Shore v Newington – a challenge of Olympic proportions
by Gary Owen III
Newington shares its name with a Sydney Olympic suburb, and the challenge ahead of the Shoremen in round 9 of the GPS is also of Olympic proportions. Facing a band of Stanmore’s elite athletes at Northbridge will see the Shoremen as rank outsiders in most disciplines. Here is a quick guide to the upcoming events and who to watch.
Shot Put (Hookers) This battle sees the kg’s definitely on the Newington side of the ledger. But I sense an upset in this event. Playing well above his weight, Jake Hedge has been inspirational in his past two 60 minutes of rugby (we don’t mention the other 10 minutes). He has been practicing his lineout by throwing loaves of bread to the school house boarders.
Greco Roman Wrestling (Props) Opeti Helu has been on fire this season. Despite not being Greek, he is odds on favourite here. He has been practicing against the entire year 7 (at once) and keep an eye out for his new move – the ‘Stanmore Express’ (all stops till the tryline). The young gun from the North Shore (Luke Edwards) might be value at longer odds.
High Jump (Locks) The battle of the tall timber sees Tom Piroddi as the one to beat. Dangerous in the air, but it is more his habit of trampling over unsuspecting competitors that has him a favourite with the fans. Shore’s medics will be on the alert should Tom mistake any Shoremen for the landing bag. There is talk of a late surge of money for Hugh Finlay whom is first-up from a spell and might challenge for the lineouts stolen medal.
Decathlon (Back Row) The endurance event that requires all the disciplines. I am having trouble splitting them here. Campbell Clifford has been exceptional in the speed events, but Fergus Bragg has shown the endurance and versatility that makes him the ‘Daley Thompson’ of this event. He is playing in his fifth position this season and has the best stare in the GPS—he gets my nod in this event.
Diving (Halves) Putting a Gilbert in the hands of these athletes has certainly increased the degree of difficulty in this event. Matt Long’s triple twisting torpedo pass from the top of the lineout should be enough for him to top the podium. But there is always the change of a bellyflop here.
Synchronized Swimming (Flyhalves) These are the athletes who mix the ‘music’ of the forwards with the ‘dance’ of the backs. This is usually a non-contact position for fear of upsetting their hairdressers. Expect this to be an open market as early favourite (‘BK’) may have switched events to the 100m Team Casualty relay. If so, then Cameron Murray will switch events, much to the relief of the equestrian competitors.
Equestrian – Steeplechase (Centres) These Show Ponies will be dressed up prettier than a Christmas Turkey in December. But it is anybody’s event for the taking. A few highly fancied thoroughbreds have suffered falls in earlier rounds and this event could host a vastly different field to their last gymkhana. I’d check your form guides to see which of the emergencies are getting a run. Lachie Patrick is my tip here.
Track and Field – 100m sprint (Back three) It is hard to go past Bailey Donovan Simmonson in the Blue Ribbon speed event. Has been in fine form and dominating since return from injury. Would love to have seen ‘Lightning’ Luke Rixon in this field but for injury. Tyrone and Sepesa should take the minor medals here.
100m Team Casualty relay (Team Rehab) If Shore were to be odds-on favourite for any event then it would be this one. The loss of BK and Kennewell will not be enough to topple the Shoremen’s Casualty Ward. Even with a couple returning from the bench this week, a few more have been put out for a spell since the Highland games.
Prediction: Newington to top the medal tally
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