixtures for the girls, with the Panthers currently sitting 7th in the Premier League and 4th in the Under 20’s competitions.
Rugby Union
THE long weekend was an immense weekend for the Penrith Emus. While the seniors played Sydney Uni and showed the tenacity and determination that has become a part of the club culture, it was the juniors that stole the limelight. The First Grade Colts played a team sitting top of the table, and matched them try for try, only losing as a result of a couple of wayward kicks. Our Colts president was very proud of the boys, tweeting “this team is a positive sign for the club as the majority of them are products of our very successful junior program.”
Our junior program was also on display this weekend, with our bumblebee striped juniors competing in the NSW State Championships. Each team had success over the weekend, with the U12’s making it to the final day, a fantastic effort. This weekend sees the seniors home to Northern Suburbs Rugby FC. Get down to the ground and support the team!
Ice Hockey
THE Sydney Bears had eight participants in last weekends AIHL All-Star game. In an event that was fun for the whole family, the game didn’t disappoint, with ‘Team Schlamp’ beating ‘Team Armstrong’ 10-9. The Bears also had success in the skills challenge element of the weekend, with Brian Funes winning the elimination shootout, and goalie Anthony Kimlin taking out the goalie race. In other hockey news, the USA and Canadian teams are in town this weekend in Homebush for their annual All-Star series. Tickets still available.