And then there was one. Last Saturday’s results made the final table clearer as results took an almost predictable turn. Yes, the Kings Cattle boys had a good victory at Hunters Hill with the predicted Holstein herd too large for the cattle dogs. It was only the sprightly lambs of the Catholic Kids who frolicked later in the game that allowed Joeys in with a whiff. Newington Wookies were as predictable at being unpredictable. What was dragged from the underground oven was not the most pleasant meal and ever improving Riverview (cheered on by the Loretto girls camped inside daddy’s new Mercedes 4WD) took the chicken curry puffs and water cress sandwiches but left the pork rolls alone. The Dark Empire, as was foreseen by Darth Lambert, defeated (but not decimated) the brave northern Shore men using the tried a true play book modelled on General Rommel’s African corp. Grind them into the ground and then let the heavy artillery have respite as the ground troops mop up the rest. Will this tactic work again? Is there hope somewhere in the GPS universe to stop them? Let’s see what this weekend holds.
Shore vs Riverview at Stirling bridge Battle ground.
The Shore men took great pride (and plenty of after game supper I’m told) from lasts weeks tussle with the Empire. Predictably they bravely took plenty of punishment in the first half, it was the resting of the Empires heavier, stronger weapons that allowed them the chance to find some consistency and provide evidence of that elusive “weakness” in the Death Star. Scots have fearsome “up and in” defense and no brave team has yet to breech. Shore gave a small insight to breaking this with a short kick behind the defense which allowed the Brave hearts to hurry through and take the ball and score. Adaptation in the face of adversity is the key. Shore on the wind-swept battle grounds of North “Stirling” Bridge are not an easy prospect. The Shore coaching staff may try to adopt the new recipe against the ever-improving Riverview team. This said, Riverview are enjoying a late season surge (like the aftertaste of a Chateau Feret Lambert Bordeaux) that may see them finish much higher on the ladder. The recipe of choice is hard to predict but pundits in Lane Cove has realized than when properly motivated by the promise of large hot chips with chicken salt from Big Barra Seafoods,the Riverview team can achieve wonders. View’s downside though is their genetically inherited over-confidence, as is the practice of those who are driven to school by nannies in BMW’s, and could be surprised when venturing away from safe confines the Lane Cove Mall. Riverview, I feel shall need a few more supporters on the eastern sideline to help. Shore will be there in large noisy numbers. They smell a chance of an upset. Heaven forbid, View may even ask the Monte girls to come along with the promise that the Riverview boys may consider speaking to them at the Lane Cove Market Square. Riverview by a case of Mudgee reds
Newington vs Kings battle on Planet Kashyyyk
This weekend the Black and White faithful gather upon the hallowed grounds Stanmore for their annual pilgrimage of all things Wyvern. Tribes from across the south pacific, the Harold Matthew Cup team and various colorful racing identities will converge on Kashyyyk Number 1. Last weekend’s Newington’s offering of Kapisi Pulu (Cabbage And Corned Beef In Coconut Milk) was sour and many pundits were thinking that a dish of LO'I FEKE (Octopus in Coconut Cream) will be a better idea this weekend. Newington will need the eight arms of an octopus to wrap up the Holstein Herd from Parramatta who will be bringing their dust soaked utes, large picnic tables with a sensible spread of perfect crust-free tuna and cucumber sandwiches, British strawberries, Queen Victoria's chocolate ganache sponge and jam pennies (crust-free jam sandwiches the size of an old English penny). How will the clash of menus go? Newington will hopefully serve up to the faithful a much more consistent effort than their last outing against View. There is some fire yet to be belched from the Newington Dragon. Much will depend upon how they handle the land tanks of Kings who brushed aside the aggressive Joeys blue heelers. Kings will be building to make the final stand on behalf of all free star systems everywhere when they face down the Dark Empire in the final round. Kings will not wish to let anything other than a rock-hard lavender meringue with strawberry cream be the norm on the day. Close to call but Kings by at least a dozen melon and prosciutto with blue cheese wraps.
Scots vs St Joseph’s on the Death Star main oval
Somewhere in a galaxy far, far away……. Throughout this season the Bellevue faithful have witnessed one of the most impressive teams assembled in the past decade. Russian fit, scientifically fine-tuned, supplemented with all the best the Scots Sports has to offer, then trained by the best coaches in the marketplace. Such is the domination that many can see nothing but total and utter annellation of the Joeys boys who make their way again to the sacrificial altar that is the Death Star. The lust for GPS glory has long poisoned the mind of the leader ship and even the Scots Imperial Senate was swept aside in this quest for world domination. So, what will happen this weekend.
1. Scots will win with the same cold, ruthless efficiency by using the ultra “blitzkrieg” tactics that have been employed so far in 2017. They have been destructive in defense first which sets up the 1st half victory. This is when they power down their weapons of mass destruction and send in the secondary foot soldiers to hold the fort while the super fortresses are rested.
OR
2. Joeys will be smarter than people think and exploit a weakness only the keenest of eye have recently seen.
Those who enjoy Sidesteppa’s video will have noted the following about the Empires game plan. The rush up defense with larger storm troopers being placed on the oppositions 10/12 players has made attacking the Scots line difficult. These defending troopers strangle any creativity for the opposition men out wide by hurting the inside backs. No side has yet burst Scots open. Shore showed in their second half that can score by using small kicks behind the line to allow them a chance but as well, place doubt in the Scots defenders who may then hang back. This creates space, space is what Joeys want. In addition, Scots do not cover the inside, alternate angle of an opposition at the breakdown. Think George Cregan to Owen Finnegan pass which worked so well against the French and All Blacks. This pass will only draw the Imperial walkers back towards the breakdown which will free up the opposition backs to run at an equally sized defense. Joeys one-on-one works well after last weeks efforts against Kings. IMHO they do have a talented back line with Captain “Solo” Creagh a real danger if given room. The Joeys lads will want their spring lambs to run freely in open space. This weekend the Joeys backs must be more red kangaroo in their approach. Fast, fearless, aggressive and out run the slower Scots troopers over the entire game. If Joeys are to win it, it will be at the back end and not at the beginning of the game. Will it happen? What ever does prevail it will provide even more detail on where the Dark Empire can be attacked and with that in mind, Kings may be our universe’s final hope. Scots by a dozen Pulmer Road burgers.
Joeys training the new wingers
, games on Johnson start with New 6ths vs Kings 8ths at 845am, leading up to the big game at 3.15. Other games of particular interest may be the 16As on Johnson at 1245, the 13As on Old Boys #2 at 1pm and the 15As at 10am on Old Boys #2. Unfortunately, the 14s are at Tempe, starting with the 14Es at 8am and the 14As at 12 but it's worth the journey to see the future of black and white rugby.
