Southern Inland Rugby 2013

[namtrak]

namtrak might be able to shed some light on this one. I haven't seen Albury this year, they're looking pretty impressive though.

Didn't see the game, but I do know they were going into the game undermanned, and then had a couple bail at the last minute so their ability to recover was pretty impressive. A direct reflection of Dave Stuarts policy that everyone in the club is a potential first grader. The club is very conscious of keeping its feet on the ground this year. Another thing that stands out is that some of the regulars are voicing concerns about their ability to hold onto their positions within first grade. A very good sign!!

 

[yourmatesam]

#SIRU2013 Round Ten Preview:

As per last week, there is a clear match of the round in the top of the table clash between CSU and Albury, but there are some really important games this weekend. Temora v Coota and Griffith v Aggies are both matches that will impact how these clubs will finish up the season. Griffith are probably happy to be playing at home this week while the Tuskers v Tri-Colours game will almost decide where these teams end up for the second half of the competition.

CSU (2) v Albury (1) – Match of the Round
This top of the table clash is easily the match of the round this week as both teams have been flying high all season. The focus on the Steamers as clear front runners of the competition only intensified this week after their trouncing of Wagga City in Round 9 and another convincing win this week will probably see the spotlight cranked up to the gigawatts.

CSU have had a very successful season but still appear to be flying under the radar in 2nd position on the ladder which is quiet astounding to be honest. The key factor to CSU has been their for and against with the vast majority of their 8 wins being decided by 5 points on average. Albury have been at the other end of the spectrum with an average winning margin of 50 odd points.

Brett Wendt will no doubt be a key player for CSU as will Paul Hood. The CSU forward pack will be up against a pretty impressive Steamers pack this weekend and will need to be on top of their game to match it with the Steamers on Saturday.

My mail says that the Steamers had a number of late changes last week as they came into the Wagga City match which saw Mick Alexander called out of retirement to play 1st Grade. Mick must have impressed Dave Stuart because he has been named in the starting XV at fullback for the Steamers. James Olds steps into Richard Manion’s boots at 5/8 again this weekend and this match up will test him against the crafty Paul Hood.

The key points to this match will be how the CSU forwards stand up against a classy Steamers forward pack and how the Steamers defend out wide against CSU who have some genuinely serious pace on the sting.

Waratahs (4) v Young (11)
Another tough gig for the Yabbies, Waratahs will be looking to work on their systems this week as they build for a big showdown with the Steamers next weekend.

Temora (7) v Cootamundra (9)
An important match for both teams this week, this match could well decide the outcome of each club’s season.

With Bill McCrone in control, the Tuskers have some handy players in key positions and can really play some great footy when they want to. While Temora have the ability to play creative footy when it counts, Cootamundra tend to play a more traditional style of rugby focussed on strong forward play backed up by a tight kicking game when they need to.

In years gone by, one might suggest that fitness might come into play in this match, but my scouts tell me that these two sides have improved in this area of the game which is pleasing to hear.

I wonder how the recruiting program of each club is bearing fruit for these two teams, I think it’s positive that they are both looking outside the zone to fill some holes, but that can also be a double-edged sword as well depending on how the players gel with each other.

There is no love lost between these two clubs and they are traditional rivals as well which will make for a great day of rugby at the Temora Recreation Ground this weekend.

Deni v Tumut (10) – 2nd Grade only

Griffith (6) v Ag College (5)
Neither of these clubs are having the season that any of the tipsters suggested they would at the start of the year. Aggies are fighting to keep in contact with the top four while Griffith are fighting to stay in contact with the top six, so there is plenty to play for in this match.

Aggies have probably had an unfortunate run with regards to injuries and have slipped from the lofty heights of 2012 and previous years. Griffith are coming from the other side of the scale as they work their way back up the ladder to restore their club to its former glory.

There is no doubt this will be a tough match, particularly as Griffith tend to be stronger at home than on the road.

Leeton (8) v City (3)
This won’t be an easy game for City, particularly as they come off a tough match against the Steamers last week. In years gone by, this match would be a given bonus point win to the Boiled Lollies, but the Phantoms have really stepped up this year and should be proud of their achievements.

As with Griffith, Leeton are much stronger at home than they are on the road and City are nursing some niggles after a tough hit out against the Steamers last week. If the Phantoms can match the big City forwards, this match could be tight.

Wagga City will be coming into this match knowing that they have some areas of the game to work on if they want to mix it with Albury later in the year and this will be the first stepping stone on that road to the finals. I haven’t seen a team list for City, but would suggest that there may be some key players missing this weekend which could make life difficult for them.

 

[yourmatesam]

#SIRU2013 Round Ten Results

First Grade:
Temora 38 bt Coota 35
Waratahs 84 bt Young 10
Leeton 16 bt City 13
Griffith 37 bt Aggies 21
Albury 55 bt CSU 15

2nd Grade;
Waratahs 29 d Young 10, CSU 12 d Albury 5, Ag College 17 d Griffith 15, Leeton 14 d City 10, Temora 32 d Cootamundra 7, Deniliquin 24 d Tumut 12

3rd Grade;
Junee 7 drew with Hay 7, CSU 19 d Albury 5

Under 17s;
Waratahs 50 d Young 5, Leeton 27 d City 12

Women's;
Griffith 61 d Ag College 0, Albury 22 d CSU 12, Leeton 22 d City 5

Next Saturday - Round 11 (Last Round before the Competition Split)
Wagga City v CSU, Albury v Wagga Waratahs. Young v Temora. Tumut v Griffith. Wagga Ag College v Leeton

 

[ben wal]

Saw under 17s and reserve grade of City vs Leeton and finally after recent years of turmoil they are back into relevance. The 17s game was great, the Phantoms all over me. Standouts included the Leeton flankers and centers, however the number 2 in head tape was by far best on the field. Tackled all day and put a massive late hit on the chirper from City, no. 13. Maybe should've been sent for his infringement however good on him for standing up to the arrogant player from the other team. Interesting to see Leeton struggle off the kick offs, number 4 dropping two kicks. Something to work on.

 

[namtrak]

Saw under 17s and reserve grade of City vs Leeton and finally after recent years of turmoil they are back into relevance...........

I always equate a successful Phantoms with a successful comp, do you think they are chance of rolling the Aggies this weekend and finishing in the top half?

As for the Steamers, there is some serious competition coming in for 1st grade possies. I think Louie Levett was one of a number of 1st grade regulars starting in 2nds - and not necessarily guaranteed a run in 1sts!

 

[No.8]

I am surprised more Southern Inland players arnt coming through the Super Rugby systems and the Shute Shield systems - there are some fantastic players in this comp...

 

[namtrak]

I am surprised more Southern Inland players arnt coming through the Super Rugby systems and the Shute Shield systems - there are some fantastic players in this comp.

A lot of the best players have already been through Shute Shield, otherwise the focus are talented juniors - who seem to end up in the John Dent Cup. If your just a regular player who finds form then I think your only real option is to move to a city yourself and turn up at training!

 

[yourmatesam]

#SIRU2013 Round Eleven Preview:
Well, Round Ten was the round that turned the competition on its head wasn’t it! Leeton, Temora and Griffith all bagged important wins for the middle of the table bunch. This weekend is a similar prospect for all teams, with the Match of the Round not necessarily being the most important match of the competition. The Young v Temora, Ag College v Leeton and Tumut v Griffith matches are all important games for the Premier Division/First Division make up.

I find it amazing that after 10 rounds of competition matches, we are at the point where the Premier Division will be decided by the final round of the regular competition. Even the match of the round is not really clear as you have the top 4 sides playing against each other and these results will be important for the makeup of the 2013 final series. 2013 is probably the tightest this competition has been in years. Albury are obvious front runners at this stage of the competition, but from 2nd to 8th on the competition ladder, it’s really tight.

There are some scenarios this weekend which could see some new faces in the Premier Division after Saturday, this is a really interesting round this week – the clubs have saved the best til last!

Wagga City (4) v CSU (2) – Match of the Round?
This will be a good test for these two teams as the chances are they could easily face each other during the finals series at some point given their present standings on the ladder. Wagga City have been guilty of some lacklustre performances recently and need to start working on some consistency as they move towards the pointy end of the season. CSU probably need to start working on consolidating the basics and working on those finer points of the game as they also work towards the finals.

City will be happy to welcome back the Lagaali family and CSU have been able to name a near unchanged lineup which will see a great contest for the win here. I’m keen to see how Hamish Wrafter handles Paul Hood, also keen to see how the two forward packs match up and particularly keen to watch the outside backs show their heels this weekend.

Ultimately this game is a good opportunity for both teams to test each other out as this match is a potential finals preview, having said that, these two teams probably need to bag as many competition points as they can before they enter the Premier Division.

Albury (1) v Waratahs (3) – Match of the Round
While it’s a 50/50 call, I’ve picked this match as the match of the round as this is the first time that Waratahs have taken on the competition front runners and is an opportunity to see how Albury fair against another top 4 side. As with CSU v City, this is a potential finals preview depending on what happens over the next few weeks of the Premier Division.

My scouts tell me that James Olds has been in fine form recently which may create some headaches for Steamers coaches Steve Stone and Wal Stuart when Richard Manion comes back from his junket overseas. My mail also says that players are coming out of the woodwork down on the Murray with the likes of recent retirees Scott Hannaford, Justin Wheatley and even Mick Alexander becoming regular faces amongst the playing group. I guess success breeds competition and these guys are keen to be a part of it again in 2013.

While the Steamers have been scoring a lot of points with their backline, they have been well served by a hardworking forward pack and have obviously been putting in the hard yards off the field in terms of fitness. A wily old coach once told me that a fit country rugby team will win more matches than they lose because they will be able to play for 80mins and never a truer word has been spoken about country rugby. For those of you on the sidelines this week, I’d be interested to hear what the final 20mins of the game looks like this week.

Given the recent form of both teams, I think the backline is where the focus will be in this match. Depending on who is who in the zoo, the Steamers arguably have the dominant forward pack but the backline could be viewed as being pretty even. Waratahs have some smart operators in Matt Binks and Sam Hobbs and the Steamers have the likes of Justin Wheatley, James Olds and Ex-Waratah Sandy Middleton in their ranks. It will be interesting to see how the two backlines compete against each other and what style of play both teams lean towards this weekend.

There’s no doubt that Waratahs will need to be on top of their game this week against the competition front runners and there is probably history there between these two teams that dictates that this is a bogey match for both teams. There is definitely a strong history of tough matches between Albury and Waratahs and the Steamers have a strong record of home wins at fortress Murrayfield.

Young (11) v Temora (7)
This match could potentially be an ambush for the Tuskers this weekend as it is a bit of a local derby and the Yabbies really have nothing to lose. Temora need to continue on with the form and determination that they showed last week in what was a really great game of rugby. Well led by Bill McCrone, if the Tuskers keep up that style of play and positive attitude, they will go far. A bonus point win for the Tuskers in this one could see them catapult into the Premier Division.

Coota (9) v Deniliquin – 2nd Grade Only

Tumut (10) v Griffith (6) @ Adelong Showgrounds
As per the Yabbies v Tuskers match, there are no guarantees for the Blacks this weekend. This match is their biggest road trip and an important game for their season – long story short, Griffith need to win this match if they are to make the Premier Division and the Bulls are no easy beats particularly at home.

The track at Adelong is traditionally soft underfoot and could favour the home team with their forwards focussed game plan. If the Blacks can match the Bulls up front, they may have the edge in the backs, but the soft track may play into the Bulls hands. A smart game plan from the Bulls could make Griffith work hard in this one.

Ag College (5) v Leeton (8)
Will the giant slayers do it again? Winning away from home is different to winning at home and the Phantoms will need to bring their A game to bag back to back scalps this weekend.

Aggies are not where they were last year after the departure of some key players and untimely injuries to others which is reflecting on their results at this stage of the season. They are a committed group of players and will no doubt continue to contest fiercely as they attempt to avoid relegation to the First Division this week. I doubt any of the tipsters in the zone would have predicted a fall from grace for the Aggies and I think they have the attitude and ability to continue in the Premier Division.

Having said that, Aggies need to be wary of a Leeton Phantoms team who are on the way up this season. Leeton beat City in all 4 grades last week and they will be pumped to travel to Beres Ellwood Oval and take the scalp of the 2012 Premiers. The Phantoms are a mathematical chance of making the Premier Division if the can knock off Aggies with a bonus point win and Tumut beat Griffith.

 

[namtrak]

Steamers 64 - Waratahs 10. Thought the Steamers were very slick with the ball, and pretty hard in defense. Counted 7 first graders out. The glimmer of hope for opposition teams at this stage is I don't think their defensive pattern is 100% yet - probably symptomatic of the rotating backline they have at the moment.

 

[yourmatesam]

#SIRU2013 Round Eleven Results

First Grade:
Albury 67 bt Tahs 10
Griffith 26 bt Tumut 17
Aggies 34 bt Leeton 5
CSU 33 bt City 32
Temora 62 bt Young 7

2nd Grade;
Waratahs 13 d Albury 10, Young 26 d Temora 24, CSU 24 d City 17, Ag College 39 d Leeon 0, Griffith 24 d Tumut 17, Deniliquin 10 d Cootamundra 0

3rd Grade;
Albury 19 d Waratahs 14, RARC 30 d Griffith 0, CSU 22 d City 6

Under 17s;
Waratahs 32 d Young 12

Women's;
Leeton 42 d Ag College 7, City 34 d CSU 5

 

[Almost 2 old]

Steamers 64 - Waratahs 10. Thought the Steamers were very slick with the ball, and pretty hard in defense. Counted 7 first graders out. The glimmer of hope for opposition teams at this stage is I don't think their defensive pattern is 100% yet - probably symptomatic of the rotating backline they have at the moment.

I could count the "Dead set mistakes" that Albury made in the 80 minutes on one hand. Very comprehensive and have a great attitude towards the game and its execution. Great to see one team not "gobbing off" at the Ref and keeping composed. Will be very difficult for any team to come close unless Albury have bad injuries over the next 8 weeks.

 

[yourmatesam]

Almost 2 old How were the scrums?

 

[Almost 2 old]

A lot of the best players have already been through Shute Shield, otherwise the focus are talented juniors - who seem to end up in the John Dent Cup. If your just a regular player who finds form then I think your only real option is to move to a city yourself and turn up at training!

I think that you are dead right. The only thing I would add is to get yourself prepared (physically) before you go because you will be in for a big shock when you turn up and see the speed/size of the better players in the U 20's and 1's & 2's that you must compete with to get a start.

 

[Almost 2 old]

Almost 2 old How were the scrums?

Very complete unit. Also 8 against 7 NEVER works but thats not an excuse.

 

[namtrak]

I actually thought the Tahs scrum was as competitive against the Steamers as any this year - I think they even picked a tighthead?

 

[No.8]

Far out Steamers just steam rolling through the comp...

How do you think the Southern Inland area would go if they ever developed a 3rd teir rugby comp and had a team from there?

 

[Almost 2 old]

@ Ted ... To be a 3rd Tier team it would mean 3 trainings per week at minimum plus 25+ 1st grade fit and ready Dent Cup or Shute Shield level players. The time availability for trainings would be almost impossible unless everyone lived in the same town without considering the game time schedule in Syd Bris & Canb. It would need major funding from outside SIRU and some very sympathetic "Rugby tragic" bosses. Coincidentally SIRU had a team in the Dent/ACT preseason 6 game/week comp about 6+ seasons ago. It had a good coach (Matt Kay Head of Brums Developmt) with an absolute avenue for pathway but for one reason or another it was poorly attended by the better players in the zone.

Not impossible but would need some serious input from a very high rugby management level.

 

[yourmatesam]

#SIRU2013 Round Twelve Preview:
Well, we’re into the split now after having last weekend off and teams are playing within the Top 6 (Premier Division) and Bottom 5 (First Division) which will show some much tighter games than we’ve seen in the regular season. There are some great matchups this weekend with three local derby’s in the mix and some really tight games, the Match of the Round is tough to pick again!


PREMIER DIVISION:
Albury (1) v Griffith (6)
Fortress Murrayfield is a tough place to play at the best of times and this weekend is going to be no different for the Blacks on what will potentially be a cold and wet Saturday afternoon. Albury have been the standout team of the competition to date, with bonus point wins every week which means that Griffith will have their work cut out for themselves against some quality opposition tomorrow.

Albury are probably expected to continue their dominance over the coming weeks, but it will be interesting to see how they fare against the top teams week in week out for the remainder of the competition. Griffith will throw everything they have at the Steamers and being an undefeated team always makes you the focus for other teams which makes the next few weeks really interesting.


Ag College (5) v CSU (2) – Match of the Round.
I’ve picked this as the Match of the Round this week purely based on the fact that these two sides both bagged wins in their last games. Bragging rights on campus are on the line this weekend, CSU scored on the bell earlier in the season to bag a 5 point victory and Aggies will be keen to avenge that close loss.

Speedster Brett Wendt will surely be a focus for the Aggies and they need to play to their strengths against a crafty CSU outfit. Aggies have arguably got the stronger tight five and they have some smarts in the backline also. CSU have arguably got the stronger backrow and probably a more experienced 5/8 in Paul Hood.

Aggies welcome back ex-CSU player Jack Burey and strong forward Ben Leaper this week and they will also be keen to keep Dave Armstrong on the field for as long as possible. CSU come into this match without Justin Wakeling following a run in with the judiciary last round.

As per previous posts, Aggies are not where they have been in recent years and CSU are way ahead of where most punters would have thought at this stage of the season. I think this match will be really close, it’s very hard to determine what the form of both teams will be coming into this match – Aggies have been patchy at times but appear to be coming together at the right time while CSU have probably been the most consistent team of the competition this season but come into this match with some changes to their lineup.

Waratahs (4) v City (3)
Another close match on paper, only one competition point separates these teams and there is a long history of grudge matches between these two local rivals. In their previous matchup City got out to a 20+ point lead which Tahs managed to reel back to a 1 point win. This will be motivation for Wagga City as they know they can score points when they want to, they probably need to sharpen their focus though for the full 80mins.

My mail says the City backline will be at full strength this weekend which is obviously a bonus for them as they prepare for the Premier Division. Waratahs have been pretty quiet recently but I would expect them to come out firing in this hitout. Jock Munro will lead the Tahs from the front, while City will be sweating on the availability of their leader Jarrod Bryant who missed their last round loss to CSU through injury.

From what I’ve seen, the forward packs are reasonably balanced, City have a big tight five, Tahs have some handy backrowers and the halves combinations for both teams are pretty well evenly matched also. Wagga City probably have the edge over Tahs through the centres and will be keen to exploit any advantage they can tomorrow.

All in all, this is going to be a tough game for both teams, neither of them will back down tomorrow and both teams need the win to keep climbing up the ladder if they want to play in the finals of the Premier Division in 2013. As per Aggies v CSU, this is a tough game to pick as both teams are very well matched. And have plenty to play for.


FIRST DIVISION:
Deni v Tumut (10) – 2nd Grade only

Coota (8) v Young (11)
Another local derby this weekend! Both teams will be keen to get back into footy after having last weekend off, Cootamundra need to continue working towards the First Division finals series and keep an eye on teams 5 and 6 in the Premier Division as they continue through the season.

Coota probably have the edge over their opponents this weekend at home but I would expect the Yabbies to turn up and give it their all against their local rivals.

Leeton (9) v Temora (7)
From what I’ve seen of these two teams this year, they probably deserve to be sitting higher up the ladder than they are. Having said that, they’ve both had their opportunities to bag more wins but seem to have lacked that “edge” to get over the line when it matters.

I think this will be a close game as per the other hitouts this round, Temora’s strength is in their solid defensive structure and their backline’s ability to score points. Bill McCrone leads his charges well and as per Cootamundra, the Tuskers need to keep working if they want to challenge teams 5&6 during the finals series. Leeton have a big strong forward pack which they will want to keep in the game but have also got some handy backs who will be keen to mix it with the Tuskers.

 

[ben wal]

My predictions for the round:

Premier Division

Albury to flog Griffith by 20+
CSU over Aggies by less than 5
City over Tahs by 12

First Division

Young with a massive upset over Coota and a 10 point win
Leeton too strong at home, win by 15

 

[Lindommer]

My predictions for the round: City over Tahs by 12

Pigs might fly. Pull yer head in, you Wally.