Next Saturday marks the start of the GPS 3rd XV competition.
High V Shore (Centennial Park)
TAS v Joeys (Armidale)
Kings V Grammar (Parramatta)
View v Scots (Riverview Mud Pit)
Remember no Newington in 3rds Comp.
I really havent heard too much about TAS or Grammar pre-season trials. Joeys 3rds have taken on a number of school Firsts teams and been strong. Any form feedback on other schools?
High will be doing it tough. Maybe they should play Newington?
Would be great if we could find volunteers to provide score update
Joker, any interest in expanding your tipping comp to 3rds?
3rd XV Comp Preview
After a year off last year, I am back with weekly commentary on the 3rd XV competition which commences on Saturday 28 May.
There are 8 GPS teams competing over 7 rounds for the Col Windon Shield in 2022:
- Grammar 1st XV
- TAS 1st XV
- High 1st XV
- Scots 3rd XV
- Riverview 3rd XV
- Shore 3rd XV
- Kings 3rd XV
- Joeys 3rd XV
(As Armchair Selector notes, Newington does not play in the 3rd XV competition as previously explained on this forum.)
Grammar 1st XV
The defending premiers from 2020 will be keen to retain the shield in 2022. They have suffered some early trial losses against tough opposition but will be ready to defend the title this year. Their fantastic 2020 victory will no doubt provide inspiration for this season.
TAS 1st XV
It’s great to see TAS able to play, now that COVID travel restrictions are behind us. TAS had a recent victory over archrivals Kinross and last weekend played an early Round 6 comp game against High and won 50-0, so they are absolutely in great form to start the season. They will be looking to cause trouble for the Sydney based sides, especially those travelling to Armidale. The last TAS premiership was 2016.
High 1st XV
It continues to be a very tough assignment for the High 1st XV in this competition, but their dedicated group of players, coaches and supporters will ensure that they put up a good contest every week as they have in previous years.
Scots 3rd XV
Trial form has been excellent with wins over Barker, Stannis and Kings so far. Scots 3rds have been threatening for a few years now and this year look to have a strong side to challenge for the premiership. It’s been a while since they claimed the joint 3rd XV premiership win in 2014.
Riverview 3rd XV
Riverview have started with close losses to Knox, Kings and Cranbrook in the trials and will have to lift to be one of the major threats in this competition. They last won the 3rd XV premiership in 2018.
Shore 3rd XV
The rugby resurgence at Shore continues, and their 3rds have opened with excellent trial wins over Waverley, Knox and Oakhill. I think they are in the mix to win the shield for the first time this year so look for a bold showing.
Kings 3rd XV
With a close win over Riverview in the trials, Kings are certainly in the game once again and will prove to be a tough side this year, especially on JS White Oval. They are yet to win this new 3rd XV competition post 2012 but expect them to be thereabouts in 2022.
Joeys 3rd XV
The champions from 2019 are no doubt looking to return the shield from Rushcutters Bay to Hunters Hill, after losing the final game to Grammar in 2020. While they warmed up with a solid win over Kinross 1st XV in the trials, they will have to be on their game, particularly in the opening round in Armidale.