As we get into the last rounds of the GPS Rugby, this competition has become far more interesting in all top three grades than many (me included) expected at the start. Its also been good to get reports on some of the lower grades, thus presenting a broader picture.
With Scots v Shore in the firsts what more can I say? Looking at the overall table and for and against, those Shore boys really must have played out of their skins. So near and yet so far away. A Shore victory would have thrown the first comp wide open, a totally unexpected outcome.
Ah, the thirds. Well, that is now down to Grammar v TAS v Scots all on 12 points and ranked in that order on for and against. Last year the minnows came first, fourth and eighth. This year they are doing better still. At the moment, the most likely outcome is that 2 of the 3 top spots will be minnows; SGS remains favourite.
And SBHS? I suspect that the boys were disappointed to lose to TAS. I have a very soft spot for SBHS. My last ever game of GPS rugby was against SBHS 2nds! From memory, we won.
But now look at the stats. Last year, SBHS played eight games, won one, drew one, lost six, with a 49/127 for and against. This year, SBHS has played seven games, winning three, losing four, with a 136/139 for and against. That's very real improvement. With a bye to go, SBHS is guaranteed 8 points. The absolute worst that SBHS can do in ladder terms is seventh, up one. They deserve to be higher than that, mind you.
I see that a forum has opened on the 2015 comp. I am staying here until the deadly end. Just to many interesting things!