3rd XV Round 5 – 29 July
Round 4 saw Scots remain as the only undefeated team in the competition after their comprehensive defeat of Riverview. Shore upset Grammar at Weigall, and Grammar now sit one loss back. Joeys and Kings both had good wins but are also off the pace at this stage.
Round 5 sees more crucial games with only three rounds left in the competition.
Shore 3rd XV v Scots 3rd XV
This has to be match of the round. Scots remain undefeated following their impressive win over Riverview last week. Shore upset the previously undefeated Grammar last week and cannot be underestimated at home. The dynamic Scots pack will come up against the resolute Shore defence that held on so well last week at Rushcutters Bay. Shore need to nullify the Scots pick and drive to gain a good share of possession, and capitalise on their speed out wide. Scots will be confident that their ball retention and multi-phase play can win the day. It will be a great match, and I am leaning towards a narrow Scots victory.
Scots by 3.
Riverview 3rd XV v Kings 3rd XV
After suffering defeat at Bellevue Hill last week, Riverview host Kings at Lane Cove. Kings are coming off a solid win over TAS and absolutely need to win this match to stay in touch with Scots. Riverview are likely already too far back to retain the shield, but a win here will keep a glimmer of hope alive. Riverview go well at home, but I think Kings are on the rise and should be favoured for a narrow win. Riverview might even let INP in to watch the game.
Kings by 2.
High 1st XV v Grammar 1st XV
It’s the Annual Battle of the Selective GPS Schools as Grammar travel to Centennial Park to challenge High. High are coming off a loss to Joeys last week and Grammar will be wanting to rebound from their loss to Shore. I think on balance Grammar will be too strong in this fixture, but I am impressed that High have put some points on the board this year and are not a pushover for visiting sides.
Grammar by 10.
Joeys 3rd XV v TAS 1st XV
TAS travel to Sydney for the second week in a row, this time to play Joeys at Hunters Hill. The other Joeys teams will be at Newington so it will likely be a small crowd present for this game on Joeys #1. All things being equal, Joeys should have a comfortable victory, but the TAS matches against Joeys are always close contests. Nevertheless, an important match for Joeys who sit two losses back from Scots.
Joeys by 10
Regards
INP