Ok everyone.
Lets see how this weekend stacks up.
The first round of 2020 as seen through the cerise and blue eyes of Joker
Shore v Riverview
In the past you would expect the Lane Cove wolf pack to shove a fresh asparagus spear through the heart of the brave Shoremen. What makes this year different seems to be belief and faith. While the Anglican Puritans of North Sydney have never been lacking in protestant faith (thankfully put in place by Bishop Barry all those years ago) but now it is belief that swells beneath their boaters. With the appointment of proper Rugby Admiral to stir the blue navy boys rugby program, there is now a whiff of excitement in the air for the Shore lads. Have the winds changed? Mothers seem to know. They are shining their Bentley's, wicker picnic baskets are being stocked with imported cheese, French wines and Italian prosciutto (plus those lovely water crackers from the UK). This will not be a given result for the Lane Cove Wolves anymore. I say Shore by six fresh watercress sandwiches. #ShoreExpects
Scots v Newington
Many years ago the sounds of large lumps of flesh smashing into one another was not just come from the bath houses of Oxford Street. No, it was also from highland field of Bellevue when they hosted the equally large lads of Newington. The Wookies seem to be going through slump with a steady decline of rugby numbers being propped up with Tongan cousins flying before the curfew hit. The trials have seen Newington loose to a rampant Kings and they disposed of an ever improving Shore. This weekend they take on a much strengthened Scots team buoyed by the fact two losses mean nothing (what's loss anyway these days) against both GPS contenders and now the season proper can begin. Being played at the Death Star helps enormously (most of the time unless you play a team that has those pesky tie fighters) I cannot see Newington making head way unless they have devious plan to infiltrate the......I do digress. There will be no Tongan drums to drown out the Cranbrook Hill bag pipes (best COVID-19 view in the GPS). Scots by a dozen storm troopers.
Joeys v Kings
This round has always been viewed as a country catch up with the cattle kings of Kings sharing stories with the wheat/sheep farmers of Joeys. In this round though the car park and surrounding streets shall be quiet, the outstanding BBQ service null and hence the locals will not know themselves with such quiet and no one parking in their drive way. Kings in 2020 have been ruthless and efficient. The trial wins against Newington plus a good smacking of Scots have primed them well and the cattle seem to be doing well with out $uaalii. Joeys though is not as clear cut. Injuries have hurt preparation plus the kitchens have been churning out ordinary stodge to provide inspiration (thank goodness the Monday night chicken schnitzel still prevails). Joeys key will be the same as was in 2018 and 2019....blunt force defense. Watch how Joeys strive to allow attacking teams 10m only and push them back. Scots ran the ball side to side but didn't make inroads. Riverview wolf pack to their credit were able to eventually break down Joeys will 20+ phases. Are the Kings cattle ready for such heavy work? Joeys will use this constant aggressive defense as a weapon and then will unleash the cattle dogs to score out wide. This game will break the internet. Too close to call but I am saying Joeys by 3 bushels.
