CAS Rumour Mill LATE MAIL for the weekend is in. The under 16's will see some big blow away scores and some relatively close matches.
Knox vs Barker: Unconfirmed reports that Tom Cameron (13 Knox) has been sidelined are yet to be confirmed. Alas, the 16's for Barker have been traditionally strong in both the A's and B's grade. This will not be a walkover but it seems that Knox have far too much flair and firepower, particularly coming from fullback Fletcher Watson who has been playing some superb football after he was asked to re-invent himself just before their New Zealand Tour. Word has also come that talent scouters will be at this game keen to see talent for the upcoming representative season. Barker meanwhile have kept their preparation extremely low key with no news to report. The key will be which side can keep their composure under pressure. Knox have shown they are willing to play a high risk game but their execution has suffered. Their last game against Cranbrook, whilst being a comfortable win, should have been a 60 point ball game. You get the sense that Barker's no-frills style of football will definitely get under the skin of Knox. Knox to win by 13 but stranger things have happened.
Cranbrook vs Aloysius: Many people are predicting this game to be a complete blow out but yet we have seen from the Super Rugby season that this isn't necessarily true. Let's look at the Jaguares. Lost to the Sunwolves then posted 72 points the next week. Meanwhile the Sunwolves were able to come back from their public humiliation at the hands of the Cheetahs to steal their first Super Rugby win of the season. These big loses act as a wakeup call. In a school like Cranbrook, they're taken especially to heart. There wasn't much to get excited about for the Brook supporters but they will have fixed that this week. Aloy's meanwhile will continue their solid form and ultimately get the win here. Cranbrook will be a better side this week. Aloys by 22.
Trinity vs Waverley: Waverley have been the only side looking at beating Knox this year. Even with Byron Hollingworth-Dessent Trinity are a lost cause this year. There is nothing else to say here. Waverley by 30+.