Those first 3 games on your list will all be crackers. Any predictions from anybody?
I'll have a crack at predicting a few. The AAGPS boys are out of the trial period now so we will see ISA school's going up against other schools that have already played other ISA schools (I tried to word that to the best of my ability) which will give a good insight into how competitive this year's comp will be...
Oakhill vs Waverly - I'll take Oakhill in this. They were only down to Joeys by 7 in the final stages of the game before Joeys blew them out, which gives good signs of their stamina and dedication to win. I reckon it will go down to the wire.
Pats vs Barker - Barker will win this one through their forwards. Barkers tenacity throughout their game against Newington allowed them to score on the bell. Pure class from them, an extremely well-drilled side. Barkers patience and capitalization on mistakes will put them ahead, but Pats may be able to give them a run for their money. IMO Pats forwards may not be able to keep up with Barkers.
Auggies vs Knox - I think I'll take Auggies in this one. Call me delusional, call me daft, but they might just have a shot. Knox has momentum so far, having strong wins against Joeys and Shore. Auggies do as well, with a few more games strapped under their belt. In games like these, you need players to take control in the late stages of the game, Auggies have those players. It will be tight, don't get me wrong, and in the end, Knox's forwards may be the difference, but I quite like the idea of an ISA school upsetting a top CAS powerhouse...
Stannies vs Grammar - Stannies by a margin. Can't see them losing to a Grammar team otherwise they will get tortured with shuttle runs up and down Mount Panorama!
Gregs vs Trinity - This will be another close one. Trinity has had a solid start to the year with tight games with Pats and a nice win over Pius. I'm still yet unsure what to make of Gregs, so it could swing either way, but I will take Trinity, they looked good when I saw them and have an abnormally large pack which will cause havoc mid-field. Gregs has had reports although of them being a much stronger side this year in comparison to last year so that could factor in a surprising result
Kinross vs Cranbrook - I think with Cranbrook having a good win over Pats last week, they will want to make a statement with Kinross.
Pius vs Aloys - This will be a cracker. Pius has proved to be a formidable side with getting neck and neck with a decent Trinity outfit. Aloys have pushed Stannies to the breaking point. I think I'll take Aloys in a game that goes down to the final straw.
I gave it a crack, but all of these games could swing either way IMO. Keen for a great week of rugby!