More Div 3 Dribble - Round 13 Predictions:
With the top 4 (and both major and minor semi-finals) essentially squared away, will be see some teams rest players or start rolling benches out earlier to test some emergency combinations?
Sydney Harlequins (5) at Merrylands (1): With the Quinns fresh off a contention ending loss last night having to travel out to Holroyd on one and a half days rest will be the last thing on their wishlist. A rested and finals focused Merrylands will be looking for a clinical, polished performance and I see them getting it. Dion Amosa, Miti Malo and Dan Lelevaga the trio to watch here, all have been top tier all year. Merrylands by 20.
Sydney Harbour (3) at Sydney Irish (2): Game of the round this week, not a lot to play for given the table but this will serve as a great litmus test for both teams. The technically brilliant Irish vs the high-flying Harbour, styles make fights, and Irish were far too good last time out against Harbour on the road. For that reason, I'll take Irish at home, though I think Harbour will like the springiness of the astro. Irish by 8.
Knox (4) at Lane Cove Old Ignations (7): A real trap game on paper for Knox. LCOI have found form recently, going down to Harbour by 3 and Valley by 2, whilst Knox has been flying high, but are coming off a Thursday nighter, short players and not a whole lot to play for this week.. plus LCOI make their triumphant return to from all accounts a very well fenced Tantallon. I'll play safe here but dont be surprised if this goes the other way. Knox by 7.
Hawkesbury Valley (6) at Old Barker (8): A bit of a nothing affair on paper, but Barker will have a bit more to play for trying to avoid the spoon and peacocking a little bit for the more diversified Ladies Day crowd, so I'll pick against the grain for them to get the job done at home. Barker by 5.
Yours in the grounds feeling like concrete at the moment,
PFE