Subbies 2023!

[HogansHeros]

Div 3 Round 7 Predictions.

Iggies v Harbour
Iggies not looking too threatening, match fitness doesnt seem to be great for the old boys. Similar to last weeks match, Harbour will run them around the park and should win it out wide.
Harbour by 20

Beecroft v Manly
Croft havent lost a game and Manly hasnt won a game. 1 sided affair here, with Manly not fielding a 2nds, travelling wont be an issue for Beecroft and should have plenty of fresh subs off the bench.
Croft by 30.

Harlequins v Bobs
Will be the only competitive game.
Harlequins 2nds are top of the table and having that depth at home, after 2 weeks off might be too much for Bobs.
If Bobs backline show up they might cause some trouble.
Harlequins by 10

Yeah look although I got 2 winners right, my predictions were wrong.

Harbour to win by 38 points is a lot.
And Beecroft won by 66 points..... ouch, tough day in Manly.

Got Quins v Bobs wrong, Bobs turned up! Quins 2nds killing it... tactical move to stack early??

 

[Denistone_Dennis]

Div 2 Mid-Season Round 1 Review

So there has been 1 full round of matches in Div 2, so time to look at where the teams stand in Barraclough.

Lindfield (1) - 29 pts - Untroubled so far, seem to have a good culture within the group and across the club. Hard to pick a weakness to far, the best or close to the best at pretty much everything within the 1st grade comp. If they can keep it together will be very hard to beat from here. There are teams there capable of doing the job, but it will take a massive effort.

UNSW (2) - 25 pts - Starting to really hit their straps now. Have had a pretty settled core for a few years now which keeps their standards pretty high even with new players coming into certain spots. Their scrum might just have the edge on Lindfield, and certainly have the ability to run up the scoreboard. The way things are panning out at the moment, look likely for a 2nd grand final appearance in a row.

Hills (3) - 17 pts - Inconsistent at the moment. Should be much clearer of the lower half of the ladder than what they are. Big lift from them yesterday against UNSW (have a watch if you get a chance - absolute cracker!) shows what they can do when they put it together. Question is can they?

Newport (4) - 15 pts - Everyone says they are doomed. Hard to say at the moment, fall apart against Epping at home, then get the job done the next week at Hawkesbury Valley. Will be interested to see what the effect of the rumoured mid-season departures is. Likely to be in a dogfight for a finals place with a few other teams. Game next week heading to Briars will be massive.

Epping (5) - 12 pts - Massive chance to end up in the top 4 heading into the second round wasted against Briars on the weekend. Just couldnt quite pull away enough to put the game to bed. Obviously have ability, but like most of the teams in this part of the ladder need to find consistency. First few games of the second round against Lindfield and Hills will be huge for their season. Injuries and unavailability proving a big factor week to week.

Briars (6) - 10 pts - Finally managed to find the line a bit more after some lean weeks to get themselves a win on the weekend, keeping them in range of a run for 4th spot. Last couple of weeks have been much better, clash with Newport will be huge after getting whacked by them at Porters earlier in the season.

Hawkesbury Valley (7) - 0pts - Getting better every week and can see them jagging a win or two against teams who don't take them seriously before the end of the season. Their best XV can definitely compete with most of the teams in the comp. Could make or break some opponents seasons in the second round.

 

[oldmate11]

Div 3 Mid-Season Review

Beecroft (1) - 29pts - Standout team in the competition so far, culmination of some great colts sides over the past 3-4 years and have seemed to pull it together this year combining strong forwards play and a backline which can strike anywhere across the field. Will be interesting to see if they can continue the momentum in the second half of the year with some big games coming up. Candidate for Div 2 promotion next year.

Sydney Harbour (2) - 25pts - Been strong as always and despite a loss to Beecroft haven't been too bothered by anyone else, if they can fix up their defence they'll be a tough matchup for anyone the rest of the year. Interesting to see they've moved from slow, grinding rugby in previous years to all out attack in Div 3.

Old Barker (3) - 17pts - Have struggled with consistency but have picked up enough wins to be in solid finals contention this year. If they can put in solid performances every week, they'll be a tough matchup come finals time.

Sydney Harlequins (4) - 14pts - Once again, a great 2nds team but a 1sts which lack the strike power to make real inroads throughout the season. Probably competing with Knox for the last finals spot.

Knox (5) - 12pts - Victims of a poor start this year with losses to old ignatians and Sydney Harlequins hurting their table placing. They are much improved in recent weeks and are still a chance to make finals if their form continues to improve.

Old Ignatians (6) - 9pts - Lack the firepower to take down the big teams this year. Still in rebuild mode and looking for a respectable finish to the year.

Manly Savers (7) - -2pts - Shame to see a proud club fighting for survival, probably a drop to div 5 next year.

 

[pocockenthusiast1973]

Div 3 Mid-Season Review

Beecroft (1) - 29pts - Standout team in the competition so far, culmination of some great colts sides over the past 3-4 years and have seemed to pull it together this year combining strong forwards play and a backline which can strike anywhere across the field. Will be interesting to see if they can continue the momentum in the second half of the year with some big games coming up. Candidate for Div 2 promotion next year.

Sydney Harbour (2) - 25pts - Been strong as always and despite a loss to Beecroft haven't been too bothered by anyone else, if they can fix up their defence they'll be a tough matchup for anyone the rest of the year. Interesting to see they've moved from slow, grinding rugby in previous years to all out attack in Div 3.

Old Barker (3) - 17pts - Have struggled with consistency but have picked up enough wins to be in solid finals contention this year. If they can put in solid performances every week, they'll be a tough matchup come finals time.

Sydney Harlequins (4) - 14pts - Once again, a great 2nds team but a 1sts which lack the strike power to make real inroads throughout the season. Probably competing with Knox for the last finals spot.

Knox (5) - 12pts - Victims of a poor start this year with losses to old ignatians and Sydney Harlequins hurting their table placing. They are much improved in recent weeks and are still a chance to make finals if their form continues to improve.

Old Ignatians (6) - 9pts - Lack the firepower to take down the big teams this year. Still in rebuild mode and looking for a respectable finish to the year.

Manly Savers (7) - -2pts - Shame to see a proud club fighting for survival, probably a drop to div 5 next year.

Cheers for this review Oldmate11

 

[Maddo]

Div 3 Mid-Season Review

Beecroft (1) - 29pts - Standout team in the competition so far, culmination of some great colts sides over the past 3-4 years and have seemed to pull it together this year combining strong forwards play and a backline which can strike anywhere across the field. Will be interesting to see if they can continue the momentum in the second half of the year with some big games coming up. Candidate for Div 2 promotion next year.

Sydney Harbour (2) - 25pts - Been strong as always and despite a loss to Beecroft haven't been too bothered by anyone else, if they can fix up their defence they'll be a tough matchup for anyone the rest of the year. Interesting to see they've moved from slow, grinding rugby in previous years to all out attack in Div 3.

Old Barker (3) - 17pts - Have struggled with consistency but have picked up enough wins to be in solid finals contention this year. If they can put in solid performances every week, they'll be a tough matchup come finals time.

Sydney Harlequins (4) - 14pts - Once again, a great 2nds team but a 1sts which lack the strike power to make real inroads throughout the season. Probably competing with Knox for the last finals spot.

Knox (5) - 12pts - Victims of a poor start this year with losses to old ignatians and Sydney Harlequins hurting their table placing. They are much improved in recent weeks and are still a chance to make finals if their form continues to improve.

Old Ignatians (6) - 9pts - Lack the firepower to take down the big teams this year. Still in rebuild mode and looking for a respectable finish to the year.

Manly Savers (7) - -2pts - Shame to see a proud club fighting for survival, probably a drop to div 5 next year.

Great review oldmate 11!

 

[Heavyd]

Mid Season Div 2 Finals forecast.

1st grade: Lindfield vs UNSW - Lindfield to win as only team playing remotely near Div 2 standard and will take the cookies.

2nd grade: Lindfield vs UNSW - Lindfield set piece will see them hold the Cup aloft.

Colts; Lindfield vs Newport - Breakers to secure yet another Colts Premiership.

Epping vs UNSW - UNSW are my bolter but Epping look to have too much quality to get pipped.

 

[Denistone_Dennis]

Div 2 Round 8 Preview

Briars vs Newport - Big effort from Newport last week to get over the line at Valley, coming back after being down at halftime. Hard to know where they are at from week-to-week now with the departures, as well as the numbers when they are away vs at home. Briars pulled it out late last week against Epping, who had beaten Newport the week before. Big mountain to climb for the Briars boys though after a 60-7 hiding last time these two sides played. This one is likely to have a big bearing on who nails down 4th spot later on. I'll go with he side with more points in them. Newport by 5.

Lindfield vs Epping - Pretty straight forward this one unless Epping can pull something out like they did against Newport a few weeks back, but even then I'd say Lindfield will have too much for them. Lindfield should be fresh after a week off and ready to roll on. Lindfield by 20.

Hills vs Valley - Valley continue to show signs of improvement and were ahead for much of their game against Newport last week. Hills should be encouraged by their game against UNSW that they can compete when they put it together. If they aren't complacent, Hills should have enough in this one, but Valley could be a banana skin for a number of teams from here. Hills by 10.

 

[Pfitzy]

Div 4 Round 7

Renegades v Merrylands - the Wolves are undefeated, sitting on top of the table, and will expect more of the same. Thanks to State of Origin we didn't really train last night but we should be a bit more organised than Round 1. Backing the boys to cause the kind of upset they did against Irish in Round 4

Mac Uni v Chatswood - the Beacons have had a tough couple of weeks, similar to Chatswood. Victories likely to be few and far between for either First Grade side. If the Staggies can back up a few of their better second grade players they'll take this I think.

Wakehurst v Rockdale - long trip for the Rangers, but I think they're on the improve and have the firepower to take out the sky blue and get a bit of satisfaction after losing at home in Round 1.

Saints v Irish - no reason to think this will be much different to Round 1, even up at St Ives.

Raptors v Redfield - ROBRs weren't that far away last week over at Redmond, and I think being closer to home will help.

 

[oldmate11]

Div 3 Round 8

Beecroft v Old Barker - Despite a good win at Waterloo for BOBS last week I think Beecroft should be able to deal with them at home. If BOBS turn up and the Crofties show complacency, we could potentially see an upset in this one. That being said, Beecroft by 12

Knox v Manly Savers - Anything less than a big result for Knox in this one would be disappointing for them. Good chance to overtake Harlequins for the last finals spot this week. Knox by 40

Sydney Harbour v Sydney Harlequins - Harlequins needed a win last week and let that opportunity slip. They now find themselves in a dogfight with Knox for the last finals spot and they have a tough ask this week to keep distance between them. Harbour seem to love piling on points at Woollahra Oval and I see more of the same here. Harbour by 30

 

[Uothegutsandintothem]

Mid Season Div 2 Finals forecast.

1st grade: Lindfield vs UNSW - Lindfield to win as only team playing remotely near Div 2 standard and will take the cookies.

2nd grade: Lindfield vs UNSW - Lindfield set piece will see them hold the Cup aloft.

Colts; Lindfield vs Newport - Breakers to secure yet another Colts Premiership.

Epping vs UNSW - UNSW are my bolter but Epping look to have too much quality to get pipped.

Heavy D,

Whilst I agree with most of this, 3rd Grade prediction is a bit of a stretch, can see Hills being in the mix.

 

[Eastcoast]

Heavy D,

Whilst I agree with most of this, 3rd Grade prediction is a bit of a stretch, can see Hills being in the mix.

Heard from a former Two Blues player that Hills have a few ex Shute Shield players running around in 3's?

 

[Denistone_Dennis]

Heard from a former Two Blues player that Hills have a few ex Shute Shield players running around in 3's?

Nothing new from Hills there though. Had blokes playing down there below their level for years. Shame really, I'm sure they could help the guys having a dig up the grades.

 

[HogansHeros]

Nothing new from Hills there though. Had blokes playing down there below their level for years. Shame really, I'm sure they could help the guys having a dig up the grades.

Potentially they wont commit to training etc so are put down the grades?

 

[Heavyd]

Heavy D,

Whilst I agree with most of this, 3rd Grade prediction is a bit of a stretch, can see Hills being in the mix.

The prediction is based on UNSW magnificent ability to produce a lower grade side come finals time.

 

[park footy enthusiast]

Shout out to the Manly Savers lads, doing it tough right now on the scoreboards but hung around for beers after the game and were far too clinical in the boat race. Got the culture right out there the results will come in time.

 

[oldmate11]

Div 3 Round 8 Review

The Winners

Knox - Solid win in colts puts them in the clear for 2nd, best of the subbies teams at the moment and building nicely for big clashes against Easts and Beecroft in the future. 1st grade won well against Savers with other results actually putting them into the third at the moment! They have a huge run of games in the next 3 rounds that could see them secure finals.

Sydney Harbour - Easts had a big scalp in 2nd’s knocking over the comp leaders at home in comfortable fashion pushing them to 2nd on the ladder. Sydney Harbour with a comfortable win at home setting themselves up for a couple away trips then a main event clash vs Beecroft

Beecroft - Dominant win in colts to prepare them for a big clash against Easts after the break. 2nds keep winning by slim margins and are now first. Defence is rock solid but would like to see them score some more points. 1sts we’re way too good for Barker and look to be getting better each week. Backline moves and counter attacking play are great to watch.

The losers

Manly Savers - As stated before, it seems like savers have the right culture which is good to see, hopefully they can stick it out until the end of the season.

Sydney Harlequins - Have dug themselves in a bit of a hole and it doesn’t get any easier with a clash against Beecroft after the break. 1sts need to pick up some wins in the back end of the year or they’ll risk not making finals.

Old Barker - The good news is they have two weeks to reset and respond after this weeks thrashing. The bad news is they play Sydney Harbour after the two week break. Could end up being a crucial game for the season.

 

[HogansHeros]

Div 3 Round 8 Review

The Winners

Knox - Solid win in colts puts them in the clear for 2nd, best of the subbies teams at the moment and building nicely for big clashes against Easts and Beecroft in the future. 1st grade won well against Savers with other results actually putting them into the third at the moment! They have a huge run of games in the next 3 rounds that could see them secure finals.

Sydney Harbour - Easts had a big scalp in 2nd’s knocking over the comp leaders at home in comfortable fashion pushing them to 2nd on the ladder. Sydney Harbour with a comfortable win at home setting themselves up for a couple away trips then a main event clash vs Beecroft

Beecroft - Dominant win in colts to prepare them for a big clash against Easts after the break. 2nds keep winning by slim margins and are now first. Defence is rock solid but would like to see them score some more points. 1sts we’re way too good for Barker and look to be getting better each week. Backline moves and counter attacking play are great to watch.

The losers

Manly Savers - As stated before, it seems like savers have the right culture which is good to see, hopefully they can stick it out until the end of the season.

Sydney Harlequins - Have dug themselves in a bit of a hole and it doesn’t get any easier with a clash against Beecroft after the break. 1sts need to pick up some wins in the back end of the year or they’ll risk not making finals.

Old Barker - The good news is they have two weeks to reset and respond after this weeks thrashing. The bad news is they play Sydney Harbour after the two week break. Could end up being a crucial game for the season.

Interesting use of we're instead of were. (Sorry had to do it).

 

[CoinboxSoldier]

Interesting use of we're instead of were. (Sorry had to do it).

Grammar nazi

 

[21mm]

Great weekend of footy with an amazing day on Saturday. Glad we are seemingly through La Nina.

Interesting results flooding in:
Div 1 is anyone's to take at this stage with a log jam from top to bottom. 5 teams on 3 wins.

Top of Table Blueys going down to Waverly on the coast.
Shammies taking a much needed away win away from Mosman
Drummoyne earning a BP win at home over Colleagues to leapfrog them on the table

No real, standout teams, all beatable. Makes for a great tournament and finish.

Div 2 had a couple of scalps too
Hawkesbury Valleys big win over Hills to kick off their campaign this year! could they make a run for a finals spot?
Briars overturning a Rd2 Thumping at Porters (60 - 7) to Defeat Newport at Rothwell (16 - 15)

 

[Eastcoast]

What a week for a Holiday! - Come back and see 4 upsets in Div 1.

The mid season break is going to be interesting to see how teams respond.