The Ghost of Bernie
Chris McKivat (8)
Can confirm Filipo at #8 for Knox, if given space, is hard to stop.2/4, closing the regular season in tatters.
Knox 46 def. Merrylands 20: Well, there's an upset. By the team sheets it looks like Merrylands travelled a little light this week with some key players absent, and a somewhat soft red card relatively early into the second half definitely didn't help proceedings, but that's a big momentum building win for the Knox lads at home to secure the club championship. Set piece dominance in the second half was the difference. 4 tries for the superstar Filipo at #8 for Knox, player of the season in divison 3 for sure. No changes for finals however, Knox stays in the minor, Merrylands in the major, these two could meet again soon.
Sydney Harbour 38 def. Barker 24: The end of a very tough season for the Barker lads, will be interesting to see how they stack up next year. They'll need to prioritise returning a colts outfit, the life blood of a club like theirs. For Harbour,
Sydney Harlequins 33 def. LCOI 12: Well so much for the upset. Quins round out their season at home in a big day for the club, with some fresh legs off the back of last week's full grades forfeit vs Merrylands. A disappointing year as many had them tipped for finals. For LCOI, they'll rue a slow start to their first season post merger but there are some signs of potential there, starting with their colts outfit in the major semi next
Super disappointing way to finish the season for LCOI against a well rested... Sydney Harlequins. LCOI lost outside centre in the first 5 mins, tight head and number 8 within 20 mins and 9 at half time. Quins established a scrum dominance after loss of tight head + 8 and LCOI struggled to get out of their own half. Finished the game with the last try and as per the little known IRB rule 800B, last try wins...
For the Colts, as mentioned by PFE2, major semi this week against an undefeated Knox.
A positive note for LCOI is many of the Colts for 2024 are ineligible for Colts in 2025 and have indicated they will stick around.