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Southern Inland Rugby 2012

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yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
SIRU Finals Week Two:
We head to Yanco this weekend after some great footy matches in Wagga on Saturday. The forecast looks gloomy for the weekend with possible showers and a maximum of 12oC at Yanco on Saturday. The fields at Murrumbidgee College drain quite well so a bit of water won’t be a problem although it may cause a few issues as far as handling errors go.


PREMIER DIVISION:
First Grade @ 3:30pm on Ground 1:
Albury v Wagga City
In what were two really tough matches last week, these two teams both played their hearts out for two very different results. The Steamers played valiantly for 80mins to lose by a point while the City Men manned up for 80mins against a proud Waratahs outfit – similar effort for two very different results.

City and the Steamers will come into this match with two completely different motivations – Albury have been knocking for a few years now while City have risen from the ashes this season. Looking at past form really counts for nothing as these two both have to pick themselves up and get straight back into the tough stuff this weekend but the past few seasons have to count for something don’t they? Albury have been in the top 4 clubs in the zone for at least 5 years while City have been in a similar position at the other end of the spectrum.

The Steamers will be sweating on Ben Walker’s availability as he is central to their chances this season, likewise they need an able replacement for Scott Hannaford who will miss this week with a groin strain. In what is good news for City fans, Wagga City seem to have escaped their game relatively injury free. At this time of year, having a settled line-up will be a huge bonus leading into this match.

Ex Brumby Runner Jason Lagaali has been a revelation since his return from an extended holiday and will be a key figure in this match if the Steamers centres cannot contain him this weekend. From all reports Jason was a central figure in the Boiled Lollies win over their long-time rivals Waratahs last weekend. Interestingly Jason's brother Eddie has headed to the Gold Coast this weekend for a 21st Birthday Party... ... ...

Both teams have the luxury of having fresh reserves on the bench as neither team’s second grade team are taking part in the matches at Leeton. I think depth could be a factor in this match as Albury’s reserve grade team fared much better than Wagga City in the Premier Division. Another key factor on this match will be counter attacking ability as I think both teams will try to kick to the corners and force the other team to work their way out from inside their own 22m. This tactic will also bring kick return and fitness into the frame as well – who has the extra fire for these last games?

For me, this game will be all about mental strength. Albury were gutted last year after losing to CSU in week one, and would love nothing more than to make the GF in what is surely a swansong season for a core group of their players. City have a similar problem in that they need to shake off the scars of past defeats and believe that they can bag a win this week in order to prove their doubters wrong.

I’m not a gambling man but am willing to bet that this match will be a lot tighter than their previous encounters this season.


Second Grade @ 12:15pm on Ground 1:
Waratahs v CSU
This is a rematch of the 2011 Grand Final but these two teams appear to have slipped a little from the lofty heights of last year when they both managed to belt Minor Premiers Ag College before facing off in the Grand Final. There will be plenty of talent on show at this match as both teams have some handy operators in their ranks.

Waratahs possibly have the edge in the forwards, but may be found wanting out wide in terms of pace. CSU will have plenty of heart but may lack some experience when it matters as they are generally a reasonably young team.

FIRST DIVISION:
First Grade @ 1:45pm on Ground 1:
Coota v Tumut

In the end, Tumut put some decent points on the Blacks last week but I think it will be a different story this week as Coota look to get into the GF for the third straight year in First Division. In the other First Division match, Cootamundra were their own worst enemy against a solid Yabbies outfit and will be keen to take every opportunity they can this week. Although they didn’t get the win last week, they did score enough points to be in the hunt but just couldn’t find that killer blow when it counted.

This match will be reasonably even in the forwards as both packs have enough experience in the pack to know how to play these sort of games. Will Reynolds, Jock Mason and Captain Coach Tim Graham will be central to the Bulls go forward in this match. On the Tri Colours side of the fence, Phil Carter and Alex Hardie will lead their pack from the front.

While Tumut do not have any big names in the backline they have managed to get the job done during the course of the season. Cootamundra will be hard to stop in the backs though with the likes of Bob Scott, Graham Hardie and Co keen to stamp their authority on the match. These two players will be key to getting a win here this weekend and I’m sure they are up for it!

Defensively, both these teams really enjoy manning up and this will be a focal point for players and spectators alike as these teams put plenty of effort into this area of their game.

Looking at this game from afar and having seen them both run around last weekend, I would expect to see a torrid forwards battle played generally up the middle of the field with Cootamundra looking to unleash Bob Scott and Graham Hardie while the Bulls will want to keep Cootamundra defending in their own half and will look to force turnovers and focus on a strong forwards game from within the attacking 22m zone.

Second Grade @ 12:30pm on Ground 2:
Young v Griffith
This is a difficult match to preview as I haven’t seen much of either team this year. I know that the Yabbies have been blooding plenty of youngsters over the last two seasons due to their strong junior club (which has a lot to do with Luke Eldridge’s efforts) and I hope this bears some fruit for these players. As Griffith have not had the best season in First Grade there will be a number of players who are eligible for Second Grade this week and they will probably get a run given that the match is in the MIA.

Third Grade @ 11:00am on Ground 1:
Ag College v City
Following their 12 all draw with Waratahs, Aggies come up against Wagga City in an effort to get all three grades a jersey on Grand Final Day. I wonder what City will have to say about that? My mail says that there is plenty of support for the City Thirds and that they will be on song this weekend. Having said that, they have their work well and truly cut out for themselves!

Under 17’s @ 1:45pm on Ground 2:
Griffith v Young
As per the First Division Second Grade match, I haven’t seen much of these two teams this season. This match is a rematch of the 2011 Under 17’s Grand Final that was one of the matches of the day last year. Admittedly, there is not the same level of firepower on show this year, but these young blokes will throw the ball around and put on a good show at every opportunity.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
SIRU Week Two Finals Results:

Premier Division
First Grade:
Albury 28 bt Wagga City 21

Second Grade:
CSU 26 bt Waratahs 24

First Division
First Grade:
Coota 36 bt Tumut 24

Second Grade:
Griffith 14 bt Young 12

Third Grade:
Ag College 33 bt Wagga City 5

Under 17's:
Griffith 22 bt Young 21

Grand Finals Next Week @ Conolly Park:

Premier Division
First Grade:
Ag College v Albury

Second Grade:
Ag College v CSU

First Division
First Grade:
Young v Cootamundra

Second Grade:
Hay v Griffith

Third Grade:
Waratahs v Ag College

Under 17's:
Waratahs v Griffith
 
W

Wannabewallaby

Guest
Albury or Aggies???? I reckon Ag College 31-17 but what would i know?
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
Well, it’s finally arrived, Grand Final Day. We’ve been training at pre-season since January, playing footy since March, kicked off the competition on April 14 and now here we are after 277 matches over 18 weeks of the competition. The Walsh and Blair Cup is up for grabs on Saturday with Albury and Ag College being two deserving combatants in the show-piece event of the SIRU calendar.


Southern Inland Rugby Union Grand Final Preview:

Premier Division First Grade – Aggies v Albury @ 3:45pm Conolly Park #1

The 2012 season has been defined by these two teams and it is fitting that the two best teams in the zone are facing off on Grand Final Day. It was one a piece leading into the Major Semi two weeks ago when Ag College got up over the Steamers by one point which really sets the stage for a showdown this weekend and only highlights how close these two teams are in terms of quality and effort.

Ag College had their scouts over at Yanco last week keeping an eye on the Steamers which shows that they are well and truly committed to bringing home the silverware in 2012 after being bridesmaids for the last two seasons. The boys from Beres Ellwood have plenty of Grand Final experience having been there or thereabouts for the past 6 seasons. Having said that, Albury have been in the top four in recent seasons and have a very experienced playing group who are driven to succeed in their last hurrah.

Both teams are ably led by their classy Number 8’s and Captains – Dave Armstrong (Aggies) and Nathan Bright (Albury) are easily the two standout #8’s in the zone and are both very physical competitors. Up front, James Kora is a solid scrummager for the Steamers along with Jean-Laurent “Frenchie” Pozzobon and Dave Cooper-Dunn but the Aggies have ample coverage with Andrew Lean, Scott Hocking and Tom Dunstan. Tom has had a great year in 2012 having been rewarded for his hard work with selection in the Brumbies Provincial Team.

In the locks, Ben Leaper is a player with huge potential at the Ag College and would be ideally suited to play #6 at a higher level. His opposite number Tom Rowan is of a lighter build but is a lineout specialist and will ensure plenty of quality ball at the lineout if the Steamers can ensure accuracy in their throws. Lineouts were a bit of an issue for the Steamers last week and is something they would want to get right this week against a quality Aggies outfit that will pilfer any wayward throws.

The backlines for both teams are very handy but offer different strengths and weaknesses. Aggies play a more direct line through Tim Corcoran and Joe Reynolds in the centres linking up with some serious speed out wide in Lachey Woodhouse and James Grimmit while the Steamers rely more on their halves combination of Ben Walker and Richie Manion to create opportunities in attack.

Both teams tend to counter attack very well through their back three and will attempt to run the ball if the reward is there, which is testament to the smarts that Justin Wheatley and Lachey Woodhouse possess in the back three and will be a highlight of this match as both teams try to control the game from the back. While counterattacking will be a highlight, the key to this match revolves around how the 8,9,10 combinations perform as these players are all very talented footy players and all have the ability to impact on this match in a big way.

It would be rough of me not to mention the amount of work that the respective back rows of each team get through as these players have been a key feature of the competition this season. Louie Levett and Nathan Bright at Albury and Dave Armstrong and Cam Jenkins at Aggies have been key players in these two teams being as successful as they have in 2012. Aggies will be sweating on James Whiteley’s ability to recover from a ligament tear two weeks ago as he has been central to their pilfering ability for a number of seasons now.

Given the results over the past two weeks I think Aggies will benefit physically from having had the week off. The Aggies v Steamers Major Semi was particularly brutal and I’m sure they appreciated the break to give themselves some time to recover while the Steamers went to Leeton and really had to muscle up against a determined City outfit.

It appears injuries will play a role in this match with regular starters Dan Moloney and James Whiteley (Aggies) and Scott Hannaford (Albury) not named in the starting line-ups for this weekend. While both teams have enough depth to cover these guys I wonder what effect this will have on the match in terms of combinations and consistency.

From 1-15 both teams are blessed with talent and will surely put on a great display of attacking rugby and brutal defence for the full 80mins, I can’t wait to see these two teams go at each other in the 2012 Grand Final!

SIRU Walsh and Blair Cup Grand Final kicks off at 3:45pm at Conolly Park, Wagga Wagga
Referee: Paul Dean

Ag College: 1. Andrew Lean, 2. Scott Hocking, 3. Tom Dunstan, 4. Ben Leaper, 5. Evan Wilson, 6. Cam Jenkins, 7. Ben Ashton, 8. Dave Armstrong ©, 9. Pete Armstrong, 10. Bart Whiteley, 11. Lachey Woodhouse, 12. Joe Reynolds, 13. Tim Corcoran, 14. James Grimmit, 15. Tom Hobbs, Coach. Richard Turnbull

Albury: 1. Dave Cooper-Dunn, 2. Jean-Laurent Pozzobon, 3. James Kora, 4. Dan Hogg, 5. Tom Rowan, 6. Ash Lefevre, 7. Louie Levett, 8. Nathan Bright ©, 9. Ben Walker, 10. Richard Manion, 11. Jim Lollback, 12. Lars Newman, 13. Blake Le Cornu, 14. James Greenacre, 15. Justin Wheatley, Coach. Don Cameron

Second Grade – Aggies v CSU @ 12:15pm Conolly Park #1

CSU scored and converted on the bell against Waratahs last week to lock in a showdown against their long-time rivals Ag College in the Grand Final this weekend. Bragging rights on campus are well and truly on the line here as the regular season results sit at one a piece leading into the GF!

Ben Woodhouse has led his team with some damaging runs through the centres this season and his control of the game will definitely play into Aggies hands.

From what I have seen of these two teams, the ability to organise the defensive structure will decide the outcome of this match. Ag College have some real strike power in the backs with Chris Stott and Dan Higgins providing some great support to their backline through the halves. CSU will be well served by the likes of Andy Bedford and Nic Quinn in the centres who will have a big role in controlling this game.


First Division

First Grade – Young v Cootamundra @ 1:55pm Conolly Park #1

Well, we’ve been here before with these two teams and Cootamundra are back for their third consecutive crack at the First Division title.

Young played well for 60mins in the Major Semi between these two teams while Coota fell into a bit of a hole leading into and out of halftime. A repeat of this effort will not garner the results the Tri Colours are after this week!

It’s been a bit of an up and down season for the Yabbies and they must be really excited to be here on Grand Final day considering the run they had into the finals series. Similarly, Cootamundra got here in the end after deciding to take the long road to the GF – I’m sure Cootamundra Coach Kristian Bodycott will be relieved to have made it here again!

Keep an eye out for Aaron Seaman for the Yabbies and Alex Hardie for the Tri Colours as these two will be great to watch as they both enjoy running the ball particularly in loose play through the centres.

The Yabbies will be happy to have Adam Cockburn running the show for them from 10 again this week as he really adds some direction to their attack when he’s playing. Backed up by the likes of Nic Walker and Corey Randall out wide, these guys have a positive influence on the game.

For the Tri-Colours, Bob Scott and Graham Hardie are the centre pieces of their attacking structure – the Tri-Colours need these two guys to be on song tomorrow.


Second Grade – Hay v Griffith @ 12:30pm Conolly Park #2

It will be tough to get up over the Hay Cutters this week after some of their very convincing performances so far this season. I guess the biggest issue facing the Cutters will be preparation as they have not always had to prepare well for their games and sometimes need to adjust on the run as they play finals footy. They are handy enough to adapt to the circumstances though and will be keen for a trot this weekend.


Third Grade – Waratahs v Aggies @ 11:00am Conolly Park #2

These two teams played out a 12 all draw in their last encounter which indicates that there is nothing between them in this match. Full credit to the Aggies for getting all three grades into the GF this weekend in what will be a long day for Ag College supporters. Although this game will be played in the spirit of Thirsty Thirds, there are plenty of guys playing in this match who were playing First Grade here locally in recent seasons to make sure this game will be played at a high standard. Fitness may not be a real highlight for these fellas, but they know what they’re doing out there!

Keep an eye out for Trevor Fosdyke who will back up in the Ag College second grade fixture after a stellar season as Assistant Coach of the Aggies Thirsty Thirds.

Under 17’s – Waratahs v Griffith @ 10:30am Conolly Park #1

I haven’t been able to see too many under 17’s games this season, but was able to cast my eye over the Griffith v Young match last weekend and was impressed by the level of enthusiasm on show in their match.

My scout tells me to keep an eye out for Steven Tracey from Waratahs and Patular Motora from Griffith in this match. Steven has been really stepping up in terms of performance this year and has been rewarded for his efforts with selection in the Lloyd McDermott Development Team at the National Under 16’s Division II Championships. Patular has some pretty handy pedigree given his old man’s (Scholar Motora) efforts in the zone for a long period of time. My scout says that Patular is a damaging ball runner, excellent scrummager and one big human – so look out!
 

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yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
Premier Division
First Grade:

Aggies 26 bt Albury 25 - MOM Scott Hocking (Aggies Hooker)

Second Grade:
Aggies 50 bt CSU 21 - MOM Dan Higgins (Aggies 5/8)

First Division
First Grade:
Young 30 bt Cootamundra 25 - MOM Nic Walker (Young Winger)

Second Grade:
Hay 43 bt Griffith 7 - MOM Ed McFarland (Hay 5/8)
Third Grade:
Waratahs 22 bt Aggies 0 - MOM Hugh McLeod (Waratahs Halfback)

Under 17's:
Waratahs 20 bt Griffith 17 - MOM Steve Tracey (Waratahs 5/8)
 

Lindommer

Steve Williams (59)
Staff member
What a great day of rugby at Conolly Rugby Park in glorious Wagga Wagga, the standard and presentation by Southern Inland Rugby Union of our beloved game would put quite a few Shute Shield clubs to shame.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
The Bill Castle Medal for Best & Fairest as voted by the Southern Inland Referees was a tie between Albury #8 Nathan Bright and Wagga City 5/8 Hamish Wrafter.

Both these guys have had very handy seasons and fully deserve this accolade for their effort in 2012. It will be interesting to see if either of them are in SIRU again in 2013 as Nathan Bright has indicated he will retire following this season and Hamish Wrafter will probably return to the UK.

Alex Hardie capped off a solid season by taking out the Bill Castle Medal for the First Division.

The Steamers featured strongly in the 2012 awards stakes with Ben Walker named as the Leading Try Scorer and Justin Wheatley bagged the Leading Point Scorers Jersey for 2012. These awards probably highlight the reasons behind Albury's dominant regular season.

2012 has been a memorable season defined by two teams who could barely be split over the course of 19 weeks of footy. Breaking down the results of the four Albury v Aggies clashes, the outcome of their games comes down to 5 points:

Round 5 Albury 39 bt Aggies 18
Round 14 Aggies 38 bt Albury 14
Prelim Final Aggies 37 bt Albury 36
Grand Final Aggies 26 bt Albury 25

Rugby can be a heart breaking game which also offers sweet rewards. I'm sure the Albury Steamers are gutted that the season came down to 5 measly points but on the other side of the coin, Aggies will be pretty happy with those same 5 points. Albury and Aggies were the standout teams of the 2012 season and their quality is only higlighted by those 5 points.
 

jb23

Allen Oxlade (6)
Now for all the rumours for 2013.
Who will coach who?
What player movements are there?
Possible Retirments?
What competition will the Hay Cutters play ??

Also presentation nights and individual awards always make for interesting reading as do off season antics ... as in where is the premiership cup??
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
Now for all the rumours for 2013.
Who will coach who?
What player movements are there?
Possible Retirments?
What competition will the Hay Cutters play ??

Also presentation nights and individual awards always make for interesting reading as do off season antics . as in where is the premiership cup??
Far out jb23, I thought my rugby withdrawals were bad! My mail says there will be a number of retirements this year including coaches and players. Where is the Walsh and Blair Cup?
 
W

Wannabewallaby

Guest
I heard Pete Armstrong is staying in Wagga next year for a certain lady friend. Can anyone confirm this? Also, an ex-eastwood 5/8 may be wearing the #10 for ag college next year. Exciting times at Beres Elwood.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
I heard Pete Armstrong is staying in Wagga next year for a certain lady friend. Can anyone confirm this? Also, an ex-eastwood 5/8 may be wearing the #10 for ag college next year. Exciting times at Beres Elwood.

It will be interesting to see what happens with recruitment at all the clubs. Aggies have been strong for a number of seasons now - I wonder if they can keep that level of consistency up for an extended period of time?

Life on campus for CSU and Aggies seems to have changed in the last 5 or so years where the majority of these teams are made up of town players or ex CSU/Aggies students who are still in Wagga. In years gone by, CSU and Aggies were very much tied to the uni, now not so much.

My mail says that Richard Turnbull will be involved at Aggies in 2013, but not as heavily as he was this season. Anyone got any news on potential coaches across the zone?
 

jb23

Allen Oxlade (6)
CSU coach is not seeking an extension and they club is looking elsewhere,
Hugh Palmer is apparently being sort after for his old club,
Griffith could see the return of Lee Kimball.

Recruitment and retention is very interesting to see how clubs go about this. As written in the Daily Advertiser before the last round, CSU look set to loose Dave white (hooker), Sterling Ross (no.8) Rob Mcmahon (Lock) Aaron Le'strange (prop). Whilst Manning Doughety has already shifted to Bathurst as well as the loss of John Meggison, Ed Garraway and possibly Gus Howard. Just to name a few.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
CSU coach is not seeking an extension and they club is looking elsewhere,
Hugh Palmer is apparently being sort after for his old club,
Griffith could see the return of Lee Kimball.

Recruitment and retention is very interesting to see how clubs go about this. As written in the Daily Advertiser before the last round, CSU look set to loose Dave white (hooker), Sterling Ross (no.8) Rob Mcmahon (Lock) Aaron Le'strange (prop). Whilst Manning Doughety has already shifted to Bathurst as well as the loss of John Meggison, Ed Garraway and possibly Gus Howard. Just to name a few.

Hugh Palmer has been coaching overseas this season and would be a handy acquisition at Waratahs but I doubt he will be back in Australia in time for pre-season.

Lee Kimball will be at Griffith in 2013 which will be positive for the club as he has had quite a few successful seasons with the Blacks over the years.

It's always interesting to hear what is happening across the zone during the off season, I wonder if we will see any major player movements between clubs?
 
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