#SIRU2014 Round Five Preview:
There are some genuinely tight contests here this week, particularly after results over the last few weeks. This time of year is always difficult to follow as the ladder isn’t really a great indication of where teams are at – and from what I’ve seen of the competition, it’s going to be a tight year which is great.
CSU (2) v Tumut (8)
Along with the Yabbies, Tumut have been the surprise package of the 2014 season having picked up some backs which has added some flair to their game this season. Guys like Jock Mason and Will Reynolds must be really excited about seeing a Bulls team with some backs to match their forwards. Much like Leeton in years gone by, the Tumut forwards have been handy enough but a one dimensional game plan may have been found out at key moments.
Whilst Reddies will be hurting with the loss of Brett Wendt and Joe Tui in the backs, I’ve been hearing good reports of a fit and firing Sterling Ross along with a crisp pass from Justin Wakeling at the Reddies. These two guys are now mainstays of the CSU team and will be a key for them this year and the more support these guys can provide to the likes of Paul Hood, the better life will be for CSU.
Waratahs (1) v Ag College (5) – Match of the Round
Waratahs would be keen to stamp their authority on this match and carry on with their early season form. My mail tells me that Euan Bonner has been leading his charges around the park well in recent weeks and Coach Palmer will want to see this continue.
After a tough match at Griffith, Aggies piled on the points against Leeton last week. Can we rely on this to show us form – probably not, that’s why this week is important for the Aggies and an chance to determine where their season ends up.
There might be some opportunities for both teams through the centres with some combinations needing some time to gel. Aggies have been blessed in this area of the team in recent years but will want to support these guys as best they can this week.
Waratahs will also be keen to turn it on for their female fans as this weekend is their annual Ladies Day match.
Temora (7) v Leeton (11)
The time has come for Temora to deliver on their pre-season aims of being a top four contender as they need to start putting some results on the board if this is their aim in 2014. In truth, they’ve been very close to bagging some wins but may have been guilty of taking their foot off the pedal at crucial moments and seeing results slip through to the keeper – something I’m sure Apenisa Tudulu and Co are working on.
Temora and Leeton are both very proud football clubs and both teams will be keen to sink their teeth into each other in this match.
Deniliquin v Griffith (4) – 2nd Grade Only
Albury (3) v Coota (10)
A tough road trip for Coota no doubt, Albury are never easy to play at Fortress Murrayfield particularly with a wet day predicted by the BOM tomorrow. The Tri-Colours have been competitive in recent weeks, particularly through the forwards but have undoubtedly been hurt by the loss of some key backline players who will hopefully return to the fold soon.
I hear that Richard Manion is playing some good footy being ably supported by Ash Le Fevre in the forwards. I also heard that James Kora was still playing footy for the Steamers which I thought was meant to be a short term deal (and travelled to Young last week!)? @namtrak, got any mail on this mate?
Young (6) v City (9)
In years gone by, this would have been a lay down misère for the Boiled Lollies – not so this year, they’ll need to work hard to get the biscuits this week as the Yabbies have been a real surprise packet so far this season.
Rambo Lagaali was a standout for City last week with his effort around the park a real positive of the game, City will need Rambo to work hard alongside Justin Sheridan and co in the backrow this week.
The Yabbies will be keen to mix it with a team like City to see just where their season could end up, Aaron Seaman and his boys will have their work cut out for themselves in the forwards as well as the backs. It’ll be interesting to see what City bring along in the backline this week and even more interesting to see how the Yabbies match up in this department.
