OK Mauler. I'm probably wrong and I don't have a problem with you correcting me if I am. Didn't we play Far South Coast for example because they lie in Brumbies territory. They are inferior to SIRU. I don't really know about Monaro but I'm guessing they are better quality than FSC but still inferior to SIRU especially if their better players are not nominating for rep. I would change - not playing these zones. We could have gala day during the season where all teams played at Wagga, (or even Griffith with our great new facilities). Pick a SIRU side. Then if we could slot into a similar quality tier to us in the Canberra comp and have a similar weekend happen down there where a number of teams competed over the long weekend in June. Take a bit of organising. As for blame. I don't know nor much care. Interested to hear your thoughts Mauler. Am I way off the mark.
So I see a few things here.
SIRU. The SIRU side works well I feel. Good nominations from all clubs. Yeah we'd all like all players to be available but it's not possible. Personally I think that this part is pretty well set.
South Coast/Monaro.
Traditionally Monaro have been stronger than South Coast. Monaro have also won this tournament as recently as 2011 if I'm not mistaken. The issue with Monaro is that these guys are playing Canberra premier clubs, albeit their 3rds on a weekly basis. This was a massive step up from their previous competition. It's got to the point where these guys want a break on the June Long weekend. Also worth noting they don't have a competition bye this weekend. Another issue they currently face is that they are so close to the premier clubs, location wise. The quality juniors from Goulburn, Hall and Cooma are heading to play in Canberra in the Colts competition. One example here is Oscar Cunningham from Goulburn. Travels from Goulburn to Gungahlin to play colts. He has been selected in the Brumbies 10s team heading to Mauritius for the world club 10s. This doesn't happen in SIRU to near the same extent.
Monaro was made up this season from the div 2 sides with a small number of div 1 players. Boorowa, Yass, Jindabyne made up a massive portion of the side. Again 2 of the top placed div 2 clubs Crookwell and Taralga didn't nominate players for this side.
South coast are essentially a combined Bungendore/Braidwood/Batemans bay team. Broulee and Milton have both folded as clubs. South coast are lucky that Andy Goslett is at Bungendore with his premier grade experience in Canberra leading and attracting players.
The step from the SIRU side to Premier grade in Canberra is huge. Last season the SIRU rep side played a pre-season match against Queanbeyan and lost to their 1s,drew with their 2s and beat their 20s over 3 30 minute blocks.
The only way I can see the South Coast/Monaro side being any stronger is opening nominations to all the 3rd and 4th grade players. Essentially including the 7 premier clubs also. Weather you get many nominate or not is yet to be seen. This also has a counterproductive possibility. Div 1 and 2 players losing their pathways.
I don't think you're way off PB. We'd all love to have a more competitive provincial championships. I assume there is also a possibility for the Provincial match to be played in Griffith when SIRU host next season. I think Griffith rugby club would need to propose this? Is always great to showcase the quality setups in our zone.
