I have tried to see as many 16as games as I could so I could get a taste of the next years 1sts. Very good season from most of the teams with some very skilled players in the mix. I have noticed that there has not been many summaries of the 16as so I thought I’ll give it a crack, I’ll also try to mention standout players (from what I’ve seen) here I go:
Ashgrove-
Outstanding season from the Blue and Gold with not losing a game so far, the forward pack being spectacular in the breakdowns and the tight 5 being ruthless with running of 10 making vital metres also having ruthless defence around the ruck, the Ashgrove backs are also good firsts material with executing moves with speed and meaning, lot of heart in this team and I would love to see them go undefeated. (I have not seen enough of their games to point out stand out players)
SEC-
Another great squad who are quite a skilled team, just a well drilled team who punished SPLC and SLC. A tight knit forward pack barely making any areas and letting the 9 get quick ball to the backs. I would have to say that the 8 and the 2 from the forwards would be the stand outs from the forwards, and the 10 and the 12 being standouts from the backs, very good season from these boys who I guess are going to be very successful next year.
SPC-
I would have to say that SPC did well this season surprisingly, with the backline making numerous mistakes. But the forward back being the complete opposite, being aggressive in there play punishing the other forwards in the competition, I would have to say from what I’ve seen they are absolute hard nuts, bit over eccentric (bit grubby) but non the less and good forward back, I would have to say the standouts would be the two locks and the 2 centres who are brutal defenders and ball runner. I would also like to add that the halfback was a skilled ballplayer who would do great things at fly-half. This side looks very Opens ready, best of luck to them.
Iona-
Not the season that the boys from Wynnum wanted, I thought they could have been premiership contenders this year but maybe luck just wasn’t on their side. I thought that they were a very skilled side with hard running backs and a good forward pack to pummel the defence. I have to admit that I saw none of their games so I can’t mention any standouts
Villa-
Unlucky for the Villa boys with only 2 wins from the season but a could be win this Saturday, I would have to say this isn’t one of the strongest sides from Villa with Peters winning their first ever game against them. But I would have to say that forwards let them down this season getting trampled in the rucks and mauls, my standouts would be the 3 loosies. Unlucky season boys, best of luck for next year.
SPLC-
Not recognised as a good rugby team at all but still managed to hold their own against much bigger and better opposition. Congrats to the side who have won their first ever game in AIC, I heard that backs let them down with many handling errors. Heard it was a half-decent forward pack with standout players being both locks, and the number 8, going to be interesting next year, best of luck.
SLC-
Last but not least, the might Black and gold, not the season the boys wanted, with not winning a single match, forwards just simply got ran over and the backs got outplayed with ease, don’t really know what’s going on with the SLC coaching staff but that is there issue, hopefully we will see the best of these young boys next year.
Very good season from all the schools with my young talents popping up everywhere, I am sorry for my lack of knowledge of the season but I tries at least, feel free to leave suggestion and/or corrections, best of luck for your last games before Opens and good luck to all the year 12s as their final game for their school, play hard boys.
Best of luck
Dale