The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Does anyone know if Valley have picked up players because of it?
All but 1 of last years first grade returning for Lindfield. A couple out with injury and a few others finding themselves in the lower grades to start the season. Same goes for the undefeated 2nd grade squad.Div 2 Wrap
Lindfield vs UNSW - Match of the Round
Couple of the heavyweights from 2022 in a big clash to start the season. UNSW appear to be strong, with the core group continuing and no doubt some standouts being drafted in. Lindfield appear to have lost a few from the team that stepped up massively last year, however have a premiership winning group of colts to fill the voids.
Expect Lindfield to be solid, put UNSW to pull away towards the end with more polish. UNSW by 10.
Hills vs Epping
Return of a local derby here. Heard it was pretty even when these clubs trialled a few weeks ago. Will be interesting to see how Hills run out, probably had a down year for them in 2022 based on recent standards. Epping won't be also rans in a comp will likely be a log jam in the middle.
Hills to have the edge in set piece, which should be enough to see them home. Hills by 7.
Briars vs Hawkesbury Valley
Real interesting game here. Rumours are that Valley training numbers have been very shaky, and not many of the ex-shute shield brigade have been seen.With ex-Randwick coaches coming in, expect Briars to lift in 2023 and be real competitors with some new blood.
Very tight this one, based on being at Rothwell I'll say Briars by 1.
Sad news on one of NSW rugbys oldest clubs.
Ll
Last year WSU decided that HAC RUFC (a rugby club that has existed since 1891) would no longer be supported as a student club of the University. Thus sadly - for the first time in 132 years HAC will not be playing rugby this season. Vale HAC Rugby (1891 - 2022) a fine run from an outstanding club that always punched well above its weight!! There's not many rugby clubs that can claim a full team of test players as past players.
WAZZIE - WAZZIE - YAH!
Does anyone know if Valley have picked up players because of it?
No match in Div 2 2nd Grade for Manly and Harbour? Is harbour just not putting up a team?
I can admit when I was wrong - And I was very wrong. Could be a long year for KNOBS - Looking at team sheets - didnt seem to have many players who played 1's last year come back - Wonder where those boys ended up. Some handy players missing.Iggies spring what could be called an upset win if we go by what other on here thought over Knox at Knox.
24/14 in 1sts
26/5 in 2nds
Knox won Colts 17/5
Few reasons, sounds like a cop out to say Covid but I do think a lot of guys can't be bothered coming back and losing Saturdays. People aren't playing as long anymore as well.Any ideas as to why subbies numbers seem to be dwindling so much? Only a couple years in 2021 it seemed to be strong.
They really need to insitute some sort of ruling that stops hoarding of players. But then again a lot of the time its the club thats attracting players to the game not the game itself. Its a hard fix.Few reasons, sounds like a cop out to say Covid but I do think a lot of guys can't be bothered coming back and losing Saturdays. People aren't playing as long anymore as well.
There also seems to be an increase in numbers at a number of Shute Shield Clubs from where they were 5-6 years ago. Almost all field a 4th & some would be able to have a 5th grade and down to 4th grade Colts with players to spare.
Few reasons, sounds like a cop out to say Covid but I do think a lot of guys can't be bothered coming back and losing Saturdays. People aren't playing as long anymore as well.