Sydney Subbies 2022
- Thread starter Pfitzy
- Start date
WoodyWoodsman
Sydney Middleton (9)
Was it a factor for the Renegades?
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
It didn't help, especially when 3 of them are First Grade tight five players, and another 2 are second grade front row.
I'm also looking at Redfield's team sheets and seeing 30 guys, no subs in either grade - they said they might stretch to 3 Grades this year, but the trial against Epping and Saturday would suggest otherwise. Maybe they had guys away as well.
They got the job done against 23 doughty HAC guys, who also look a bit short.
WoodyWoodsman
Sydney Middleton (9)
Any word on the Raptors situation? Where will they end up? Surely today or tomorrow provide answers...
What about Epping?
What about Epping?
Heavyd
Arch Winning (36)
What a disaster Div 2 is after just one week. Is anyone suprised about player numbers across some of these clubs? How did subbies let it get to this when half the clubs can only field 1s 2s and at best colts? I dont buy the 'we were lied to by clubs around numbers' as Subbies has a history of ignoring clubs and telling them more players will show up, its only early in the season...etc etc. How do the few clubs that can field all grades hold players for the season when they will play 3 or 4 games. Heads need to roll.
Cant wait to see the Knox chaos play out this week around how many grades they put out in Div 1.
Its a race between the big 4...UNSW, Lindfield, Hills and Newport for Clubchamps with my money on UNSW.
Cant wait to see the Knox chaos play out this week around how many grades they put out in Div 1.
Its a race between the big 4...UNSW, Lindfield, Hills and Newport for Clubchamps with my money on UNSW.
Agreed. How hard done by would the Rams feel? Put out 4 grades (2 of them filling gaps in div 2 in the 1st round) and colts but through subbies "wisdom" were dropped to div 4.
Waterloo_Ned
Herbert Moran (7)
We are heading to Briars this week. Our 1s and 2s can hopefully back up wins from last week (Our 2s are our team of the year).
3s will be hard. Looks like that is a focus of Briars this year.
3s will be hard. Looks like that is a focus of Briars this year.
WoodyWoodsman
Sydney Middleton (9)
Early predictions for Round 1 of Division 1:
KNOX VS ST PATS: A better return to the Kentwell Cup, St Pats could not ask for. Knox won’t have the team to compete as Pats showed themselves to be the form team of Barraclough last year. PATS BY 20.
FOREST VS HUNTERS: Both clubs seem to be claiming a lack of numbers behind closed doors. Forest with Kentwell experience to use Fortress Melwood to win. FOREST BY 8.
PETERSHAM VS BLUE MOUNTAINS: If there was a game to be at last weekend, it was the trial between Waverley and Blue Mountains. The firepower in the Mountain Goats’ backline will be too much for the Shammies. MOUNTAINS BY 30.
COLLEAGUES VS MOSMAN: The clash of the Kentwell titans and likely the two to fit out the club championship. A great battle at Woolahra. MOSMAN BY 12.
DRUMMOYNE VS WAVERLEY: This is the match of the round, possibly the match of the year. Waverley were amazing last week against Blue Mountains and have been training the house down in pre-season. Drummoyne’s preparations have been less than stellar but you know Kentwell Cup legend, John Sinisa, will have the Dirty Reds machine firing. WAVERLEY BY 2 off a late game drop goal by Rory Garrett.
KNOX VS ST PATS: A better return to the Kentwell Cup, St Pats could not ask for. Knox won’t have the team to compete as Pats showed themselves to be the form team of Barraclough last year. PATS BY 20.
FOREST VS HUNTERS: Both clubs seem to be claiming a lack of numbers behind closed doors. Forest with Kentwell experience to use Fortress Melwood to win. FOREST BY 8.
PETERSHAM VS BLUE MOUNTAINS: If there was a game to be at last weekend, it was the trial between Waverley and Blue Mountains. The firepower in the Mountain Goats’ backline will be too much for the Shammies. MOUNTAINS BY 30.
COLLEAGUES VS MOSMAN: The clash of the Kentwell titans and likely the two to fit out the club championship. A great battle at Woolahra. MOSMAN BY 12.
DRUMMOYNE VS WAVERLEY: This is the match of the round, possibly the match of the year. Waverley were amazing last week against Blue Mountains and have been training the house down in pre-season. Drummoyne’s preparations have been less than stellar but you know Kentwell Cup legend, John Sinisa, will have the Dirty Reds machine firing. WAVERLEY BY 2 off a late game drop goal by Rory Garrett.
BRUMBIEJACK
Larry Dwyer (12)
Not wanting to add to the Subbies HQ pile-on however...Radford Cup starts on Saturday and it is Wednesday. There is still no draw out so nobody knows who, where or when we are playing. Given the U21s have more work-related deconfliction and transport issues to sort out than most other people it is not making it very easy for people to try to convince the younger crowd to play when the competition organisers can't provide such information in a timely manner.
Ref_Ted
Ward Prentice (10)
My prediction - Rain, with Woollahra 2&3 to be closed at the first drop as usual.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
McLean Cup standings: https://rugbyresults.fusesport.com/ladder.asp?id=1342217&seasonid=989
Grose Cup standings:
NSW Suburban Rugby Union
rugbyresults.fusesport.com
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Division 4 predictions:
Redfield v Savers - Savers are solid, and Redfield are no slouches. Game has been moved to Blacktown's second field due no doubt to the school closing their ovals.
HAC v Saints - first hit out for the away team after having the Bye Round 1. Think they'll have too much for a depleted HAC.
Renegades v Epping - not really sure what to expect here. We're still down a few personnel. Epping didn't exactly dominate Merrylands. Gotta back the boys.
Oysters v Stags - Mac Uni gave Chatswood a lesson last week, so I'll say Oysters by plenty.
Mac Uni v Canterbury - Berries haven't travelled well in recent years but their Fijians might well out-do Uni's Fijians.
Raptors v Merrylands - the home side haven't had a run this year. They're low on numbers. Merrylands had a chance to beat Epping in both grades and didn't, so they'll be better this week.
Redfield v Savers - Savers are solid, and Redfield are no slouches. Game has been moved to Blacktown's second field due no doubt to the school closing their ovals.
HAC v Saints - first hit out for the away team after having the Bye Round 1. Think they'll have too much for a depleted HAC.
Renegades v Epping - not really sure what to expect here. We're still down a few personnel. Epping didn't exactly dominate Merrylands. Gotta back the boys.
Oysters v Stags - Mac Uni gave Chatswood a lesson last week, so I'll say Oysters by plenty.
Mac Uni v Canterbury - Berries haven't travelled well in recent years but their Fijians might well out-do Uni's Fijians.
Raptors v Merrylands - the home side haven't had a run this year. They're low on numbers. Merrylands had a chance to beat Epping in both grades and didn't, so they'll be better this week.
Last edited:
Waterloo_Ned
Herbert Moran (7)
Div 4
Savers v Redfield - At home this will be too much for Manly against a strong Redfield outfit. Redfield by 7
HAC v Saints - HAC at home have always been tough and at times unbeatable. I expect HAC by 28.
Renegades v Epping - Epping limped home last week while Renegades at their fortress are really difficult. Renegades don't lose two in a row. Renegades by 12.
Harbour v Stags - Harbour looked the form team of Division 4 last week. Chatswood have gone up a year too early. Harbour by 40.
Mac Uni v Canterbury - I am hearing Canterbury are struggling. Mac Uni are rallying behind Jim Vuniwa. Uni by 5.
Raptors v Merrylands - Looking very strong this year and top 4 bound in each grade. Merrylands by 15.
Savers v Redfield - At home this will be too much for Manly against a strong Redfield outfit. Redfield by 7
HAC v Saints - HAC at home have always been tough and at times unbeatable. I expect HAC by 28.
Renegades v Epping - Epping limped home last week while Renegades at their fortress are really difficult. Renegades don't lose two in a row. Renegades by 12.
Harbour v Stags - Harbour looked the form team of Division 4 last week. Chatswood have gone up a year too early. Harbour by 40.
Mac Uni v Canterbury - I am hearing Canterbury are struggling. Mac Uni are rallying behind Jim Vuniwa. Uni by 5.
Raptors v Merrylands - Looking very strong this year and top 4 bound in each grade. Merrylands by 15.
WoodyWoodsman
Sydney Middleton (9)
The Woodsman will get to Division 4, eventually.....
Round 2 Division 2:
OLD IGNATIANS VS BEECROFT: An interesting game here between two first round losers. A young Beecroft side. An unknown Iggies side. I'll back Iggies to take the chocolates. OLD IGNATIANS by 7.
NEWPORT VS LINDFIELD: The clash of the titans (in terms of numbers anyway) in Division 2. Lindfield's lower grades were allegedly out in force against Epping last weekend, while Newport are going from strength to strength. Home ground advantage to push it to the Breakers. NEWPORT by 15.
BRIARS VS SYDNEY HARLEQUINS: If you follow Briars on Instagram, they are advertising the last visit by Harlequins where they won on the bell. Don't think they'll have that luck this week. I'm expecting a tough second week for the Briars lads. HARLEQUINS by 30.
BLACKTOWN VS OLD BARKER: This old dog cannot back Barker. It doesn't seem right. The Warriors bounce back from last week, using their size advantage. BLACKTOWN by 8.
HILLS VS UNSW: Uni will be on a high after their moreal-boosting thumping of Briars. Hills will be brimming with confidence after smashing Beecroft. A good game with two quality backlines, led by maestros Brinnand and Keppel. The boot of Brinnand at Yattenden to be the difference in this one. HILLS BY 2.
Round 2 Division 2:
OLD IGNATIANS VS BEECROFT: An interesting game here between two first round losers. A young Beecroft side. An unknown Iggies side. I'll back Iggies to take the chocolates. OLD IGNATIANS by 7.
NEWPORT VS LINDFIELD: The clash of the titans (in terms of numbers anyway) in Division 2. Lindfield's lower grades were allegedly out in force against Epping last weekend, while Newport are going from strength to strength. Home ground advantage to push it to the Breakers. NEWPORT by 15.
BRIARS VS SYDNEY HARLEQUINS: If you follow Briars on Instagram, they are advertising the last visit by Harlequins where they won on the bell. Don't think they'll have that luck this week. I'm expecting a tough second week for the Briars lads. HARLEQUINS by 30.
BLACKTOWN VS OLD BARKER: This old dog cannot back Barker. It doesn't seem right. The Warriors bounce back from last week, using their size advantage. BLACKTOWN by 8.
HILLS VS UNSW: Uni will be on a high after their moreal-boosting thumping of Briars. Hills will be brimming with confidence after smashing Beecroft. A good game with two quality backlines, led by maestros Brinnand and Keppel. The boot of Brinnand at Yattenden to be the difference in this one. HILLS BY 2.
BRUMBIEJACK
Larry Dwyer (12)
Not wanting to add to the Subbies HQ pile-on however...Radford Cup starts on Saturday and it is THURSDAY. There is still no draw out so nobody knows who, where or when we are playing. See yesterday's post for my thoughts on the knock-on impact for clubs.
SuburbanCornChip
Bob McCowan (2)
Round 2 Division 2:
OLD IGNATIANS VS BEECROFT: Iggies seemingly a little depleted, and short a chunk of their first grade from previous years. They went down in a pretty scrappy affair with Barker. Beecroft got slapped up by Hills side that seems to be on par with UNSW as the bar setters this year. Beecroft too slick and organised for Iggies. BEECROFT by 17.
NEWPORT VS LINDFIELD: I think this will be the story of the season for Newport, too strong at home against most teams. Consistent numbers means a lot of returning players from a young side that is growing. Lindfield has similar strengths but will be blowing out the cobwebs in their first game of the year and will fall behind early. NEWPORT by 15.
BRIARS VS SYDNEY HARLEQUINS: An interesting rivalry here - should be a close one. Following each other around the divisions. Quins on a high from a thumping at Blacktown and Briars may lift after being shown the standard by UNSW. QUINS by 7.
BLACKTOWN VS OLD BARKER: As much as it pains me, Barker will be too fit for Blacktown who got run around the park last week. Blacktown will have to bring it to them physically and support each other in the first 20 minutes to be in with a chance. BARKER by 22.
HILLS VS UNSW: What a game. Both sides firing early in their first games of the year. UNSW hardly challenged by Briars so will need to lift on Saturday. Look to be well drilled, playing in patterns and vicious on counter attack. Earned the right through the middle to swing it when space appeared. Hills made Beecroft look pretty average and unconditioned which is no mean feat. Going to go down to the wire but my money is on UNSW BY 10.
Round 2 Division 4:
SAVERS v REDFIELD - Yeah manly won't travel well here even though they have a capable team. Redfield by 7
HAC v Saints - I hope for HAC's sake they get a strong win at home. They should be too strong for a already patchy saints travelling HAC by 19.
Renegades v Epping - Epping struggled more than I thought against Merrylands but I think they'll be too strong for the Renegades due to their depth. Epping by 7
Harbour v Stags - Harbour will murder the poor stags who are numbers and experience low. Harbour by 35.
Mac Uni v Canterbury - Berries sound like they've come off second best after COVID which is a shame after some strong years previously. Mac Uni the dark horse Mac Uni by 5.
Raptors v Merrylands - Merrylands looked firey against Epping last week. Will be a clash of some big bodies on saturday, but with the Raptors in a bit of a hole of disorganisation. MERRYLANDS by 12.
OLD IGNATIANS VS BEECROFT: Iggies seemingly a little depleted, and short a chunk of their first grade from previous years. They went down in a pretty scrappy affair with Barker. Beecroft got slapped up by Hills side that seems to be on par with UNSW as the bar setters this year. Beecroft too slick and organised for Iggies. BEECROFT by 17.
NEWPORT VS LINDFIELD: I think this will be the story of the season for Newport, too strong at home against most teams. Consistent numbers means a lot of returning players from a young side that is growing. Lindfield has similar strengths but will be blowing out the cobwebs in their first game of the year and will fall behind early. NEWPORT by 15.
BRIARS VS SYDNEY HARLEQUINS: An interesting rivalry here - should be a close one. Following each other around the divisions. Quins on a high from a thumping at Blacktown and Briars may lift after being shown the standard by UNSW. QUINS by 7.
BLACKTOWN VS OLD BARKER: As much as it pains me, Barker will be too fit for Blacktown who got run around the park last week. Blacktown will have to bring it to them physically and support each other in the first 20 minutes to be in with a chance. BARKER by 22.
HILLS VS UNSW: What a game. Both sides firing early in their first games of the year. UNSW hardly challenged by Briars so will need to lift on Saturday. Look to be well drilled, playing in patterns and vicious on counter attack. Earned the right through the middle to swing it when space appeared. Hills made Beecroft look pretty average and unconditioned which is no mean feat. Going to go down to the wire but my money is on UNSW BY 10.
Round 2 Division 4:
SAVERS v REDFIELD - Yeah manly won't travel well here even though they have a capable team. Redfield by 7
HAC v Saints - I hope for HAC's sake they get a strong win at home. They should be too strong for a already patchy saints travelling HAC by 19.
Renegades v Epping - Epping struggled more than I thought against Merrylands but I think they'll be too strong for the Renegades due to their depth. Epping by 7
Harbour v Stags - Harbour will murder the poor stags who are numbers and experience low. Harbour by 35.
Mac Uni v Canterbury - Berries sound like they've come off second best after COVID which is a shame after some strong years previously. Mac Uni the dark horse Mac Uni by 5.
Raptors v Merrylands - Merrylands looked firey against Epping last week. Will be a clash of some big bodies on saturday, but with the Raptors in a bit of a hole of disorganisation. MERRYLANDS by 12.
Fat Pigeon
Banned
do you mean Western Craptors?
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Saw a post from Saints that they've got their fixture for the weekend, so it must have been distributed.
BRUMBIEJACK
Larry Dwyer (12)
Yep, first round matches emailed after lunch. Said they'll finalise the draw when they confirm the # of teams. We all roll with the punches but hard to keep U21 interested when you can't tell them what is expected of them. Think they're just all happy to play (if we can get a ground that the council hasn't closed !).
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
That will be the bigger challenge this weekend I think.
I think if the communication is that Radford Cup will be at approx 8 Saturdays of your life and then support Grade for the rest of the season, that is about as good as you can do most years.
As you've posted, not knowing the number of teams is the biggest problem. I've spoken to clubs who had good numbers (including Colts) before The Big Wet hit, and now they're scrambling. Particularly as people see their non-rugby mates on overseas trips, living it up and NOT getting bashed around on a Saturday
Last edited: