willmckenzie
Frank Row (1)
I don't see how Hunters Hill can be denied promotion.
Jezz the inner west (I will include St Pats in this) is an extremely competitive area for players. You have Pats, Briars, West Harbour, Petersham all in pretty close proximity to each other.
Does anybody know if they have a strong link to the school at Strathfield? I know that they are not called an 'old boys' rugby club. I am also aware that St Pats school isn't the strongest rugby school at present.
St Pats rugby club largely relies on the school each year for a crop of colts players. This will continue to be there main connection to the school because the lads who enjoy the colts will stick around and play grade. One concern for St Pats is that the schools rugby program is rapidly deteriorating, both 1st XV and 2nd XV's finished last in their respective competitions and player participation at the school is dropping dramatically largely because of the demographic of the school.
A few years ago when St Pats were at the peak of their powers the Kentwell cup team if you were lucky had 2-3 St Pats old boys. Now that player payment is prohibited more and more old boys are filling these positions and obviously do not have the talent as the semi-pro lads. Also worth noting that Liam Windon is a St Pats old boy hence his inclination to play with mates at St Pats over any other subbies/premier grade club. I know St Pats will be doing their utmost to preserve their non-relegation record but there is no denying the strength of Hunters Hill and the club wide weakness St Pats has shown this year. Interesting times ahead for St Pats.