AIC Rugby 2012

[Havealook]

This is a serious question: do the results referred to above suggest that Peters have done some recruiting for the First XV this year, or have they just been freakishly lucky to have a raft of good players in the one year amid a sea of dross (both present and historically)? I'm not suggesting an answer, I'm simply interested.

A few points about SPLC - it is a boarding school (not the size of Ashgrove) and the nature of boarding these days is such that more students are boarding later in life, so a lot of good rugby players don't come in until later also St Peters (and other schools) participate in an indigenous program which produces some talented sportsmen and this does not really kick in until Year 10. Hence why the upper age groups are more competitive. At least 4 of the star 1st XV backline are only Year 11 and were in the 15A side last year, so if there is a reasonable forward pack in 2013, you can expect their 1sts to be competitive next year as well.

Re the 14A's I'm told that the school has a big coed enrolment imbalance in Year 9 (something like 65% girls) and so there is only a 22 or 23 man squad to cover the 14A's and B's, so many of these kids back up and play two games of a weekend - the 14B's play before the A's and have been more competitive. The same applies to most AIC sports at this age group, even the swimmers struggle comparatively.

It's great for AIC rugby that Peters are playing Eddies in the blockbuster next weekend, rather than the usual Ash v SLC and I'lll certainly be heading out there for a look.

 

[rugbynerd]

I am surprised by the Ashgrove v Eddies result however credit where it is due and Ashgrove carried the day. I only saw Ashgrove the day they played St Laurences and from the sounds of comments on this forum they had some players out injured that day? You have to hand it to Ashgrove teams, they know how to somehow find a way to win more times than not. Obviously this makes for a huge game St Edddies v St Peters ... I would have tipped St Eddies but momentum is a big thing in schoolboys rugby and maybe this will be the year for Saints?
All the punters on here tipping lots of players for AIC teams from schools with ordinary results are just dreaming .... Look for AIC I to be dominated by St Peters, St Edmunds and Ashgrove players .... AIC II will be a "best of the rest" outfit .... look back over the AIC teams of the past 14 years (since 1998) if you don't believe me .....

In regards to the AIC teams. The top teams getting players in isn't always the case. Last year Padua, Eddies and Marist tied the premiership. Padua got 1 in AIC 1, eddies 3 and Marist 3. Not what you call dominating the spots. Just because a team is struggling doesn't mean they don't have good players. The selectors arent stupid. If a player is good enough, doesn't matter what school, he will get picked. Marist and lauries have only previously dominated selections from 2010 and back because of the calibre of players they had. Over the last 3 seasons Marist has played well as a team but no standouts like in previous years.

 

[erossi93]

Also, last year Padua only got 1 player in AIC 1 due to the Confraternity shield. Many of the players from Padua were going to play in that competition so they rejected being selected in the AIC teams.

 

[The G-Man]

Usually when the boys get a head knock they are not allowed to participate the next week for their own safety, does this mean that caltris should not participate in this forum until he shows signs of clear thinking? Seriously mate, you are in massive denial. Helen Keller was deaf, dumb and blind but I still think she could have given us a more accurate wrap of games then you are. Yours and Saints Supporters lack of humility is making all the St Peters staff, students and team look like idiots. All these comments do is detract from the achievements of a team who are trying to prove to the competition that they should be taken seriously. The worst thing is that every person who reads this rubbish will be praying for a St Eddies win this coming week and this has nothing do with the actual team, just the inflated comments of people who actually have no idea what they’re talking about.

The St Peters forwards did not dominate the game; in fact it was a good arm wrestle, which ultimately was decided in the backs. It is fair to say that the St Peters backs on the day were 20 points better than their opposing backline, so it’s no shock the end score was 19-41. Too big, too fast and too strong, yet still not mistake free and to beat a very hungry eddies side bouncing back from a loss they are going to have to work harder. As for predictions with the AIC team, it would have to be dominated by Eddies, Ashgrove and Peters players because they have clearly set the benchmark within the comp. The Iona #8 has also been consistently tough and it would be good to see him rewarded for his work as well as Villa’s prop. For me, Pats, Padua, Villa and Lauries have shown very little to warrant AIC 1 selections and it seems that Iona have players who aren’t firing this year.

Finally it seems to me that there are some over-rated players in this competition who get raved on about every single week. Give it a rest you keyboard warriors and stop living your lives through children. Just because you were all probably hopeless at footy back in your day doesn’t mean this is your second chance. QLD/Australian rugby is in for a massive culture shock when it is hit with the current crop of superstars who are convinced their shit doesn’t stink.

 

[rundog]

On a different note, I don't know the players in the Ashgrove First XV, I've never seen them play but I'm proud of their efforts yesterday in winning away from home against the unbackable favorites when everyone keeps describing them as the worst-ever Ashgrove team. Did they have some players back this week who didn't play against Peters?

Those who are describing this years worst-ever ashgrove team can't have possibly seen them play a phase of rugby. With one player (Maka #13) backing up from last years firsts, they are quite and inexperienced side and went against the odds to beat the favorited Eddies side. I'm not sure whether they are making this judgement based on the fact they were beaten by and opportunistic St Peters side (surely their only reasoning) but they are definitely not a bad side by any means and will have, as most years, have many players pushing for an AIC 1/2 spot and further reps honors.

In my opinion, the players from Ashgrove that are most likely to be picked are Ben Hicks (#2), Josh Tregenza (#4), Sam Clarke (#7), Nick Richards (#8), Cam Knox (#10) is also and outstanding halfback, Nathan Bassani (#11), Henry Devine (#12), Tevita Maka (#13) and Josh Ryan (#15).

 

[Rugby Ball]

Those who are describing this years worst-ever ashgrove team can't have possibly seen them play a phase of rugby. With one player (Maka #13) backing up from last years firsts, they are quite and inexperienced side and went against the odds to beat the favorited Eddies side. I'm not sure whether they are making this judgement based on the fact they were beaten by and opportunistic St Peters side (surely their only reasoning) but they are definitely not a bad side by any means and will have, as most years, have many players pushing for an AIC 1/2 spot and further reps honors.

In my opinion, the players from Ashgrove that are most likely to be picked are Ben Hicks (#2), Josh Tregenza (#4), Sam Clarke (#7), Nick Richards (#8), Cam Knox (#10) is also and outstanding halfback, Nathan Bassani (#11), Henry Devine (#12), Tevita Maka (#13) and Josh Ryan (#15).

so your picking sam clarke at #7 over Brad Wilkin and Josh Ryan #15 over Wilson Bennet and Ben Hicks #2 over Manu
think your an ashgrove supporter...

 

[rundog]

so your picking sam clarke at #7 over Brad Wilkin and Josh Ryan #15 over Wilson Bennet and Ben Hicks #2 over Manu
think your an ashgrove supporter...

Read my post mate. I said the players from Ashgrove that are most likely to be picked for AIC 1/2. That's both squads.

 

[KVG91]

Usually when the boys get a head knock they are not allowed to participate the next week for their own safety, does this mean that caltris should not participate in this forum until he shows signs of clear thinking? Seriously mate, you are in massive denial. Helen Keller was deaf, dumb and blind but I still think she could have given us a more accurate wrap of games then you are. Yours and Saints Supporters lack of humility is making all the St Peters staff, students and team look like idiots. All these comments do is detract from the achievements of a team who are trying to prove to the competition that they should be taken seriously. The worst thing is that every person who reads this rubbish will be praying for a St Eddies win this coming week and this has nothing do with the actual team, just the inflated comments of people who actually have no idea what they’re talking about.

The St Peters forwards did not dominate the game; in fact it was a good arm wrestle, which ultimately was decided in the backs. It is fair to say that the St Peters backs on the day were 20 points better than their opposing backline, so it’s no shock the end score was 19-41. Too big, too fast and too strong, yet still not mistake free and to beat a very hungry eddies side bouncing back from a loss they are going to have to work harder. As for predictions with the AIC team, it would have to be dominated by Eddies, Ashgrove and Peters players because they have clearly set the benchmark within the comp. The Iona #8 has also been consistently tough and it would be good to see him rewarded for his work as well as Villa’s prop. For me, Pats, Padua, Villa and Lauries have shown very little to warrant AIC 1 selections and it seems that Iona have players who aren’t firing this year.

Finally it seems to me that there are some over-rated players in this competition who get raved on about every single week. Give it a rest you keyboard warriors and stop living your lives through children. Just because you were all probably hopeless at footy back in your day doesn’t mean this is your second chance. QLD/Australian rugby is in for a massive culture shock when it is hit with the current crop of superstars who are convinced their shit doesn’t stink.

Agreed G-Man. There is nothing wrong with supporting your alma mater, but there gets a point when it is over the top and just reflects a bad name upon whoever it is you’re barracking for. Lets try and give an honest report of teams and their performances. If one team clearly dominates another in a certain department, say it as it is, rather than butter it up to this forum.

In terms of results, Peters forwards did not dominate the Villa forwards. The no1. for Villa looked very good and will, in my humble opinion, be in the AIC mix. Villa run, and have done so for a few years, a very good forward pack and credit to them. Admirable effort to the Peters forwards who did their best to match it till their backs could strike. By moving the Aidan Adrian from his usual spot of 12 to 15, they have not lost much in attack. I would actually go as far as saying he is better fullback than he is at inside because of his speed and his boot.

Looking towards the Eddies game, I’m not sure if its next week or the week after, but i believe it is at Peters. Either way, Peters still have to beat Lauries who are never a pushover and always field a competitive team. I still think on their day, Eddies have a better side, but as Peters old boy, I would love nothing more than a Saints victory.

Lets try and keep the posts realistic and unbiased lads.

 

[Loveofthegame]

I think the worrying thing for St Peters in terms of the success of their 1st XV in the next few years, is that they only seem to have won two of all the games played yesterday including a 101-0 drubbing in the 14 A's. Hopefully they get over the line next week, would be good for the competition if Ashgrove don't win a share of the premiership.

 

[Loveofthegame]

It was 99-nil, and as one of the villa parents I was embarrassed for those boys from Peters. They showed alot of heart. The Peters boys have some forwards that were competitive and offer some hope for the future but as soon as our boys spread it wide it was all over.
I hope Peters can get some scholarship kids in the future because they seem to be at distinct disadvantage re enrollments and I don't think it does the AIC competition any favours Peters being so bad.

 

[macdaddy]

Peters, Eddies and Ashgrove going for a three-way tie. coincidentally the only teams that have imported.. interesting.

 

[Rugby Ball]

It is going to be an Interesting next two weeks, with Eddies and Peters next weekend, and then Eddies go up against Iona at Iona which will also be a tough game. Ashgrove have a pretty fair run from here on it but still will need to work hard not to lose. If Peters Knock off Eddies they will have the Premireship. And then it will be a Race for third between Iona and Eddies. There will be some good and interesting games in the next few weeks.

 

[rundog]

when do the aic teams get announced?

 

[erossi93]

It is going to be an Interesting next two weeks, with Eddies and Peters next weekend, and then Eddies go up against Iona at Iona which will also be a tough game. Ashgrove have a pretty fair run from here on it but still will need to work hard not to lose. If Peters Knock off Eddies they will have the Premireship. And then it will be a Race for third between Iona and Eddies. There will be some good and interesting games in the next few weeks.

While on topic of the next games, what are everyone's predictions for this weeks games?

Marist Ashgrove Vs. Villanova
St. Peter's Vs. St. Edmund's
St. Laurence's Vs. Iona
Padua Vs. St. Patrick's

 

[Rugby Ball]

While on topic of the next games, what are everyone's predictions for this weeks games?

Marist Ashgrove Vs. Villanova
St. Peter's Vs. St. Edmund's
St. Laurence's Vs. Iona
Padua Vs. St. Patrick's

Ashgrove by 20-25
Peters just because their back line and confidence by 7
Iona by 10
Padua by 5 i recon a close game with both sides not having the best season and itll be a dog fight not to get the spoon

 

[bsparx]

One person who has been overlooked by many is Will Burke of ashgrove. Great person who knows everything that's going on in the game. This is because of his immense knowledge of other players in both AIC & GPS. Great ball runner who should have more game time. He is currently in the 16 colors but it's said that he benches for the D's to the A's which shows he is a hard worker. He's also an eye for the ladies and yes, just like Bryano haling the ladies drool over his every word. Watch out for him as he is a rising star!

 

[light]

One person who has been overlooked by many is Will Burke of ashgrove. Great person who knows everything that's going on in the game. This is because of his immense knowledge of other players in both AIC & GPS. Great ball runner who should have more game time. He is currently in the 16 colors but it's said that he benches for the D's to the A's which shows he is a hard worker. He's also an eye for the ladies and yes, just like Bryano haling the ladies drool over his every word. Watch out for him as he is a rising star!

Pick him because he knows other players and has an eye on the ladies. This post is easily my favourite ever made on a schoolboy thread, never thought I'd see anything so embarrassing.

 

[Marbig]

This is a serious question: do the results referred to above suggest that Peters have done some recruiting for the First XV this year, or have they just been freakishly lucky to have a raft of good players in the one year amid a sea of dross (both present and historically)? I'm not suggesting an answer, I'm simply interested.

I won't go into my thoughts on scholarships/recruiting as this isn't the correct forum to do so, however in some cases/previous years, I do not believe some players ended up at certain schools just by chance. I don't really know much about the St Peters team this year, however it is likely they are just a good year level and have good chemistry.

 

[David Connors]

Are the AIC teams announced this week? or next?

 

[macdaddy]

anyone remember the days when peters recruited and still got belted . In saying that you still have to go out and perform and full credit to peters they have done exactly that. I went out to watch their game a few weeks ago and they have some excellent backs but the pre-match antics were an utter gee up. A marching band and a commentator giving an over-dramatic intro to the players. It was a bit rich when the lower grades got torched. It is nice to see a change however as it's a better experience for the school as a whole when they are competitive