Shalom, B&W.
I have heard rumours that Angus Bell (from Newington, now playing for the Waratahs) has a brother that is just as good, if not better than the Aussie Schoolboy.
If you have any updates regarding team placement and/or talent level, please do let the forum know.
I remember watching him play prior to my nephew once (he was in 15A's I believe), looked as though he was playing somewhere in the back row? I could be mistaken however.
Hammer.
Hello Hammer, my apologies for getting you confused with another member.
More than happy to provide an insight, into what is an exciting time for New Rugby.
I can only go on last years observations and a few stories.
Newington last year had strong performances in all their A teams.
13As Won 10, only lost 1 to the champion Scots side. Whom they beat in the Preseason19-15. They lost 10-5 in the return fixture. But I gather but sides well matched. Both Newington and Scots were generally Head and Shoulders above other opponents.Including Joeys whom Newington beat 42-0. Apart from Scots, Kings were their next most difficult opponent. They won 19-14 in a real tight game, but were leading 12-0 until the Kings got a measure of new's nibble backline. Also, bit of complacency might crept into the team.
An outstanding team with a brilliantly create backline, who can score from any position on the field.Including on their try line. Don't know their names, but they have a Ken Wright/Bret Papworth type player in the centres or at No10. In fact he is not alone, but I recognise more so because of his head gear.
14As, had trouble in their initial games losing their first two games by two points. Lost to Scots about 15-31 them reversed the score in the second encounter. Regretablarly, they had too many injuries against Kings and Joeys who really, put the point on them. SJC 71-0 and TKS 37-0. But the reserve players in the lower grades benefitted from their experience.
They were least successful team losing 6 and winning 5. Three of the loses were by less than a penalty goal. So a working progress. Some boys at Kings have told me that two boys from a Catholic MCCSchool have arrived as part of New's Yr9 intake. They highly are highly rated.
The 15As, were undefeated as the 13As and 14As. Lost only one a game against Shore. 12-17. But put away, some other schools by big Margins Trinity77-5, Scots 85-5 and 35-7. View by 50-0. they played poorly against Joeys and had a 14-14 Draw.They have a few backs that are really big.
Except to see some of these players in the firsts.
Quick Hands can also provide an insight into this team, more so than me, he could even give you some names of players to watch. As his son is in this talented age Group.
The 16As have undergone a massive improvement due the promotion of about 5 players from the above champion side. these were boys who last year I was told were in year 10, but taken out of the 15s to play in the 16s, so may get two years experience in the open division.They beat Kings 31-0 and nearly, in my view could have beaten Joeys 16As. Had not a Joeys player been injured requiring play to stop. The momentum was certainly, with Newington after a slow start.
The open division is more difficult to predict due the year 11 Intake. But except to see some big boys in these teams which is word from the Barker game.Again reports from the Barker game were, New has some brilliantly gifted backs. Which we will need with the lost of our Australian Schoolboy Winger. My apologies I keep forgetting his name. But who knows, he could have a speedy recovery and won't the other teams know it.
Just on the school's culture, it appears that a more Rugby outlook has emerged. With the soccer culture slowing.On Saturdays in winter, the hill on the embankment can get really crowded. That can't be said for the soccer ovals who look, very much deserted. Also, the school this year welcomed 240 boys into the school in Year 7. So hopefully this will contribute to greater Rugby numbers. On negative side numbers in the open division struggle . A small boarding house and the introduction of Aussie Rules doesn't help either.
I hope,Blue Gum, you find these details interesting. I am always open to other views and I will do my best to provide a balanced insight But I have a tendency to see things in Black and White.
Kind Regards
B&W
