Was a great day of rugby at David Phillips on Saturday with St Pats and Blue Mountains sharing the first spots in the grand finals. It's always a day of high drama and intensity with 7 clubs converging on the one ground with seasons on the line, but as Bopper touched on amongst all the carry on and stupidity at times of subbies crowds you shake hands at the end of the day and move on. Some interesting results across the board notably UNSW registering an upset win over Blueys in 4s, Blueys late charge in colts to give Lindfield a scare and Forest knocking off an in form Epping lineup in 2nds.
I had seen a bit of him throughout the year but fair dinkum the winger from Blue Mountains (jersey #11) 1st Grade can play. Can create something out of nothing and if he finds a bit of open field stop the fight because boy he can run! A real talent and a very handy player to have in any team. I was watching more of the Epping v Blueys game but saw/heard Forest v Pats game was a seesawing affair. Forest used their rolling maul and well drilled pack well and St Pats used their big tight 5 to barge over from close range. I feel that both Forest and St Pats can match Blueys in the forwards, its the back line where Blueys will have the advantage.
4th Grade
Hills v UNSW - Hills started well v St Pats but were blown off the park in the 2nd half. They have some very good individuals in the back line who should be able to control the UNSW boys. Hills by 10.
3rd Grade
Lindfield v Hills - Lindfield will be glad to see something other than a Blue Mountains jersey in front of them and I'm backing them to come away with the good and play Blueys for the 3rd time in 4 weeks at Concord.
Colts
Forest v Lindfield - First of the local derbys and both teams will be fired up to have a shot at St Pats in the GF. Forest will be keen to bounce back to their winning ways but Lindfield colts know how to get the job done at finals time. In a thriller I'm backing Forest in by 1.
2nd Grade
Lindfield v Forest - similar to 3s I think Lindfield will benefit from playing a different opposition but then again Forest are playing some very good rugby. I really can't pick which way this one will go but think Forest will just sneak through.
1st Grade
Forest v Blue Mountains - This match shapes up as an absolute cracker and I can't wait to see who comes out on top. Blueys probably are the form team in the comp but I have a good feeling about Forest. If Forest play smart, use their forwards well and avoid the Blueys back 3 they should be able to grind out a victory. I might be delusional but I think there will be twists and turns through the 80 minutes in what could almost be the match of the season.
Good luck to all involved!