Hi Rod, I always admire your balanced view.
I do think though, you will say Barker regardless!
I will though disagree with you in 2021. That Waves side would have easily accounted for a good Barker side at Barker that year.
That Barker side had never really got close to that Waves side ever in the age groups, except in the 16as with a 25 - 2 penalty to Barker ( no joke), and a Waves certain try disallowed by a ref 30m behind the play, actually scored by my bloke without doubt.
Yep I know there were a few additions to that Barker team but they were still in year 11 boys and IMO would have struggled against an aggressive , HUGE forward pack, and super talented backline. Mates of boys from other schools believe the same.
They were all coming to watch at Barker, but alas.
Also as a comparison, Riverview beat Barker, Knox beat Riverview, and Waves thumped Knox 38-14 (Knox scored and converted in the last play of the day). That Waves side won 8 from 8 until covid hit, including beating a strong Kings side at Kings putting 50+ on them and same for a better than normal Shore age group. No one got close to this team in all the ages, I suspect my old mate from Knox, the AXE will back me up.
I have asked the same Waves coaches, that also coached this years team, which is the best team over the last 10, they have coached, and they both said without a doubt the 2021 side. That includes the side that had Ben Donaldson, Luca Moretti, and Finn Wright in 2017, so I recon they would know.
Anyway, we will never know.
The season is not over and there is a lot to play for still this season. A very interesting year, I do think though that there are some young superstars who will burn bright next year when in year 12.
Best WLF!