My understanding is the Rep team selectors approached a few Beecroft forwards, who were not able to accept the invitation to trial as they picked up injuries during the finals. I understand Beecroft's fullback has been included in the squad after a selected back withdrew due to injury!NSW Suburban Rugby Union
www.rugby.net.au
Overall a pretty good mix of premiers. No clubs with more than 2 premierships* and only a few clubs with 2 (Colleagues, Waverley, UNSW & St Pat's).
*edit - Colleagues with 3 premierships including Halligan!
A perfect season in Kentwell is pretty incredible and whilst I was hoping for the upset need to give the lads from Hunters Hill their dues. Great season. You expect the odd undefeated season in the lower divisions or grades but to make it through a really tough Kentwell season with no loss is some effort.
Rep team also looks pretty strong. Not familiar with everyone named but if the large Blueys and Hunters contingent lead the team like they played on Saturday they'll be competitive. Hard to question the merit of selections when you don't know who nominated either but are there any players south of Div 2 (other than the Penrith fella) who could feel aggrieved?
There will always be a top-heavy focus - they're not analysing every single player over every single game, so you have a look at the 1st Grade as the club are likely identifying them as their top 15 players. I'm surprised they looked at Div Two even given you'd assume (rightly or wrongly) that the best players would be at the best clubs - there is definitely a difference in the types of players and styles across the divs; even though I think the quality of rugby in Div Two is incredible having watched plenty of games this season, the Prelims and GF showed me just how talented the top Divs are. It's definitely noticeable but that's also not a dig at D2.
They're the outliers IMO - Waverley had the "worst" day schedule wise and killed their time at the Bath Arms up the street. Newport and Mosman only had the 1 game - you could have argued they could potentially have had that game separate and incorporated the Sutherland into the day at Concord. The fact they had any support (and both the Breakers and Whales had a vocal contingent present, let it be known) is a testament to the clubs being invested in their Colts programs. That game almost knocked the wind out of me.
Did you not hear the Newport chants? They had two buses of supporters.
I also heard the "Whales" remix close to full-time Heavy - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I guess.
Piekuta only played 5 games during the season at 2nd row and one at prop. Hardly one of the best under comp. He was easily replaced by Edward Thompson through out the year or I’d have added Liang from Blacktown had he played more football this year.
CR, hats off to your selections. I would make a few changes though:
Yeah very happy to be wrong about any position especially the the tight 5. Didn't realize Piekuta played so few games.
I’m intrigued as to how the 1st Grade sides would match up amongst the divisions. Take away the wear and tear of having to field more teams etc in the higher grades. Just focus on the 1st Grade sides.
If lighting was improved across the grounds, you'd run it midweek. The problem then becomes the sheer number of clubs.
I think the trouble you’d find is the difference between the quality of clubs throughout the divisions. Merrylands could match it with UNSW but would it be constructive/safe for Mac Uni or Blacktown etc to have a cricket score run up against them.
I think this is massively important for clubs as a whole. Whilst out of their control, it’s important for the game to have this flexibility in playing games outside of the normal 3:15 Saturday window.Also being able to do things like this.
Or just make it an "opt in" comp for those that want to mix it with the other divs
what was 6/6 tips paying?