Sydney Subbies 2024

[TheBigArvo]

UNSWs dip in 1st grade this year would be a concern for them. But based off there form over the previous few years the obvious answer would be a 12 team Div 1- play everyone once with 2 byes for 14 rounds.
Then you could end up with a similar comp in Div 2/3 combining Hills Epping Beecroft and Briars with the current Div 3 comp. Only team with numbers it would affect us Brars.
More and more we are seeing that the traditional or ideal divisional structure doesn’t work. 14 rounds is great but we need to work out how do we get similar sized/quality of clubs playing each other regularly. I’d hate to go towards clubs playing grades at multiple venues as clubs will struggle to have enough helpers

 

[SubbiesSoftie]

Hearing Newport have forfeited 4th grade already for this weekend. Injuries, holidays and travelling is starting to show in Div 2. Pats now seeking a 4th grade and halligan game.

 

[Eastcoast]

Hearing Newport have forfeited 4th grade already for this weekend. Injuries, holidays and travelling is starting to show in Div 2. Pats now seeking a 4th grade and halligan game.

Bit early for the European exodus @Heavyd ?

 

[Heavyd]

Bit early for the European exodus @Heavyd ?

Hearing up to 30 players are unavailable this week. Mainly injuries but probably a few away.

 

[Pfitzy]

Weather forecast looks proper wintry...

 

[Heure]

And the further problem is you have clubs like Newport, Petersham, St Pat's and UNSW who are working overtime to meet the required number of grades but every other week need to find meaningless Halligan cup games or tell 30+ players (who may have paid subs) they don't have a game through not fault of theirs. It seems pretty obvious that a divisional overhaul is required because you can't expect clubs to grow in the current climate. The clubs you have listed all have decent numbers in their division but will they realistically have 4 grades and colts this time next year? damned if you do and damned if you don't.

A divisional overhaul? Now that’s a good idea, I’m sure it’s been suggested before, depending if you’re hearing is selective..

however there is a hurdle - it would require the subbies aristocracy to actually do something, lord forbid if they ever left the trough.

Here’s a solution - free tickets to the waratahs!

 

[TheBigArvo]

Weather forecast looks proper wintry...

View attachment 19093

You’d hate to forfeit early in the week and then get washed out…….

 

[TheBigArvo]

A lot of clubs must be stressing look at the forecast. You’d hate to already have a catch up game and get washed out Saturday morning

 

[Lurker]

Spotted recently - this postage stamp sized sign at Newport Canteen. Discuss….

 

[Pfitzy]

You’d hate to forfeit early in the week and then get washed out…….

Was thinking that. Redfield have pulled the pin on 2s this week, but of course we are rarely closed due to weather at The Field Of Dreams. One game isn't going to hurt the surface at all.

And then the long weekend. Don't have to think about rugby for 10 days. Bliss.

 

[Heavyd]

A lot of clubs must be stressing look at the forecast. You’d hate to already have a catch up game and get washed out Saturday morning

Rain not really forecast to get going until lunchtime Saturday. All games will go ahead.

 

[Eastcoast]

Wont be enough rain to close the grounds. Might be rough conditions to actually play in. Cant wait to get into that clubhouse with the weather getting colder.

 

[Eastcoast]

Div 1 Tips - Last week 3/4. Lindfield absolutely cooked my Multi.

HH - Forest. Forest have been good each round this year and I dont expect much different tomorrow. HH have improved each week and coming off a great performance against Waverley. This will be a great game, HH to run away with it late. HH by 7

Colleagues - Waverley. Waverley were terribly ill-disciplined last week, expect that to improve this week. They have a strong side and should have enough this week. Colleagues did well to get their first win of the season, however may stay stuck to the bottom of the ladder this week. Waves by 5

Blue Mountains - Lindfield. Cold, Wet, Intimidating. Lapstone on days like tomorrow dont sound fun at all. Glads its not us playing. Lindfield did well last week managing and early onslaught from Drummoyne and pulling away impressively. Blue Mountains are a different kettle of fish. Lindfield will be thankful for a week off after this battle, they will need it against the big mountain boys. Mountains by 15

Drummoyne - Mosman. Would prefer to do this after seeing team sheets. Drummoyne seemed to be missing a few. If they are back, it will be a close game. If not - I can see Mosman continuing on their impressive run. Ill back the home team. Drummoyne by 1

 

[Pfitzy]

Wont be enough rain to close the grounds. Might be rough conditions to actually play in. Cant wait to get into that clubhouse with the weather getting colder.

How far off now?

I was there middle of last year and the body count of balls lobbed into the construction area was upwards of 20.

 

[Eastcoast]

How far off now?

I was there middle of last year and the body count of balls lobbed into the construction area was upwards of 20.

Fingers crossed within the next month.

 

[Pfitzy]

Fingers crossed within the next month.

Pending weather

 

[BJT]

And the further problem is you have clubs like Newport, Petersham, St Pat's and UNSW who are working overtime to meet the required number of grades but every other week need to find meaningless Halligan cup games or tell 30+ players (who may have paid subs) they don't have a game through not fault of theirs. It seems pretty obvious that a divisional overhaul is required because you can't expect clubs to grow in the current climate. The clubs you have listed all have decent numbers in their division but will they realistically have 4 grades and colts this time next year? damned if you do and damned if you don't.

So last year Newport played multiple weeks with 2 grades and colts, and now they're one of the anointed few, righto....

 

[21mm]

So last year Newport played multiple weeks with 2 grades and colts, and now they're one of the anointed few, righto....

and one week where only 1s and Colts turned up.

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

What does this do for Div 2 in 2025? Epping wont be there, Beecroft 1's are competitive however dont have the depth, Hills without colts?

Is this where hopefully Penrith, Hornsby and maybe a Harlequins, Irish or Knox? could come to the rescue, otherwise it might be a 5 team comp.

Irish or Quinns could do it from a talent and numbers in grade standpoint, no other club could field an additional grade consistently from what I've seen. Quinns seem to name 30 man second grade teams every week, Irish could probably get it done too, though I note neither team have a colts outfit which isnt ideal. Valley would probably be the best fit from division 3 as far as numbers and wider club facilities is concerned, so there might be a bit of a talent jump for them in first grade - good competitive second grade and colts sides as it stands however.

Knox has great colts numbers but go right to the brink of the playing group to get two grades out on the paddock once injuries and mid year travel rolls around. Tough part of playing away in Div 3 this year is that if your colts dont have a game at the same ground as you, you can't call upon them to back up for 2s or utilise their additional numbers. I imagine Iggies and Hawkesbury Valley would echo that sentiment.

 

[Pfitzy]

Referring back to the Chairman's words at the AGM: Colts is critical for competition structure but moreso for the health of clubs.

Three years ago the average age of our starting pack was creeping up into the mid/high 30s and unless you've got succession and continuity that isn't going to change. Since then we've been fighting to get Colts, and learning a lot along the way.

The lack of connectivity e.g. between juniors, schools, and senior clubs is a demonstration of where we're failing as a code. If you're not capturing players who exit age rugby you just lose them.