3rd XV Round 4 – 22 July
Round 3 proved to be an exciting round of rugby that consolidated positions for the leading teams before the holiday break. Grammar and Scots remained undefeated while Kings and Riverview maintained their positions one loss back. They are certainly close enough if good enough to retain the shield.
Scots 3rd XV v Riverview 3rd XV
Definitely match of the round for mine, as the undefeated Scots team host third placed Riverview at Bellevue Hill. The trial match earlier this year was a 17-15 win to Riverview at home, so this crucial comp game is certain to be as close. A win to Scots keeps them on target for the premiership while Riverview desperately need a win to stay in touch. I was impressed by the way Scots played at Hunters Hill last round and I think they can win this game at home to remain undefeated.
Scots by 2.
Grammar 1st XV v Shore 3rd XV
Grammar return home to Weigall for this Round 4 clash against Shore, who lost their last game against Kings. Grammar are coming off a confident display against TAS and will enjoy the home match in front of the enthusiastic local crowd. I do think that Shore have been a bit unlucky so far this season and I expect them to put up a good show against Grammar, but I am predicting the home team here by a small margin to continue their unbeaten run.
Grammar by 5.
Kings 3rd XV v TAS 1st XV
After a hard fought win over Shore at Northbridge, Kings host the travelling TAS side at Gowan Brae. TAS has only a single victory so far over High and will likely struggle against a very efficient Kings side. Kings are showing that they remain premiership contenders, and they will be hard to stop on JS White Oval.
Kings by 10.
High 1st XV v Joeys 3rd XV
Joeys have had two losses already and while they are still mathematically a remote possibility to share the premiership, I think it’s highly unlikely. Still with 4 rounds to go, they need to win this match against High and then keep winning against TAS, Riverview and Kings. High are coming off a loss to Riverview at Centennial Park and will find this challenge much the same. They always put up a good performance at home, but expect Joeys to take the points.
Joeys by 10
Regards
INP