Division 3 Wrap Up
- Sydney Harbour continue their run of the lower divisions, now claiming the ultimate title in Division 6, Division 5, Division 4 and now Division 3. One would have to think that is where the roller coaster ends as there is a substantial gap between the likes of Lindfield, Newport and a relegated Division 1 side like Petersham. They are the most structured side in the lower divisions, but depth and size would test them against quality opposition.
- Beecroft have set a stronger platform, with a team competing to the end in every grade, while taking the 2nd grade premiership, and arguably having the 1st grade premiership stolen from them. The strength of their juniors and 1st grade side would for me have them up a division next year ahead of Briars.
- Knox can be proud of themselves and there young squad will set them up well for a run next year. Club numbers do not appear to be improving, and a lack of contributors at the club appears to be problematic.
- Harlequins and Barker finish in the mid table with room to improve if the likes of Valley, Briars, or even Epping possibly having to make the move down.
- Manly showed what a shameful club they are, but expect them to go back to being the kings of Division 5 next year, as numbers revive when they discover they can bully small upstarter clubs.
Division 2 Wrap Up
- In Division 2, Lindfield sealed their ticket up a division with premierships in the top 2 grades. A strong colts program will foster that and they should be comfortable with the move.
- Newport through all there criticism, showed yesterday they just breed talent. If their numbers return, expect them to take some silverware next year, even with Forest and Petersham floating around.
- Meanwhile, Hills will be left to wonder "if only". The high priority of running 3 ex Two Blues first graders in 3rd grade may have won them the Blunt Cup, but their committee must ask if the right decision was made. If Pike, Cox and Tamone were playing 1st grade, there is little doubt in my mind, they would have taken Lindfield to the precipice at around 4.30pm yesterday.
- Briars can be proud of their numbers, although limited wins were had in 2023. Always a good club culture, but there top grades would not even contend in Division 3 at the moment. They should move down next year.
- Epping are a mixed bag, and the only side who could lose by 50 one week, before winning the next week, highlighting some depth concerns. There 2nd grade appears a problem, going winless in 2023. I am unsure of the intricacies of their colts program, so they will need to bring that program through to remain competitive.
- Valley are the big losers of 2023. An ageing club with limited coaching and committee, they will be the first club to move down in 2024. They have a long rebuild ahead, which a few years in Division 3 will mask, but bigger problems lie ahead without a complete clean out that begins at the top.