3rd XV Round 6 – 5 August
It’s the second-last round of the 3rd XV competition this week, and Scots already have one hand on the Col Windon Shield. They remain undefeated after five rounds, one win clear of Grammar with all the other teams further back. A win this week against High guarantees Scots at least a share of the premiership.
Grammar play a must-win game against Kings this week, and if they can win that they will go into the final round of the competition against Scots, playing for a share of the premiership. What a match that would be.
Still there is plenty of interest this week in Joeys v Riverview at Hunters Hill and Shore travel to Armidale to play TAS, who will be very pleased to be playing at home for their final match of the competition.
Grammar 1st XV v Kings 3rd XV
Definitely Match of the Round this week. Grammar need to win it to have any chance of sharing the premiership, while Kings would be looking to stop them after a close loss to Riverview last round. Grammar would still be lamenting their loss to Shore, who Kings defeated a couple of weeks ago. So, this match is dangerous for Grammar with Kings quite capable of causing the upset at Rushcutters Bay. I think with the premiership on the line, home field advantage and vocal home crowd support, Grammar will rise to the occasion and can record a narrow win, but it is certain to be a cracker of a game that could go either way. It’s an early 11:00am kick off at Weigall so don’t miss it.
Grammar by 2.
High 1st XV v Scots 3rd XV
This is the final competition match for High as they played their round 7 clash against TAS earlier in the year. Scots need to win this match at Centennial Park to guarantee at least as share of the premiership and they would be favoured to do this. I expect that High will put up a good effort as they have the whole season, but that Scots will win and continue their march to their first 3rd XV premiership since 2014.
Scots by 10.
Joeys 3rd XV v Riverview 3rd XV
Both Joeys and Riverview have had two losses so far in the competition, but that will not lessen the importance of this fixture as both teams will be very keen to win the match against their long term rivals. Both are coming off good wins last round, and with all open grades of Joeys v Riverview at Hunters Hill, you can expect a large crowd and plenty of excitement in the match. I will definitely be there for an on-the-spot INP report, and as you would expect I am predicting Joeys by a converted try on full time.
Joeys by 7.
TAS 1st XV v Shore 3rd XV
TAS will be very happy to be playing their final competition match at home with all the travel they have been doing recently. Shore travel to Armidale for what should be a good contest even though neither team can figure in the premiership this year. Shore had a loss to undefeated Scots last week, but should be strong enough to overcome TAS who are coming off a loss at Hunters Hill last round.
Shore by 10
INP