The preseason games have finally revealed the flavors of the GPS. While some have made some changes to style and presentation, many are still sticking to tried and true recipes. These are mainly due to sponsorship pressure to continue using imported ingredients and others are due to blind stupidity that they don't realize that the world has moved forward and you cannot simply rest upon the laurels of the past offerings. Those teams that have dared to be adventurous I feel wilt yield results in the long term.
ROUND 1
Shore v Joeys
The Shoremen are too proud, too stubborn to simply walk away from the 1st XV competition. While in the past their offering have been enjoyed by all, the simple fact is that their main ingredient in their Beef and Curry pie simply does not have enough bite. Yes, there is that subtle hint at times of something spicy but not as much to really turn the heads of the opposition. Joeys though have found a balance inspired by country community. A bush lad from Gilgandra will tell you that it can be impossible to catch a spring lamb just before the slaughterhouse bell rings. Hence of late we have seen Joeys adopt a more lively recipe with plenty of hoof work and spring in the back line. Their Lamb and Guinness pies may do the trick with a nod to the fighting Irish. If only the blue heelers mustering the sprightly backs could show more bite and drag the buffaloes of TSC and KINGS down to the ground. Joeys by at least 25 cutlets.
Scots V Newington
The Dark empire continues to spread terror throughout the universe and communities have cowered before their Black Pudding Mystery Pie. The ingredients of this secret weapon used for the past five seasons have yet to be fully revealed and only those brave rebels who have stuck their heads up have given a glimpse into the science labs..I mean kitchens at Bellevue. While the stumble against Auggies was a blip on their road map to total world domination, the other games have provided those keen viewers of Steppa's video with some small glimpses into their possible weakness. While not quite the size of an access vent, Joeys and Kings showed at times Scots can be vulnerable to a quick step and smart ball work. Scots are a like an Imperial walkers, HUGE and relentless but a smart coach would see that if you can bring them down to the ground, they are not as effective. Cut the offloads out, ruck more and swing those quick Newington backs into gear and you may, just may, pull off an upset. Newington, the wild Wookies of the GPS, will give a great showing as they have now settled well and the Pork Pie with Chicken and apricots may surprise. Scots though by at 10 blasters.
Kings V Riverview
The Lords of North Parramatta will be confident this weekend. Tooraks tractors will be shiny, picnic baskets will be full and the Moet will be chilled. All preseason their form has shown that the Ceremonial Pigeon pie has caught the imagination of the Hills faithful. While a celebrated recipe which provides much for the viewer, it can though be heavy on the stomach and make a larger grazier son slow down in those last quarter of the game. This is where I feel St Ignatius may steal it with their Tasmanian scallop pie which has been only recently adopted. Many will under estimate View to their peril. The Lane cove lads love the underdog status which has been honed over many generations when competing with the Aloysius lads for the ladies at Lorette and Monte. View will only improve and this first game comes just at the right time as a more settled kitchen I feel will yield an upset this weekend. View by a 5 scallops and chips.
ROUND 1
Shore v Joeys
The Shoremen are too proud, too stubborn to simply walk away from the 1st XV competition. While in the past their offering have been enjoyed by all, the simple fact is that their main ingredient in their Beef and Curry pie simply does not have enough bite. Yes, there is that subtle hint at times of something spicy but not as much to really turn the heads of the opposition. Joeys though have found a balance inspired by country community. A bush lad from Gilgandra will tell you that it can be impossible to catch a spring lamb just before the slaughterhouse bell rings. Hence of late we have seen Joeys adopt a more lively recipe with plenty of hoof work and spring in the back line. Their Lamb and Guinness pies may do the trick with a nod to the fighting Irish. If only the blue heelers mustering the sprightly backs could show more bite and drag the buffaloes of TSC and KINGS down to the ground. Joeys by at least 25 cutlets.
Scots V Newington
The Dark empire continues to spread terror throughout the universe and communities have cowered before their Black Pudding Mystery Pie. The ingredients of this secret weapon used for the past five seasons have yet to be fully revealed and only those brave rebels who have stuck their heads up have given a glimpse into the science labs..I mean kitchens at Bellevue. While the stumble against Auggies was a blip on their road map to total world domination, the other games have provided those keen viewers of Steppa's video with some small glimpses into their possible weakness. While not quite the size of an access vent, Joeys and Kings showed at times Scots can be vulnerable to a quick step and smart ball work. Scots are a like an Imperial walkers, HUGE and relentless but a smart coach would see that if you can bring them down to the ground, they are not as effective. Cut the offloads out, ruck more and swing those quick Newington backs into gear and you may, just may, pull off an upset. Newington, the wild Wookies of the GPS, will give a great showing as they have now settled well and the Pork Pie with Chicken and apricots may surprise. Scots though by at 10 blasters.
Kings V Riverview
The Lords of North Parramatta will be confident this weekend. Tooraks tractors will be shiny, picnic baskets will be full and the Moet will be chilled. All preseason their form has shown that the Ceremonial Pigeon pie has caught the imagination of the Hills faithful. While a celebrated recipe which provides much for the viewer, it can though be heavy on the stomach and make a larger grazier son slow down in those last quarter of the game. This is where I feel St Ignatius may steal it with their Tasmanian scallop pie which has been only recently adopted. Many will under estimate View to their peril. The Lane cove lads love the underdog status which has been honed over many generations when competing with the Aloysius lads for the ladies at Lorette and Monte. View will only improve and this first game comes just at the right time as a more settled kitchen I feel will yield an upset this weekend. View by a 5 scallops and chips.
