I remember the whole home and away and this just made the season play out longer. Teams struggled at times with depth. Joeys had the issue with their selections. They would pick a 1st XV and then stick with it. Since there was such a small trial period, Joeys struggled to get things right and hence had start pre-season much earlier, while some schools had teams selected almost by Jan 1 each year.
Since we have returned to the one round format, we have seen all schools benefit with a much longer pre-season which has allowed schools to really tinker with the make up. Last year Joeys had approx. 30 boys play in the 1st XV till they got the mix just right and hence the competition was much closer. Once again Joeys have used at least 27 boys getting the 2019 model in shape. In addition, it also helps the 2nd and 3rds.
This weekend Joeys goes for an amazing 4th GOLDEN TRIPLE CROWN. (term given to me by another old boy)
All three grades as champions. Joeys have had only three years in the past that this has occurred.
In 1935 the Joeys 1st, 2nd & 3rd XV was GOLDEN TRIPLE CROWN winning season
In 1936 the Joeys 1st, 2nd & 3rd XV was GOLDEN TRIPLE CROWN winning season (2nd XV had a record of 253 for 0 against)
In 1957 the Joeys 1st, 2nd & 3rd XV was GOLDEN TRIPLE CROWN winning season
In 1918 they would have won if not for the Joeys 1st XV drawing their first match with Kings.