Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union
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AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Yeah p.Tah it was probably the advert of the upcoming round. Recently on the Herald blog with James Gardiner it was also mentioned that Rugby may be getting a "game of the round" or something to that effect broadcasted each week (or it could be streamed online - something like that) by the same people who are recording the local League game. Whether on TV or streamed online it would be a great thing to have a weekly NHRU game reach a wider audience.
In the women's Rugby news I've yet to get the scores for the latest rounds but our administration has gone into battle over a matter regarding age of players. I don't know what level of Rugby it is but a governing body (possibly NSW Country) is trying to scrap 16 & 17 yr olds from playing all age women's Rugby. If this comes in it will seriously damage the local comp which has lots of players in those age groups. I personally started when I was 16 & frankly see no higher risk of injury in Rugby than Soccer at that same age. Hopefully our admin puts up a good fight & common sense wins. On the rumour mill I can also add to the rumour of Easts women's team wanting to return with the new rumour that the Waratahs girls also want to return. My feeling is it would take a few years for this to eventuate as both do not have substantial numbers as of now. The Waratah idea I believe is the brain child of 2-3 players whereas Easts have an unknown number of women interested.
Ladies day at Hamilton was great & I caught up with the girls + watched the Hawks win most grades. Premier 1 was very impressive Hawks winning 45-20 against Maitland but the Blacks werent disgraced, they had some good breaks, put Hamilton under pressure a lot in the first half leading to a Hawk sin binning. Ultimately Hawks just too much class. I got out to see C Grade & was surprised to see a former Uni trainer is now at the Blacks, basically said he felt it was the right time to move on. More rumours/ramblings, word at the ground from a Green supporter mate of mine is that Easts will be lucky to last 1-5 years - hmmmmm, I'd expect that from a Slime supporter, lol. I think Easts are going through some tough times at the moment with injury but they were very competitive today against Roos in P1 going down 17-15 & they won in all other grades. Word from another friend who is close to Easts colts seems to confirm the issues are primarily injury related.
The other stand out result in men's Premier 1 was The Waratahs v Southern Beaches. Tahs demolished Beaches 64-0. WTF happened to Beaches I wonder? This victory plus the one last week against Greens (albiet with some Greens out injured) is confirmation to me that the Tahs are a serious Premiership contender for 2013 - early days but still they are looking good. Article on the game below.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1461734/waratahs-run-riot-over-southern-beaches/?cs=306
In the women's Rugby news I've yet to get the scores for the latest rounds but our administration has gone into battle over a matter regarding age of players. I don't know what level of Rugby it is but a governing body (possibly NSW Country) is trying to scrap 16 & 17 yr olds from playing all age women's Rugby. If this comes in it will seriously damage the local comp which has lots of players in those age groups. I personally started when I was 16 & frankly see no higher risk of injury in Rugby than Soccer at that same age. Hopefully our admin puts up a good fight & common sense wins. On the rumour mill I can also add to the rumour of Easts women's team wanting to return with the new rumour that the Waratahs girls also want to return. My feeling is it would take a few years for this to eventuate as both do not have substantial numbers as of now. The Waratah idea I believe is the brain child of 2-3 players whereas Easts have an unknown number of women interested.
Ladies day at Hamilton was great & I caught up with the girls + watched the Hawks win most grades. Premier 1 was very impressive Hawks winning 45-20 against Maitland but the Blacks werent disgraced, they had some good breaks, put Hamilton under pressure a lot in the first half leading to a Hawk sin binning. Ultimately Hawks just too much class. I got out to see C Grade & was surprised to see a former Uni trainer is now at the Blacks, basically said he felt it was the right time to move on. More rumours/ramblings, word at the ground from a Green supporter mate of mine is that Easts will be lucky to last 1-5 years - hmmmmm, I'd expect that from a Slime supporter, lol. I think Easts are going through some tough times at the moment with injury but they were very competitive today against Roos in P1 going down 17-15 & they won in all other grades. Word from another friend who is close to Easts colts seems to confirm the issues are primarily injury related.
The other stand out result in men's Premier 1 was The Waratahs v Southern Beaches. Tahs demolished Beaches 64-0. WTF happened to Beaches I wonder? This victory plus the one last week against Greens (albiet with some Greens out injured) is confirmation to me that the Tahs are a serious Premiership contender for 2013 - early days but still they are looking good. Article on the game below.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1461734/waratahs-run-riot-over-southern-beaches/?cs=306
Hugh Jarse
Rocky Elsom (76)
AngrySeahorse, presumably the same policies apply to Womens Rugby as per the Male version.
ARU have a policy here for Under 18's and below who desire to play senior footy. See here: http://www.rugby.com.au/tryrugby/Administration/SeniorRugbyPolicy.aspx
ARU have a policy here for Under 18's and below who desire to play senior footy. See here: http://www.rugby.com.au/tryrugby/Administration/SeniorRugbyPolicy.aspx
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
HJ, I was around 50-55kg when I started at 16 & cannot remember any of these precautions - but I started on the wing. Just having a quick look it would appear that there are exceptions & that as long as the girls are not in the front row & are competing against likewise body types then all should be good. Most are girls coming from school girl Rugby, did a "7 weeks of 7's" outside of that, at the bare minimum most are coming from other sporting backgrounds & lastly I can't see any of these girls playing in the front row but mostly in the back line. I'd also mention that when there have been inexperienced girls in the front row (not just girls under the age of 18) the scrums have been uncontested.
There really is nothing wrong with the current way the HWRU is doing things really.
There really is nothing wrong with the current way the HWRU is doing things really.
p.Tah
John Thornett (49)
Thanks. I was impressed they were advertising. Good to see.
p.Tah
John Thornett (49)
Back at home. Foxtel is back. Life is good again.
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Rumour mill has it Newcastle may boycott NSW Country Cockatoo games next year. This is just some comments that have been thrown around.
This note was from back in March on the NHRU site which may lend some support to the idea people in the NHRU are not happy. Interested to know other peoples thoughts on this.
"A total of 13 Newcastle & Hunter players have been selected in the two NSW Country Cockatoos squads, but very disappointingly only four Seniors.
It's hard to understand how the winners (for the sixth successive year) have only 4 selectred and the runners-up (Illawarra) have 10 representatives. On the plus is the selection of nine of our Colts."
This note was from back in March on the NHRU site which may lend some support to the idea people in the NHRU are not happy. Interested to know other peoples thoughts on this.
"A total of 13 Newcastle & Hunter players have been selected in the two NSW Country Cockatoos squads, but very disappointingly only four Seniors.
It's hard to understand how the winners (for the sixth successive year) have only 4 selectred and the runners-up (Illawarra) have 10 representatives. On the plus is the selection of nine of our Colts."
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Below is a link to all the current Combined Country v Lions 2013 discussion.
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/community/threads/country-v-b-i-lions.12774/
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/community/threads/country-v-b-i-lions.12774/
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Went & saw Griffins play Muswellbrook heelers today at Lynn Oval Stockton. Lovely place for Rugby & as a Stocktonian I really did not need to go far for this. Article on this below.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1537270/todd-trench-hits-400/?cs=306
In addition there have been some big results in premier 1 today & in the previous week. Tahs beaten soundly by the Wanderers the week before (albeit the Tahs lost a gun player early on due to a spear tackle). The today Merewether come from 21-0 down to beat Wanderers 26-24.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1537270/todd-trench-hits-400/?cs=306
In addition there have been some big results in premier 1 today & in the previous week. Tahs beaten soundly by the Wanderers the week before (albeit the Tahs lost a gun player early on due to a spear tackle). The today Merewether come from 21-0 down to beat Wanderers 26-24.
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Charity night. x2 games, first was Durham 2nds v All Stars BaaBaas (BB's won), second game was Durham 1sts v Newcastle BaaBaas (made up of players across all Premier teams) - Durham won that game. Nice night out before the main event tomorrow & all the proceeds from the game tonight went to Ronald McDonald House & Hearts in Union charities. The All Stars team had former Wallabies Steve Merrick, David Fitter, Tory Jacques, Garrick Morgan, Ben Darwin and Daniel Manu, plus former Newcastle Wildfires and NSW Waratahs lock Jarrod Heaney & ex-Wildfires Stu Jones, Tony Hogg and Mick Curry. They also had Tim Brasher play, still very quick.
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Hunter Women's Rugby Union (HWRU) SEMI-FINALS 17th/Aug/2013 - BERNIE CURRAN OVAL (NEWCASTLE UNI)
1st Game 4:30pm: 3rd v 4th MEREWETHER-CARLTON (GREENS) VLAKE MACQUARIE (ROOS)
2nd Game 6pm: 1st v 2nd WANDERERS (2BLUES) V UNIVERSITY(SEAHORSES)
My take on the teams going into the semi's:
Merewether-Carlton (season overview): Slime, oh sorry - Greens
, are a lot like Forest Gumps' box of chocolates - you never really know what you're gonna get! First hit out of the year saw the Greens rack up a very competitive 15-5 loss to Wanderers. They had been 5-0 in front going into HT. Their forwards IIRC seemed to run out of steam & enthusiasm in the 2nd half. They chalked up some early round wins against Uni & Lake Mac. After a 3 week dip in performance losing to the other 3 teams (including another competitive 17-5 loss to Wanderers) they had a good win over the Roos 36-26. The Greens started suffering loses to Uni going into the deep end of the season - the most recent being 12-0. It would appear, looking at Rugbynet & the players fronting up for the Greens, that they have a squad that's been rotated around a lot.Lake Macquarie (season overview): Out there at Walters Park, otherwise known as "Disney land", the Roos have made a very good shake of the 2013 season. The team has only just came back to the comp after being out for what I'd estimate is around 4-5 years. They started right out of the blocks with a few wins over Uni & a 15-7 loss to Wanderers in what was a great effort for a newly formed team. The Roos however have been on a losing streak since roughly mid season - injuries have played a big part in this. I would also say that having so many young players not used to playing a full Rugby season has also tested their spirits. They started strong but the bad habits of the old Roos teams gone by seem to have come back with reports of a lot less turning up to training. I have it on good authority that at least x1 gun outside back will be absent for tomorrow.
University (season overview): Interesting season. Big player exodus from last year replaced with sevens players from school girl Rugby. Started the season with a series of losses but started getting wins over Greens & Roos. It is hard to tell whether the Greens rotating roster & the Roos injury woes were more the reason for Uni's wins or whether Uni genuinely improved. Going up against Wanderers in Round 6 Uni held them nil-all at HT before being beaten 19-0. In round 9 they drew with Wanderers 10-all which is the most Wanderers have been pushed all year. The most recent game had Uni beaten a sound 65-7 by Wanderers but they had benched their regular starting scrum half & also had missing their Australian rep hooker - both of those played in the 10-all & 19-0 games. They have had a few players away with travel at times during the season which has temporarily made less experienced girls be in the run on side.
Wanderers (season overview): The
Predictions:
GREENS V ROOS
The Greens have a few handy backs that can pull something out of nothing & a very large forward pack. The Roos have a couple of experienced forwards in amongst the newbies but overall a pack light on experience. The Roos have a lightning quick back line which can do some damage if they get some space.
Greens are very unpredictable to gauge due to not really knowing who the hell will be playing come tomorrow. They have traditionally been well up for the semi's & prelims so I'm going to assume it will be their full strength team. As for the Roos. After forfeiting their last round game of the season I'm afraid the wheels have well & truly come off. I'd like to see long serving Rugby player Bec Bartley into the next week of finals but I think the Roos season will end tomorrow.
WANDERERS V UNI
Wanderers have some very speedy outside backs & seasoned campaigners all over the park. Uni have a small group of very experienced big game players also. Uni's strength is mainly the forward pack (not surprising as most Uni backs from last year went to the Roos), they seem to get more points from their pack than their backs, but their halves combo is very good. I expect a big game from Uni's fly half.
This battle will be fiery! Punches have been exchanged between these teams this year! Being at home will help Uni. The Uni men's teams will have played before them & I'm sure many will stay to support them. Both teams will be desperate for a week off. Uni are capable but I think Wanderers will get up here.
I will take the camera tomorrow & try to get a few shots of the games. Till then.
rickety knees
Allen Oxlade (6)
Angry, whats happening in the mens comp up there ? Can you give us a bit of a preview on the 1st grade sides and who is likely to be there on grand final day.
Also i hear there is a possible comp re-structure up there. Premier being reduced from 10 to 8 clubs. Whats your view on this ?
Also i hear there is a possible comp re-structure up there. Premier being reduced from 10 to 8 clubs. Whats your view on this ?
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Gday rickety! How are you? Hope all is well in your part of the world
Round 18 is tomorrow then we'll have the first week of finals - I have not seen a lot of men's Rugby this year but I have a couple of points below though.
The ladder in Premier one right now is:
Hamilton
The Waratahs
Merewether-Carlton
Wanderers
Maitland
Southern Beaches
Lake Mac
Uni
Nelson Bay
Easts
Hamilton have wrapped up the minor premiership! Congrats to the Hawks! (knew this some time ago though so a bit late
).Rickety I'd say I like Hamilton for the GF (obviously), they've been pretty consistent & know how to play this time of year. The few Hamilton games I've seen this year indicate they are up for it again this year.
I rate The Waratahs as a definite threat. Round 8 The Tahs were thumped 55-0 against Wanderers. It was at this point I questioned the Tahs chances but I later found out Hayden Pedersen was injured & Auvasa Faleali'i was red carded both early in the 1st half. Both of these players have been brilliant - Auvasa recently impressed playing for NSW Tahs Baa Baas off the bench. The Tahs are a different team even with just Hayden playing so with them both back I can see the Tahs challenging. They paid Wanderers back the favour in round 17 with a 30-7 win (& this was with Hayden but not Auvasa back on deck).
Apparently the Greens (M-C) have employed a "no train Thursday - no play on the weekend" approach which is working for them. They don't look particularly menacing but the Slime are more than capable of pulling out a big game.
Wanderers seem to have rotated players around a fair bit it seems like Louden is matching his team to the opposition week in week out - it's working for them. Greens or 2Blues certainly in it with a chance.
Outside of the top 4 I reckon it would probably be too big of an ask for Southern Beaches & Maitland (crazier things have happened though...). That closes out the top 6 unless the Lake Mac Roos beat The Tahs, & Sth Beaches &/or Maitland lose, but I think both those teams will win their last round games V Uni & the Bay respectively.
As for the re-structure, let me see, we've got currently:
Premier Rugby (4 teams = 1, 2, Colts, & 3): 10 Clubs (as above)
1st Div (A Grade & B Grade): Muswellbrook, Singleton, Southern Lakes, East Maitland, Cooks Hill, Merewether-Carlton, Griffins
2nd Div (C Grade): Singleton, Cessnock, Singleton Army, Wanderers, Maitland, Medowie, Hamilton, Southern Beaches
The talk coming out of Newcastle is maybe something of a vote as to what 2 teams will drop out of the 10 into Division/Grade Rugby. Singleton have dropped down & they are killing is in ABC - probably will be in the GF for all 3. The likely two teams to drop down are Easts & Nelson Bay IMO. One of the talking points is Colts, some say they want to do away with Colts, I don't agree. I heard one suggestion that Colts should not be just held by premier clubs, that is ABC clubs can get up a Colts team then they should be able to do that. I really do like the "ABC grades allowed to have colts" idea, if the ABC colts are playing against premier club colts that may have players occasionally playing in premier2 or 3 or even 1 then the quality of opposition will be high & it may give ABC clubs a chance to develop their club for a shot at premier Rugby. Some say if colts are scrapped younger player will leave for the rival codes.
The idea of having a "promotion-relegation" system is being flown around. I don't know whether that's being genuinely considered but I think that would also be a good idea too. I don't like the idea of a club stuck in div Rugby when they may have aspirations for premier. I was all for Easts coming back in but I'm begrudgingly beginning to agree that an 8-team comp is probably better than 10 (until we get the sort of depth that would allow 10, the results suggest it should be only 8). Others have spoke of merging, for instance Medowie "merging" with Nelson Bay, Easts with the Tahs, etc but these clubs have proud histories & would rather stay stand alone (esp. Easts & Tahs as those 2 are fierce rivals - a merger would never work there & I know Hamilton would not want Easts either).
That's pretty much my input on it. In the meantime I was pretty happy most of the season about not playing this year but since the finals starting being talked about in the women's rugby circles I've been really missing it!
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
HWRU GRAND FINAL (WOMEN'S) 30TH/AUG/2013 WARATAH OVAL 4:30PM
First, here is a recap.
There were two weeks of finals. Week one saw GREENS v ROOS, followed on the same day by WANDERERS v UNI.
I predicted wins for GREENS & WANDERERS & that is what we got. The score for Greens/Roos was not put up on RugbyNet & I did not get the score despite being there. I lost count of the times Greens went over the try line & remembered the Roos tries clearly - there was only one (it did come off a great intercept though). Roos did have their 10, 15, & one winger missing, they also had a few injuries to their forwards. Still, Greens put on a clinic.
In the 2nd game (after the Greens/Roos game) WANDERERS absolutely dominated UNI & took it out 27-5. I did not get any photos because after arriving I was given linesmen duties for the 1st game then ended up as "ball girl" in the 2nd game.
The 2nd week of the finals saw GREENS take on UNI to see who would face Wanderers in the GF. Uni took this game out 26-10. I could not make this game to watch it. My mates from the Greens said they played hard but didn't seem to get much love from the ref. This seemed to be the universal opinion of all the Greens I talked to. Since I was not there I don't know how true that is. What I do know is that Uni have dominated the Greens late in this season so I am not surprised to see them go through.
So now it has come down to this: WANDERERS V UNIVERSITY.
Tomorrow we see two fierce rivals go at it.
WHAT UNI NEED TO DO TO WIN: Uni have beaten Wanderers in all 4 GF's appearances against them, even when Wanderers have gone in as minor premiers. They need to draw inspiration from that. Uni's strength is their forward pack - so I say keep it tight & away from Wanderers counter strikers out wide. If the score is close then Uni may push Wanderers into getting a bit jittery - remember a number of Wanderers girls have never experienced a GF victory against Uni. Nerves from the past can do all kinds of things.
WHAT WANDERERS NEED TO DO TO WIN: Wanderers will not go away in games, it is a trait they've become notorious for & they need to keep to that here. Their outside backs all have some serious toe - I'd be getting it to them as much as possible. I recall last years GF Wanderers went out to a 10-nil lead only to get reeled back in & on the way started to make some bad errors. They will need to cut this out if the game happens to get tight. Their own concentration is really the main thing Wanderers have to be concerned about.
WHO WILL WIN?: For me Wanderers will win tomorrow. Wanderers are a pretty disliked club (like they care, & why should they?) & quite a few people don't like what has happened to Uni in recent times so who the crowd sides with will be interesting. I personally don't care too much, can't stand Wanderers & don't really like what happened to Uni either (can I change my name to "AngryHarp" please?) . I have some good mates playing at Uni still so I guess I'd like Uni to win entirely for them. In the end I hope Rugby is the winner & we have a cracking game tomorrow. This time I will attempt to get some photos.
NEWCASTLE HUNTER RUGBY UNION (MENS)
First here is some good articles from the Herald (1st one is a online talk with James Gardiner on the local Rugby scene):
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1742361/maul-all-blog-with-james-gardiner/?cs=306
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1738371/hawks-coach-scores-italian-job/?cs=306
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1738372/nhru-anderson-medal-win-to-waratah/?cs=306
Rugby News here:
http://www.portprint.com.au/rugbynews2013issue20/
PREMIER 1's MENS
Major Semi: The Waratahs V Hamilton (at Waratah Oval before the girls GF)
Minor Semi: Merewether V Wanderers (at Townson Oval)
Since I've had not much of a look at the other Premier grades or 1st or 2nd Div I'm steering clear of those. Will give a word or two on how the GF's for Premier 2,3 & Colts pans out though.
I will see at least some of Tahs v Hamo tomorrow. The Tahs look red hot I have to say & I feel that they may get up tomorrow (I still think Hamilton will get into the GF but might need another week - an additional game might actually be a good thing for Hamo, I'm thinking Tah v Hamo GF).
Greens have done really well against Wanderers, unbeaten against the Poons since 2009 I believe so I'm backing them to get up.
First, here is a recap.
There were two weeks of finals. Week one saw GREENS v ROOS, followed on the same day by WANDERERS v UNI.
I predicted wins for GREENS & WANDERERS & that is what we got. The score for Greens/Roos was not put up on RugbyNet & I did not get the score despite being there. I lost count of the times Greens went over the try line & remembered the Roos tries clearly - there was only one (it did come off a great intercept though). Roos did have their 10, 15, & one winger missing, they also had a few injuries to their forwards. Still, Greens put on a clinic.
In the 2nd game (after the Greens/Roos game) WANDERERS absolutely dominated UNI & took it out 27-5. I did not get any photos because after arriving I was given linesmen duties for the 1st game then ended up as "ball girl" in the 2nd game.
The 2nd week of the finals saw GREENS take on UNI to see who would face Wanderers in the GF. Uni took this game out 26-10. I could not make this game to watch it. My mates from the Greens said they played hard but didn't seem to get much love from the ref. This seemed to be the universal opinion of all the Greens I talked to. Since I was not there I don't know how true that is. What I do know is that Uni have dominated the Greens late in this season so I am not surprised to see them go through.
So now it has come down to this: WANDERERS V UNIVERSITY.
Tomorrow we see two fierce rivals go at it.
WHAT UNI NEED TO DO TO WIN: Uni have beaten Wanderers in all 4 GF's appearances against them, even when Wanderers have gone in as minor premiers. They need to draw inspiration from that. Uni's strength is their forward pack - so I say keep it tight & away from Wanderers counter strikers out wide. If the score is close then Uni may push Wanderers into getting a bit jittery - remember a number of Wanderers girls have never experienced a GF victory against Uni. Nerves from the past can do all kinds of things.
WHAT WANDERERS NEED TO DO TO WIN: Wanderers will not go away in games, it is a trait they've become notorious for & they need to keep to that here. Their outside backs all have some serious toe - I'd be getting it to them as much as possible. I recall last years GF Wanderers went out to a 10-nil lead only to get reeled back in & on the way started to make some bad errors. They will need to cut this out if the game happens to get tight. Their own concentration is really the main thing Wanderers have to be concerned about.
WHO WILL WIN?: For me Wanderers will win tomorrow. Wanderers are a pretty disliked club (like they care, & why should they?) & quite a few people don't like what has happened to Uni in recent times so who the crowd sides with will be interesting. I personally don't care too much, can't stand Wanderers & don't really like what happened to Uni either (can I change my name to "AngryHarp" please?
) . I have some good mates playing at Uni still so I guess I'd like Uni to win entirely for them. In the end I hope Rugby is the winner & we have a cracking game tomorrow. This time I will attempt to get some photos.NEWCASTLE HUNTER RUGBY UNION (MENS)
First here is some good articles from the Herald (1st one is a online talk with James Gardiner on the local Rugby scene):
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1742361/maul-all-blog-with-james-gardiner/?cs=306
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1738371/hawks-coach-scores-italian-job/?cs=306
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1738372/nhru-anderson-medal-win-to-waratah/?cs=306
Rugby News here:
http://www.portprint.com.au/rugbynews2013issue20/
PREMIER 1's MENS
Major Semi: The Waratahs V Hamilton (at Waratah Oval before the girls GF)
Minor Semi: Merewether V Wanderers (at Townson Oval)
Since I've had not much of a look at the other Premier grades or 1st or 2nd Div I'm steering clear of those. Will give a word or two on how the GF's for Premier 2,3 & Colts pans out though.
I will see at least some of Tahs v Hamo tomorrow. The Tahs look red hot I have to say & I feel that they may get up tomorrow (I still think Hamilton will get into the GF but might need another week - an additional game might actually be a good thing for Hamo, I'm thinking Tah v Hamo GF).
Greens have done really well against Wanderers, unbeaten against the Poons since 2009 I believe so I'm backing them to get up.
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
2013 HWRU Grand Final result Wanderers 48 defeated University 5. More of a write up to come later.
Men's first Semi final Premier one result: The Waratahs 27 defeated Hamilton 15.
Men's 2nd Semi final Premier one result: Wanderers 32 defeated Merewether Carlton 30.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1744392/waratahs-storm-home-in-nhru-major-semi/?cs=306
Men's first Semi final Premier one result: The Waratahs 27 defeated Hamilton 15.
Men's 2nd Semi final Premier one result: Wanderers 32 defeated Merewether Carlton 30.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1744392/waratahs-storm-home-in-nhru-major-semi/?cs=306
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
2013 RECAP of the last few weeks.
Semi final week we saw The Waratahs go straight through to the GF in Premier 1 men's. Merewether were eliminated by Wanderers, Merewether blew a 5 try lead - Wanderers a little lucky for mine.
During that same weekend we had the women's GF betweenWanderers & Uni. Wanderers demolishing Uni 48 to 5. Upon entering the ground I was made aware the Uni Hooker (Aus rep) was overseas to attend a wedding - the absence of her experience would hurt Uni's chances. Wanderers were on the attack from the very start & Uni conceded points early. A number of Uni players came from the field injured (as a spectator from Lake Mac said next to me "they are dropping like flies"). A mate of mine in the Uni side unfortunately suffered a massive head cut from an accidental elbow - she later had to go to hospital. Having copped a number of injuries to their forwards Uni seemed to turn to their back line - Uni's fullback was having a good game, very good running from the back but lacked the players around her to help capitalise. Wanderers just never looked out of control. Late in the game Uni's flyhalf went in for a try (Uni's last 15 mins was their best of the game). Wanderers too strong all game ended it with a try to one of their quick backrowers right under the posts. Of all the GF battles between these two sides this is Wanderers first victory over Uni.
Massive screw up from the women's Rugby admin as after the game the GF Trophy ("Wal") & the medals to be given to the players - ALL ABSENT, someone forgot to bring them! The players have them now.
After the game I also learnt Uni had a couple of players going into the GF carrying injuries. This became noticeable during the 2nd half when a couple of Uni players came from the field appearing injured.
IMHO with all due respect to Uni's effort as they have a lot of new girls this year I thought their performance was not particularly good. A couple of Uni players have spoken to me at how disappointing their final effort was.
I would also like to mention how ridiculous the rep schedule is for women's Rugby now. We used to have Newcastle & NSW Country rep duties out of the way usually by mid season but this year there were rep games the week BEFORE the GRAND FINAL. Absolutely stupid scheduling, not the fault of HWRU as the local comp has not changed its dates - this issue is at rep level.
For next year hopefully we'll see the return of Hamilton (PS. Anyone interested or know of anyone interested in playing for Hamilton women's - let me know!). There has also been various interest in women's teams from Maitland, Nelson Bay, Easts, & even Waratah - though I believe it may be a few years before any of these team re-emerge.
Now back to premier men's:
The elimination Semi saw Hamilton 43 beat Wanderers 8.
Comprehensive result from Hamilton but they've taken a blow with multiple injury concerns. Sione played with a fracture in his foot I believe & other players are under injury clouds. Todd Louden finishes with Wanderers in 3rd. Hamilton's coach Scott Coleman is in his final year at the Hawks as he will be taking up a coaching job in Italy.
Grand Final's, 14th/Sep/13, No.2 Sportsground Newcastle
PREMIER 1 (3pm)
The Waratahs v Hamilton Hawks
The Tahs are the fav's, they are on fire, they've got some serious attacking fire power in their team. Just about everyone I've talked to is tipping The Tahs. The Hawks have injury concerns on top of dealing with the opposition but I'm tipping an upset. Hawks are minor premiers for a reason & they are capable of toppling the Tahs.
PREMIER 2 (1:05pm)
Maitland v Hamilton Hawks
Gotta go with Maitland, my understanding is they are undefeated in premier 2's. Sure the same happened to the Greens who were undefeated in P2's but Maitland are looking good. Hamilton underdogs here too so maybe they'll play without too much pressure.
PREMIER COLTS (11:35am)
Merewether Carlton v Hamilton Hawks
A lot of people tipping the Greens. I can't pick it either way.
PREMIER 3 (10:05am)
Merewether Carlton v Wanderers
Well you can certainly bet on Wanderers supporters turning up for P3's then leaving I'm tipping the Greens.
Rugby News:
http://www.portprint.com.au/rugbynews2013issue22/
1st & 2nd Div
A bit of a stink over the ABC GF's read here:http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1754537/nhru-lower-grades-dirty-after-league-dumps-no2/?cs=306
Semi final week we saw The Waratahs go straight through to the GF in Premier 1 men's. Merewether were eliminated by Wanderers, Merewether blew a 5 try lead - Wanderers a little lucky for mine.
During that same weekend we had the women's GF betweenWanderers & Uni. Wanderers demolishing Uni 48 to 5. Upon entering the ground I was made aware the Uni Hooker (Aus rep) was overseas to attend a wedding - the absence of her experience would hurt Uni's chances. Wanderers were on the attack from the very start & Uni conceded points early. A number of Uni players came from the field injured (as a spectator from Lake Mac said next to me "they are dropping like flies"). A mate of mine in the Uni side unfortunately suffered a massive head cut from an accidental elbow - she later had to go to hospital. Having copped a number of injuries to their forwards Uni seemed to turn to their back line - Uni's fullback was having a good game, very good running from the back but lacked the players around her to help capitalise. Wanderers just never looked out of control. Late in the game Uni's flyhalf went in for a try (Uni's last 15 mins was their best of the game). Wanderers too strong all game ended it with a try to one of their quick backrowers right under the posts. Of all the GF battles between these two sides this is Wanderers first victory over Uni.
Massive screw up from the women's Rugby admin as after the game the GF Trophy ("Wal") & the medals to be given to the players - ALL ABSENT, someone forgot to bring them! The players have them now.
After the game I also learnt Uni had a couple of players going into the GF carrying injuries. This became noticeable during the 2nd half when a couple of Uni players came from the field appearing injured.
IMHO with all due respect to Uni's effort as they have a lot of new girls this year I thought their performance was not particularly good. A couple of Uni players have spoken to me at how disappointing their final effort was.
I would also like to mention how ridiculous the rep schedule is for women's Rugby now. We used to have Newcastle & NSW Country rep duties out of the way usually by mid season but this year there were rep games the week BEFORE the GRAND FINAL. Absolutely stupid scheduling, not the fault of HWRU as the local comp has not changed its dates - this issue is at rep level.
For next year hopefully we'll see the return of Hamilton (PS. Anyone interested or know of anyone interested in playing for Hamilton women's - let me know!). There has also been various interest in women's teams from Maitland, Nelson Bay, Easts, & even Waratah - though I believe it may be a few years before any of these team re-emerge.
Now back to premier men's:
The elimination Semi saw Hamilton 43 beat Wanderers 8.
Comprehensive result from Hamilton but they've taken a blow with multiple injury concerns. Sione played with a fracture in his foot I believe & other players are under injury clouds. Todd Louden finishes with Wanderers in 3rd. Hamilton's coach Scott Coleman is in his final year at the Hawks as he will be taking up a coaching job in Italy.
Grand Final's, 14th/Sep/13, No.2 Sportsground Newcastle
PREMIER 1 (3pm)
The Waratahs v Hamilton Hawks
The Tahs are the fav's, they are on fire, they've got some serious attacking fire power in their team. Just about everyone I've talked to is tipping The Tahs. The Hawks have injury concerns on top of dealing with the opposition but I'm tipping an upset. Hawks are minor premiers for a reason & they are capable of toppling the Tahs.
PREMIER 2 (1:05pm)
Maitland v Hamilton Hawks
Gotta go with Maitland, my understanding is they are undefeated in premier 2's. Sure the same happened to the Greens who were undefeated in P2's but Maitland are looking good. Hamilton underdogs here too so maybe they'll play without too much pressure.
PREMIER COLTS (11:35am)
Merewether Carlton v Hamilton Hawks
A lot of people tipping the Greens. I can't pick it either way.
PREMIER 3 (10:05am)
Merewether Carlton v Wanderers
Well you can certainly bet on Wanderers supporters turning up for P3's then leaving
I'm tipping the Greens.Rugby News:
http://www.portprint.com.au/rugbynews2013issue22/
1st & 2nd Div
A bit of a stink over the ABC GF's read here:http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1754537/nhru-lower-grades-dirty-after-league-dumps-no2/?cs=306
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Results today in the Premier GF's for 2013
Hawks down in all 3 games they were in but congrats to the club for a great overall club effort. Had a great time catching up with people at the ground & had a good chat to a few of the Uni boys.
Premier 1: The Waratahs 17 v 15 Hamilton Hawks
Tahs had two players sent to the bin & missed a penalty goal almost in front but they hung in well. Tahs scored early in the 1st & 2nd half. Hawks played very well, great intercept try in the end off the Tahs star no. 9 at the end (at this point I thought the Hawks would stage a last minute upset but to no avail).
Premier 2: Maitland 19 v 7 Hamilton Hawks
Maitland unbeaten all year & were a class above. Hamilton competed well.
Premier Colts: Merewether Carlton 22 v 5 Hamilton Hawks
Hamilton colts made way too many mistakes, Greens capatalised & had very good defence. Hamilton didn't look like crossing the try line for much of that game.
Premier 3: Merewether Carlton 16 v 13 Wanderers
Greens had to come from behind I believe (did not make all of the 1st game).
Hawks down in all 3 games they were in but congrats to the club for a great overall club effort. Had a great time catching up with people at the ground & had a good chat to a few of the Uni boys.
Premier 1: The Waratahs 17 v 15 Hamilton Hawks
Tahs had two players sent to the bin & missed a penalty goal almost in front but they hung in well. Tahs scored early in the 1st & 2nd half. Hawks played very well, great intercept try in the end off the Tahs star no. 9 at the end (at this point I thought the Hawks would stage a last minute upset but to no avail).
Premier 2: Maitland 19 v 7 Hamilton Hawks
Maitland unbeaten all year & were a class above. Hamilton competed well.
Premier Colts: Merewether Carlton 22 v 5 Hamilton Hawks
Hamilton colts made way too many mistakes, Greens capatalised & had very good defence. Hamilton didn't look like crossing the try line for much of that game.
Premier 3: Merewether Carlton 16 v 13 Wanderers
Greens had to come from behind I believe (did not make all of the 1st game).
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