3rd XV Round 1 Report
Scots 20 d Kings 0
A dominant display from Scots at Bellevue Hill inflicting an opening loss on the defending co-premiers. This was a big reversal of the two-point trial loss, perhaps partly due to Kings reported injury list, but you cannot take away from Scots in this confident three-try victory. I predicted a Scots win here, but did not expect it to be so convincing. They led 12-0 after two good first half tries and Kings never really recovered. Scots have called out that they are a real chance for the premiership this year and Kings will have to regroup quickly to avoid any further losses. Scots travel to Armidale next week and Kings face High at home.
Shore 24 d High 7
From all reports this was quite a close contest at Northbridge with the score not necessarily reflecting the closeness of the game. Shore's tough trial matches have obviously set them up for a strong win here over an emerging High team that have demonstrated that they will not be easily beaten this year. But Shore now have a rematch of their last trial against Joeys at Hunters Hill and that will be a tough comp game. High travel to Kings for round 2, looking for their first win in this competition against a Kings side needing to rebound from a big loss.
Riverview 52 d TAS 10
What a dominant display this was by defending co-premiers Riverview up in Armidale, notifying all teams of their intention to retain the shield. Sadly not on Cluch, but Riverview would be very pleased to make the long trip and come away with such a convincing victory. For TAS, they have already notched two competition points with the early victory over HIgh but will find Scots next week a significant challenge. Riverview move on to play Grammar in a top of the table clash at Lane Cove and that should be an absolute blockbuster.
Grammar 11 d Joeys 10
The Rushcutters Bay premiership graveyard continues for Joeys after losses to Grammar in 2018 (5-7), 2020 (14-17) and now a one point loss in 2023 (10-11). Joeys led for most of the match with an early try in the first half and went to the break up 7-3. The teams traded penalty goals in the second half with Joeys retaining a 10-6 lead until the 38th minute. Grammar showed excellent attacking speed down the right side with a brilliant winger's try in the corner and that was the match. Joeys seemed to be able to make breaks the whole game that they could not convert into points. The Grammar defence was very solid and their patience paid diviends in the end with a hard fought first round victory. Well done Grammar! They travel to Lane Cove next week for a crucial top of the table clash with Riverview, while Joeys need to rebound against Shore at Hunters Hill if they are to have any chance this season.
A great opening round indeed with more great rugby to come.
INP