Beautiful weather down at Drummoyne for the U15s the last two days.
Great venue too.
Semis tomorrow will be Norths, Randwick, Gordon and Hunter. In that order as a ranking.
Norths monstered poor Illawarra 83-0 in 45 minutes in the play-off. Illawarra a bit battered and bruised I am sure.
Very impressive as Norths lost a key player who decided to move on from club rugby.
I'm tipping North v Randwick final (same as last year) with Norths taking it home and deservedly. Randwick will put up a good fight.
Good luck to all the U15 teams in the semis tomorrow.
I just thought I would add:
- Parramatta had an excellent player, no.10 John. JGC player. He played himself in several positions as required, not a hog but that rare rugby brain which is unusual at 15.
I believe he plays league and sadly they will probably snap him up in the next couple of years. So hoping we don't lose him to league permanently as he is a rare true talent.
- Hunter were the surprise package. Good to have a country team in the semis. Played some smart rugby, opting to take a kick when awarded a penalty which in rare in this age group. Had some fast and opportunistic players.
Unfortunately I can see them monstered by Norths today but well done for getting that far Hunter.
- Gordon are always consistent and have some quality players, some from the JGC. No.6 Charlie always a quality player and was over the last two days. Gordon deservedly in the semis today with some great results from their games.
- Randwick no.22 Tyrone a very strong player with a rugby brain. Although heavy now and in fact many of the other boys in the 15s overall have caught up with him for size, speed and stamina he deserves his reputation.
Only thing is some ugly play from other Randwick players (not him) - dirty lifting tackles and a couple of yellows for that that should have been reds.
Leading up these JSC Coogee club have had to forfeit two of their club games due to red cards (and injuries) so I am seeing where this has come from. Randwick, you need to get your house in order and try and play smart rugby like Norths not ugly rugby, at this age.
Some Coogee players were in the Southern Districts team so I guess there is an A and a B team from that part of Sydney here at the JSC.
- Manly punched above their weight after their disappointing performance last year. Their forwards were strong and created opportunities but their backs let them down in defence. The backs had some pace in attack but defence was weak. They need to get that sorted to make the semis next year.
- Penrith well done boys for trying but in this age group Penrith do not have any A grade teams so will always struggle at this level.
However rugby is the always the winner at these JSC and the more teams present the better - long term rugby is a great way of keeping fit and spending time with your mates, whether you are 15 or 25, or 35.
- Warringah sadly don't have the depth in the juniors - league heartland up here on the Beaches.
I won't be there today at the semis series - I am taking my son for a surf.
Hopefully some else can report from the U15 JSC semis and GF.
