Division 3 Semi Final Weekend Previews:
Clark Cup - 1st Grade:
Congrats to Knox on taking out the Division 3 Club Championship. Many saw the place they were in after clinging on Div 1 too long and wrote them off so it's nice to see them recover slightly in a lower division. Tough for Irish and Merrylands who absolutely would have challenged if they had a colts outfit, something to consider for all 3 clubs in which division they line up in next year.
Sydney Irish (1) vs. Merrylands (2): The top two sides all year, couldn't play more different styles if they tried. Irish got them week 1 on the road, Merrylands got them on the return road trip. Merrylands off the back of a shellacking at Knox don't have the form behind them like Irish do, but they will get their head coach back from two weeks off and some key players returning. This is a tough one to call, but I'll give the edge to Merrylands... just. Merrylands by 5.
Sydney Harbour (3) vs. Knox (4): Like the major semi, Oysters and Knox both won the away legs of their clashes this year. Lots of this will come down to the health of the Oysters dynamic 10/15, as their run home form has been shaky without those 2, as well as their leader at #2. Knox on the other hand has been flying, upsetting the #1 ranked Merrylands at home to close out the regular season. I think Knox can win the physical battle and end Oysters' season earlier than its ever been ended before (i.e. without winning it all lol). You never really know in finals footy though. Knox by 10.
Farrant Cup - Second Grade:
Sydney Irish (1) vs. Merrylands (2): Just copy and paste the above as the story is exactly the same here... though Irish has looked comparatively stronger in second grade all year than even the mighty Merrylands, so I'll take them here. Irish by 14.
Knox (3) vs. Hawkesbury Valley (4): This one could go either way, depends on the strength and depth of both clubs lower grade. Given Valley has known for a few weeks that their first grade wouldnt be making it, I suspect they'll name a slightly stronger side than when these last two met. Which coincidentally was a 16-16 draw. Valley by 7.
Nicholson Cup - Colts:
Knox (1) vs. LCOI (2): 66-0 across the two games these sides have played this year, Knox will likely finish their season off undefeated, though the pressure of finals can do strange things... in any case: Knox by 20.
Sydney Harbour (Easts) (3) vs. Hawkesbury Valley (4): Tough one, but I'll take Valley on the principle of never rooting for Shute Shield clubs in Subbies. Give 'em hell boys! Valley by 5.
Yours in still not knowing why next rounds games are at Holroyd...
PFE