After some very wet weather in the last fortnight the Lions enjoyed some time on the field today as they tackled the Penrith Swans. It was a slow start to the scoring as neither side could gain an advantage early on until the Swans kicked 3 goals late in the quarter to lead by 12 points at quarter time. The Lions played better in the second quarter to go into the half time break only 14 points behind.
Blake Langer and Wil Arnold started well on the wings today and continually provided the link into the forward line. Julian Borg played a strong game at full back and made life difficult for the Swans forwards. Adrian Boelhouwer played strongly all day and kicked 2 excellent long range goals to keep the Lions in the game. Pat Pope collected kicks all over the ground as did Beau Dingemans. Morgan Pollock played an excellent game in the ruck today and Jeremy Rix played most of the key positions and managed to kick a goal during his time in the forward line. Ben Edwards tried hard all day and sneaked a goal late in the game. Simon Masters had a solid game in the backline.
The Lions came out strong in the third quarter and outscored the Swans to give themselves a chance going into the last quarter. Although the Lions tried hard in the last quarter and never gave up they could not bridge the gap on the day.
Emu Plains / Glenmore Park Lions 5.3-33 def by Penrith Red 8.11-59
Awards: Julian Borg, Blake Langer, Wil Arnold, Pat Pope
Goals: Adrian Boelhouwer 2, Ben Edwards 1, Pat Pope 1, Jeremy Rix 1
This weekend’s game: No Game 6 June 2009
Next Game: Hawkesbury v Emu Plains/Glenmore Park
Date: 13 June 2009
Game Time: 11.00 AM (be there 10.30 AM)
Where: Bensons Lane, Richmond
Under 16's by Paul Hocking
After a week off due to rain and closed grounds, the Under 16 Lions returned to Dukes oval for the local derby against the Penrith Swans. Surprisingly, they both have had the same number if wins and both boast a few rep players. The ground was dry in most areas, with minimal rain on the day coming up to the start of the game. The Swans had a 5 man bench while the Lions were without Luke Crebbin, Grant Martin, Tom Noble, and Dylan Slater and only had 2 reserves. With Tim Wade as goal umpire, Paul Devlin on the boundary, Bob Miller in the Runners jumper, Glen Stevens and John Rix in the coaching positions, all was set for an entertaining clash.
The first quarter was one of the better quarters for the Lions with goals to Blake Daenell, and James Devlin in the opening minutes. Hayden Strong who is improving each week, scored his first goal while Michael Kerr in the forward pocket snapped a goal. One of the highlights was a great move from centre half back to Rick Ooms who kicked long for Blake to score his second goal. The Lions went to the first break in a commanding position 5 – 4 – 34 to 0 – 3 – 3.
The second quarter saw Blake score his third goal, while “Minni” (Kerr) snapped yet another goal. Hayden Strong scored his second and third goal but the game was being won in the Lions defence with Shaun Stevens causing no end of problems for the Swans attack while Ben McGovern was taking great defensive marks and then returning the ball often over the centre area. Along with the rest of the Lions Defensive players, the Swans could not kick a goal in the first half. Going into the long break the Lions increased their lead 8 – 9 – 57 to 0 – 7 – 7.
The third and fourth quarters for the Lions were affected by another forced player absence for a verbal indiscretion while some lose play allowed the Swans to outscore the Lions in both these quarters – just. For each of the last two quarters the swans opened the scoring and scored 3 goals 4 behinds to the Lions 3 goals 2 behinds. The effort to play in front, to bend down and get the ball, to look for a team mate rather than pass to yourself and then lose the ball under pressure, showed that the Lions still need to find the consistent effort to be a serious competition threat. In spurts, the Lions looked unbeatable, like when Nick Adams fists long from the centre, the rovers pick up and kick to centre half forward where Dan Kelly is lurking in front of goal, and then scores maximum points. Minni picked up his 3rd goal this way while Dan’s second goal was a positive way for the Lions to finish.
In the end, with the rain settling in over the ground, and this managers notes washed away with the ink off his team sheet, the Lions recorded a sound victory 14 –13 – 97 to 6 – 15 – 51. Best player awards went to Mark Myhill and Hayden Strong, while others to have strong games include Ben McGovern, Shaun Stevens and Brayden Wilson. Hopefully if the rain holds off long enough, the Lions can train properly over coming weeks to improve their consistency for coming games. Please come and support the boys against Campbelltown at Campbelltown on the 13th June and against the Norwest Jets at Dukes on the 20th June.
Emu Plains / Glenmore Park Lions 14.15-97 def Penrith 6.15-51