Denistone_Dennis
Chris McKivat (8)
Div 2 Early Season Wrap
Wet weather weekend for Div 2 gives the chance to see where clubs are at early in the season.
Lindfield (1) - The class Barraclough team and club of the Division so far. Look really settled in 1st grade with a squad that's been developing for a few years, with some additions helping too. While they don't really stand out at anything (perhaps their scrum), just do most things well which has set them apart in Barraclough so far, and certainly did last weekend against Newport. One wonders if their ceiling is as high as some of the others.
Hills (2) - Position on the ladder might be a bit deceiving for these guys. Looked competitive but we're eventually put away by Newport and have been fairly scratchy in their other games. Have the potential to challenge at the business end if they can get a few areas cleaned up.
Newport (3) - Big question here is who will still be around when the European Summer holidays start. Looked to struggle big time last week without the 10, even his brother at 9 wasn't quite the same without that connection. Certainly good enough to take it out again if they can keep guys on the field.
UNSW (4) - Starting to hit their straps now after a big loss first up. Don't look quite the same as last year but are well coached which will go a long way. Games against Newport and Hills over the next few weeks will be big for them.
Briars (5) - Thought they might have turned a corner after Round 1, but still don't appear to have the attack to threaten any of the top teams. Spent almost all the 2nd half against Hills deep on attack but just 1 try to show for it. Certainly work hard around the field but will need some luck from here to put pressure on for finals places.
Epping (6) - Very inconsistent line-ups this year has hampered them in Barraclough. Full strength they can push anyone in the comp, but not a lot of depth to keep the standard up. Bit worried for my spot down the grades if 1s don't get some wins soon. Hopefully next weekend against Valley will be the day.
Valley (7) - Seem to be a very different beast at home versus away. With their best on the field can seriously push the top teams, if they can get them to Epping next weekend it will be a tight game. Think they'll jag a few more wins as the season goes on, probably an upset of one of the top teams in there somewhere.
Wet weather weekend for Div 2 gives the chance to see where clubs are at early in the season.
Lindfield (1) - The class Barraclough team and club of the Division so far. Look really settled in 1st grade with a squad that's been developing for a few years, with some additions helping too. While they don't really stand out at anything (perhaps their scrum), just do most things well which has set them apart in Barraclough so far, and certainly did last weekend against Newport. One wonders if their ceiling is as high as some of the others.
Hills (2) - Position on the ladder might be a bit deceiving for these guys. Looked competitive but we're eventually put away by Newport and have been fairly scratchy in their other games. Have the potential to challenge at the business end if they can get a few areas cleaned up.
Newport (3) - Big question here is who will still be around when the European Summer holidays start. Looked to struggle big time last week without the 10, even his brother at 9 wasn't quite the same without that connection. Certainly good enough to take it out again if they can keep guys on the field.
UNSW (4) - Starting to hit their straps now after a big loss first up. Don't look quite the same as last year but are well coached which will go a long way. Games against Newport and Hills over the next few weeks will be big for them.
Briars (5) - Thought they might have turned a corner after Round 1, but still don't appear to have the attack to threaten any of the top teams. Spent almost all the 2nd half against Hills deep on attack but just 1 try to show for it. Certainly work hard around the field but will need some luck from here to put pressure on for finals places.
Epping (6) - Very inconsistent line-ups this year has hampered them in Barraclough. Full strength they can push anyone in the comp, but not a lot of depth to keep the standard up. Bit worried for my spot down the grades if 1s don't get some wins soon. Hopefully next weekend against Valley will be the day.
Valley (7) - Seem to be a very different beast at home versus away. With their best on the field can seriously push the top teams, if they can get them to Epping next weekend it will be a tight game. Think they'll jag a few more wins as the season goes on, probably an upset of one of the top teams in there somewhere.