The nomadic Goannas played host to Campbelltown and Penrith in Round 5 at one of their adopted homes for 2009, Wrights Reserve, hoping to establish a new cauldron whilst Gipps Road is being upgraded.
The Under 18's kicked off the day hoping to score a win against our western Sydney rivals Penrith. The boys were full of run all day and showed great commitment from first siren to last, however the Penrith side were a bit too slick on the day and came away with the points.
Division 4 took to the field against the Rams hoping to build on what has been a strong showing so far this year. The Goannas got out of the blocks quickly, before the Rams pulled it back to only trail by 7 at half time. A tight game was on the cards, with the Rams slowly edging in front, leading by 4 points at half time, and stretched the lead out at the start of the third quarter, before the Goannas pulled it back to 12 points at the last break carrying crucial momentum into the last quarter where they kicked the first 3 goals to regain the lead.
From here on the game was destined for a thrilling finish, both teams going goal for goal, before Wello kicked his second with about a minute left to put the Goannas up by 5 points. The boys held on for that last minute to record their 2nd win of the year.
Division 3 also took on the Rams and were in search of their first win of the year. The boys didn't get the start they were after with Penrith piling on 4 goals to none in the first quarter to take a 24 point lead in at quarter time. The 2nd quarter, however was a completely different story as the Goannas piled on the pressure and the points, kicking 5 goals to 2 to bring the
margin back to 7 at the long break. The 3rd quarter was a mirror image of the first with Penrith breaking the game open, and gaining a lead that they boys weren't able to make up in the last quarter, with the Goannas going down by 37 points, but showing some very encouraging signs.
In the final match of the day the Division 2 Goannas were looking to keep their season's momentum going with a win against Campbelltown, after a strong showing against UTS last week.
The match did not go according to plan in the first half, with a very determined Campbelltown side catching the Goannas off the boil, slotting the first two goals of the game, and taking a
slight lead into the halftime break. The third quarter saw the intensity and physicality of the match really lift, and it was the Goannas who seized the advantage, slamming on 6 goals to finally break away from Campbelltown, and then sealed the game with a polished last quarter to run out 42 point winners.
The prestigious "Goanna Goose" pink shirt award this week was awarded to Riley, whose attempt to kick the ball saw him throw the ball 5 feet in the air and swing his leg through 3 feet underneath it, much to the amusement of those on the sideline. Running a close second was Webby, who managed to give away 3 50m penalties and also land a very firm elbow on a team mates ample snout!
Kristen Carville
Press Officer
Last Modified on 20/10/2009 08:28