• Welcome to the Green and Gold Rugby forums. As you can see we've upgraded the forums to new software. Your old logon details should work, just click the 'Login' button in the top right.

Southern Inland Rugby 2015

Status
Not open for further replies.

Whistle Happy

Jimmy Flynn (14)
Anyone want to make any Bold predictions for saturdeys Finals;
I'll have a go with some because apart from Temora & Coota the other Finals look pretty close
Griffith to beat Waratahs because Latu will tear the Waratahs defence apart, Leeton to knock off Tumut in a tight one and City to have the edge over Young in what should be a pretty good Final.
A couple of Women's Finals look pretty exciting as well with the Waratahs v Griffith game sure to be a ripper and the CSU v City Women's Final set to be an awesome contest
Bring it On!
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
#SIRU205 Finals Series Week One Preview:

The SIRU 2015 Finals are finally here! 16 Rounds of rugby with approx. 290 games of rugby have got us to this point. Congratulations to all contenders this weekend and commiserations to Ag College 1st XV and Albury 2nd XV who have missed out on a bait to this year’s finals series. A special mention also to the Leeton Phantoms who have bagged the 2015 Club Championships with a convincing 350 points. Link below to Mick’s article on the SIRU Website.

http://southerninland.rugbynet.com.au/default.asp?id=209579
and
http://southerninland.rugbynet.com.au/default.asp?id=209582




PREMIER DIVISION:

1st Grade Qualifying Final – Leeton (2) v Tumut (3), Conolly Rugby Park #1 @2:20pm, Referee; S Donelan

Deja vu for these two teams this weekend with a re-match of last weekend’s game on the cards – will the result be the same? The Bulls were able to send the retiring Jock Mason off from Jarrah Park a winner last week, but may not be able to give him a similar send-off this weekend.

I’m confident that Leeton will have learnt some lessons from last weekend and that they will bring those “lessons learnt” to the table along with big game experience from the likes of Marika Vunibaka. The Phantoms have the ability to score points but can be prone to playing a bit one out at times – although when they play as a unit, they are hard to stop.

Tumut will be hurting without Joe Reynolds this weekend who is out with a crooked nose and will be a key loss for the Bulls in this matchup. Joe has provided another option for Tino Manualevo during the later stages of this season along with players like Jonty David who will need to bring their A-game to this one.

Keep an eye out for: Joe Kafoa-Penne vs Will Reynolds and Farrel Moata vs Tino Manualevo



1st Grade Elimination Final – Waratahs (4) v Griffith (5), Conolly Rugby Park #1 @12:45pm, Referee; P Dean

The battle to retain their crown starts in earnest for the Blacks this weekend in a do or die encounter against everyone’s favourite team – Waratahs. To be honest, I don’t know what to make of this game; Griffith have only won one game since the split and Waratahs have only lost one game, both teams have the same number of wins and losses although Griffith have scored more bonus points but Waratahs have a better For and Against – draw your own conclusions from that!

From recent form, Waratahs probably should be confident while Griffith know they have some work to do to match it with the top tier, particularly in this Elimination Final. The Blacks were handy enough against Ag College last weekend and got the job done, however will need to reach a bit deeper this week against a Waratahs outfit that are starting to string some form together.

Both teams are in charge of their own destiny now and will need to stick to their guns when the pressure comes on as they have a tendency to slip a little in the tight stuff which could prove costly this weekend.

Waratahs will play to their strengths in the forward pack and look to guys like Dave Armstrong and Sam Palmer to do their thing in this space. The Blacks have a solid ball running option in Chris Latu who can scatter defensive structures like nine-pins when it suits him. Chris’ involvements could be crucial but he needs to be supported by those around him by giving him running options off him also.

Keep an eye out for: Sam Palmer vs Agustin De Notta and Steve Tracey vs Vaea Mateo

2nd Grade Qualifying Final – Leeton (2) v Waratahs (3), Conolly Park #1 @11:15am, Referee; L Gunn

A big wrap for the Phantoms to be running around in the finals in 2nd Grade, let alone the Qualifying Final. Waratahs 2nd Grade are regulars at this time of year but probably have a younger team in 2nds than they usually do at this stage of the season.



2nd Grade Elimination Final – Ag College (4) v Tumut (5), Conolly Park #2 @11:00am, Referee; M Del Gigante

Aggies were flying high at the start of the year and continued that run through the middle of the season but have probably found the Premier Division a tougher battle than the regular season, though they should be buoyed by a positive For and Against. The Bulls have performed well this season and could easily be higher on the competition ladder so will be confident of their chances in this hitout.

3rd Grade Major Semi Final – Griffith (1) v Waratahs (2), Conolly Park #1 @10:15am, Referee; M Harris

The Griffith 2nd Grade 3rd Grade team haven’t fared too badly in the 3rd Grade Competition this year and it will be interesting to see how they match up against Waratahs this week, particularly for a 10:15am kick off! Waratahs will be pretty happy to have all their grades represented this weekend.

3rd Grade Minor Semi Final – Tumut (3) v Ag College (4), Conolly Park #2 @10:00am, Referee; G Trope

The Bulls Thirsty Thirds have played above their weight division this year and will need to work hard against a young and feisty Ag College outfit in this game. The dewbusters for #2 may need to can any expansive gameplans and play to the conditions in this one.

Women’s Major Semi Final – Leeton (1) v Ag College (2), Conolly Park #3 @1:15pm, Referee;

This game should be a highlight of the day to be honest, both teams have some good ball players and both are blessed with pace on the fringes. The team that adapts to the conditions best will likely go a long way to winning this game. The big question is – Can Leeton finish the season undefeated?

Women’s Minor Semi Final – Griffith (3) v Waratahs (4), Conolly Park #3, @12:15pm, Referee;

Similar to the above game, this has the potential for both teams to showcase their abilities although Griffith may need to work hard to get over a pretty cohesive unit in the Waratah girls. Griffith’s Lele Katoa has represented the Brumbies recently and will be a key player for the Blacks in this one.

FIRST DIVISION:

1st Grade Qualifying Final – Young (8) v Wagga City (9), Conolly Rugby Park #1 @4:00pm, Referee; M Ryan

Wagga City will be nervous coming into this game, particularly after less than impressive form since the competition split and coming off a close loss to the Yabbies last week. The Yabbies have got everything to play for here and will likely be happy with the underdog tag coming into this game.

The City Men are keen to defend their 2014 First Division Premiership but need to step up their game if they are going to challenge the likes of CSU at this stage of the season. Coach Mick Small will be keen for his charges to dig deep in this encounter.

Keep an eye out for: Aaron Seaman vs Josh Crockatt.



1st Grade Elimination Final – Temora (10) v Cootamundra (11), Conolly Rugby Park #2 @12:30pm, Referee; B Reynolds

The Tuskers should be confident coming into this game following on from a purple patch of form in recent weeks, particularly last weekend. Not really sure what to make of Cootamundra, it will be interesting to see how they handle the day.

Keep an eye out for: Tevita Ratuva and Alex Hardie

2nd Grade Qualifying Final – Deniliquin (8) v CSU (9), Beres Ellwood Oval @1:00pm, Referee;

This should be a pretty competitive match; Reddies 2nd Grade is traditionally strong as are the Drovers which should make for a close fought match here. Travel may be the deciding factor, although the Drovers have plenty of experience in this regard.

2nd Grade Elimination Final – Young (10) v Cootamundra (11), Conolly Park #2 @2:05pm, Referee;

If the ladder is anything to go by, this match should be reasonably close although fitness is likely to become a deciding factor late in the game. Cootamundra should have no problems being warm for this game.

3rd Grade Qualifying Final – CSU (6) v Junee (7), Beres Ellwood Oval @12noon, Referee;

This will be a keenly contested match and one that Junee will be keen to get into. In recent years, Junee have had a wealth of experience to draw on, however that appears to have changed this season and Reddies may have the edge in this department.

Women’s Major Semi Final – CSU (1) v Wagga City (2), Conolly Park #2 @3:30pm, Referee;

Reddies have a handy outfit and will want to be at the top of their game here as the Wagga City team is just as handy. The star of this match is likely to be Wagga City’s Commonwealth Youth Games player Sammy Maxwell – can tackle.

Women’s Minor Semi Final – Temora (3) v Young (4), Conolly Park #3 @11:30am, Referee;

Local derby’s always bring out the best in players and this one should be no different, although the Yabbies will need to work hard to overcome their local rivals here.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
I didn't need to keep you updated. You were quickly in the loop on the Yabbies thoughts!
Word spreads very quickly mate - the power of social media!

I think there are a number of considerations that I would add to that which would include a pathway for growth - what happens in two years time if numbers pick up?
What impact does this proposal have on the three competitions these clubs currently play for?
What do the Brumbies and NSW/NSW Country think of this proposal?
 

nipnipnip

Frank Nicholson (4)
Word spreads very quickly mate - the power of social media!

I think there are a number of considerations that I would add to that which would include a pathway for growth - what happens in two years time if numbers pick up?
What impact does this proposal have on the three competitions these clubs currently play for?
What do the Brumbies and NSW/NSW Country think of this proposal?


Social media will get you every time! Good to see the Aggies keeping an eye on the goings on up North!

I agree with you its such a big move and not one to take lightly. Every town has a surge of players at one point or another. Sadly Young has been dwindling in numbers for a few years and its only through a strong committee and committed club stalwarts that teams take the field each week. It was disappointing to see the under 17's comp leave SIRU this year but through a proactive approach the boys in under 16's and 18's have gone very well in Canberra. The problem Young has which is similar to Cootamundra & Temora is that once the under 18's finish school they go to uni or move away for jobs as there are not enough employment opportunities in the smaller towns.

Its a massive catch 22. We go one way we lose players as there isn't enough competition to house them. We go the other way and continue to struggle to get teams on the field. The one major point is that we keep the women's competition keeps going as its a competition that gets stronger each year and we need to support its growth.

Splitting the competitions is also another good point. With the teams in focus it will almost remove the Monaro reserve competition bar Jindabyne & Bungendore. Taking teams out of the Presidents Cup South comp will hurt an already small pool. As for SIRU taking out the 3 most Northern teams it will re-establish the centralisation of Wagga and create less travel for everyone involved. It will also make for a more interesting finals series as there wouldn't be a split.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
Its a massive catch 22. We go one way we lose players as there isn't enough competition to house them. We go the other way and continue to struggle to get teams on the field. The one major point is that we keep the women's competition keeps going as its a competition that gets stronger each year and we need to support its growth.

Maybe the best option is to look within the competition for options rather than outside? A one-team competition within SIRU has potential and could be considerably easier to organise with less impact on other zones?

Splitting the competitions is also another good point. With the teams in focus it will almost remove the Monaro reserve competition bar Jindabyne & Bungendore. Taking teams out of the Presidents Cup South comp will hurt an already small pool. As for SIRU taking out the 3 most Northern teams it will re-establish the centralisation of Wagga and create less travel for everyone involved. It will also make for a more interesting finals series as there wouldn't be a split.
I think this will be a major stumbling block for the proposal as it impacts on too many other competitions and I reckon a very similar outcome could be had if the focus were on existing SIRU Teams plus Harden. Coota, Temora, Junee, Young, Harden, Hay, Deni, BARC?

An option within SIRU provides a pathway for growth, is closely aligned with the junior competition, is already serviced by the local Referees Association, is already administered by SIRU (Brumbies Rugby) and doesn't impact on other competitions.

As I've said before, I think it's positive to be talking about this now rather than in November where there is very little room for movement.
 

Whistle Happy

Jimmy Flynn (14)
The Rumour from those in the know is that Coota may be joining Monaro next year with Harden and playing in the Monaro 2nd Division Comp
Don't know where this will place Temora for 2016
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
The Rumour from those in the know is that Coota may be joining Monaro next year with Harden and playing in the Monaro 2nd Division Comp
Don't know where this will place Temora for 2016

Fly's in the face of the recent meetings that Coota have been organising in regards to a proposal for 2016.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
#SIRU2015 Finals Week One Results:
A deadset corker of a day at Conolly Park today, the weather couldn't have been better for all games.

Next weekend's game will be hosted by CSU (First Division @ Conolly Park) and Albury (Premier Division @ Murrayfield).

PREMIER DIVISION:
First Grade:
Leeton 48 bt Tumut 24
Waratahs 27 bt Griffith 25

Second Grade:
Waratahs 27 bt Leeton 12
Tumut 19 bt Ag College 18

Third Grade:
Ag College 29 bt Tumut 10
Waratahs 20 bt Griffith 19

Women's:
Leeton 26 bt Ag College 5
Waratahs 25 bt Griffith 5

FIRST DIVISION:
First Grade:
Wagga City 30 bt Young 12
Temora 26 bt Cootamundra 0

Second Grade:
Cootamundra 21 bt Young 10
CSU 19 bt Deniliquin 15

Third Grade:
Junee 17 bt CSU 0

Women's:
Temora 40 bt Young 5
Wagga City 19 bt Young 12
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
#SIRU2015 WEEK 2 FINALS
SATURDAY 29th August

PREMIER DIVISION AT 'Murrayfield', ALBURY


PREMIER DIVISION

1st Grade;

Major Semi Final- Albury v Leeton

Minor Semi Final- Tumut v Wagga Waratahs


2nd Grade;

Major Semi Final- Hay v Waratahs

Minor Semi Final- Leeton v Tumut


3rd Grade

Qualifying Final- Griffith v Wagga Ag College


Women's 7-A-Side;

Qualifying Final- Ag College v Waratahs



FIRST DIVISION AT Conolly Rugby Complex, Wagga (Hosted by CSU),

1st DIVISION

1st Grade;

Major Semi Final- Wagga City v CSU

Minor Semi Final- Young v Temora


2nd Grade;

Major Semi Final- Wagga City v CSU

Minor Semi Final- Deniliquin v Cootamundra


3rd Grade

Qualifying Final- CSU v Wagga City


Women's 7-A-Side;

Qualifying Final- CSU v Temora
 

Independent

Herbert Moran (7)
Someone, with more knowledge and experience in the zone please correct me if I am wrong, but I can not recall a club who was a 'Plastic Cup" winner in years gone by who has then gone onto bigger and better things in the Walsh & Blair Cup the following year (s)?? I dont think Leeton in 2015 counts as its essentially Griffith mk#2 and will prove unsustainable.
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
Temora beat Aggies in the First Division GF after missing out on the Premier Division by one competition point a few seasons ago. Following that, they played two seasons on the Premier Division.

I guess it all depends on your definition of bigger and better things.
 

Whistle Happy

Jimmy Flynn (14)
in terms of bigger & better things it proves that each year is different
City beat Tumut in last year's Romano's Cup but which Club has gone on to Bigger & Better things ? - Tumut by a mile - they had 3 Grades in yersterday's Walsh & Blair Cup Finals which is a Great Effort
City on the other hand are stuck in Quick sand in the 1st Division Comp
 

nipnipnip

Frank Nicholson (4)
It was interesting move by SIRU to let Cootamundra know that their league players were eligible to play finals on the weekend even though they hadn't played before. Bit of a sour taste when you have guys who have put in all year only to be be undone by some rule bending.
 

Country_seahorse

Bob McCowan (2)
With the minor semi finals to be played this Saturday. Couldn't young host the two games, young v temora and coota v deni. Makes it easier for the teams instead of traveling back to wagga. I can understand all other games in romano's cup to be played at Connolly as it features all wagga teams ( minus temora woman's)

Surely siru couldn't let that happen nip nip nip? Did the coota league players get registered prior to the game? If not shouldn't they be made to forfeit there win?
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
With the minor semi finals to be played this Saturday. Couldn't young host the two games, young v temora and coota v deni. Makes it easier for the teams instead of traveling back to wagga. I can understand all other games in romano's cup to be played at Connolly as it features all wagga teams ( minus temora woman's)

CSU won the rights to host during the finals as the Minor Premiers of the Romano's Cup.
How would driving to Young save Deniliquin in terms of travel?
 

Sicnarf

Ted Fahey (11)
I thought Young won the right to host the Week 3 Finals on Sep 5
If that's the case you could argue that all the Wagga Clubs involved in the Week 3 Finals should stay in Wagga to save them the drive ?
Always seems to be nit picking by mis informed people at Finals time
 

yourmatesam

Desmond Connor (43)
I thought Young won the right to host the Week 3 Finals on Sep 5
If that's the case you could argue that all the Wagga Clubs involved in the Week 3 Finals should stay in Wagga to save them the drive ?
Always seems to be nit picking by mis informed people at Finals time

Leeton will host the Premier Division games that week also.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top