Sydney Colts - 2014

[Moonball]

Very interesting reading all the comments. I am new to this but I will throw my option in.
Wouldn't the simplest solution to the points system be that clubs can only register up to a certain number of points rather than everyone worrying about whether they can pick their best team in 1st grade colts it would be resolved by the administrators at time of registration.
So once a club reaches their lets say 120 points over 3 teams they would have to advise new or other players they have reached their cap and the player would need to look to another club. This would also help the imbalance of clubs that have too many players and others that are struggling to field the 3 grades.

 

[couldabeen]

There were another 3 out, and Wicks captain went down early and was taken off with a broken ankle. I reckon Easts deserve a wrap, they showed great defence and were very committed & physical. They were the better side on the day. The poor old ref struggled however Easts deserved to win.

Ah Bugger! Poor kid.

 

[Brian Westlake]

There were another 3 out, and Wicks captain went down early and was taken off with a broken ankle. I reckon Easts deserve a wrap, they showed great defence and were very committed & physical. They were the better side on the day. The poor old ref struggled however Easts deserved to win.

I think you will see a different game this week. Frost back in will make a difference. Another week in.

 

[Rocco]

@Macca I agree a well deserved win by Easts over the wicks. My understanding is that there are 5 to 6 Colts playing grade at Easts at the moment. Both teams will be very strong once some of the Super Rugby players return to these clubs. I'm sure that most clubs in the competition would have U20's in grade.

@HughJarse could we get an amount of Colts age players representing grade from each respective club?

 

[Eyes and Ears]

super rugby players are unlikely to return with the exception of some players working back from injury.

 

[Snort]

Anyone know what's become of Henry Clunies-Ross? He did well for NSW under 20s in the last fortnight but hasn't yet shown up for University.

 

[Done that]

I've got your back @the Butts. I have suggested similar in the past.

I am not sure that the Shiraz Swillers would agree to such a simple and reasonably practical solution.

All it takes is for clubs to communicate with Gordon and Penrith early enough in the week (perhaps after Tuesday night training) to see how many players the respective clubs are likely to have on Saturday, and agree whether they will play a "proper game" of 15 aside footy, or slight variation of such down to 10 aside. From the all important competition points table perspective this game is treated as a bye with 0 points going to Gordon/Penrith. Thirds are tuckered out when they bench for the 2's. About 30 kids are getting a game of footy that they wouldn't otherwise get.

Gordon and Penrith get to retain the nucleus of a set of boys to build a Colts 3 around next season, as they are offering them an opportuinty to play footy in some form or other each week instead of only having 8 "ride the pine" for the 2's each week as fresh reserves.

Referees can be switched on/off relatively easily provided the Referees Appointments Manager gets confirmation from the clubs early enough in the week.

IMHO, Clubs in crisis should be assisted by their "brother" clubs banding together to help them to rebuild, rather than put barriers in their way and hoops for them to jump through. The competition is only as good as its weakest member.

If the Gin'n'Tonicers don't like the idea, then perhaps the individual Colts 3 coaches and manager may be able to do some sort of backroom deal on an ad hoc basis. Uni and Penrith seemed to be able to come to an amicable arrangement to get Uni to have an internal trial or something in the "normal" colts 3 time slot. It shouldn't be this hard should it.

H.J. you may be interested to know that Eastwood & West Harbour 3rd colts who have a bye this weekend, will play each other in an unofficial game at Eastwood on Saturday.This will give both teams a run obviously,& also serve to satisfy your suggested idea of making the reserves for the 2nd grade team "pointless" because they have played a game.However it would only apply to the Eastwood sides reserves,as West Harbour's 1's & 2's are playing at Penrith & will have a separate 3rd grade team acting as reserves for their 2nd grade team, & as "fresh" players will attract points.

 

[The Butts]

H.J. you may be interested to know that Eastwood & West Harbour 3rd colts who have a bye this weekend, will play each other in an unofficial game at Eastwood on Saturday.This will give both teams a run obviously,& also serve to satisfy your suggested idea of making the reserves for the 2nd grade team "pointless" because they have played a game.However it would only apply to the Eastwood sides reserves,as West Harbour's 1's & 2's are playing at Penrith & will have a separate 3rd grade team acting as reserves for their 2nd grade team, & as "fresh" players will attract points.

Still leaves Penrith and Gordon reserves out in the cold. Was there any thought from Eastwood or West Harbour about trying to get a "short numbers" game going with Penrith and Gordon.

The way I see it, "everyone's a winner", if all four clubs had a game in Thirds.

 

[I like to watch]

all 4 clubs would have a game in thirds IF they had the numbers.
But they don't.
It's up to Gordon and Penrith to organise a run for their thirds if they have the numbers.
Many weeks they won't.

 

[Rocco]

Did I just read this right...
Angus Pulver - (Aus U20) playing 4th grade for Sydney Uni this week. Is this a reflection of the points system? Disappointing that a player of Angus's quality is playing 4th Grade.

 

[couldabeen]

Did I just read this right.
Angus Pulver - (Aus U20) playing 4th grade for Sydney Uni this week. Is this a reflection of the points system? Disappointing that a player of Angus's quality is playing 4th Grade.

Maybe the points system - but Jock Merriman is no slouch either and both he and Angus have played sub firsts at Uni. Colts 1 no 9 Michael Kennedy is a talent as well and worth a few points. Lots of juggling for the coaching team.
Rory Davis, no 9 for Southern Colts is a student at Uni. I rate him very highly. Maybe he chose not to "queue up" with the others.

 

[Moonball]

Once again forget the name, isn't it a problem with Aus rugby that a player of this quality is playing 4th grade. Look at the big picture. Is there a points system in NZ or SA. Are we, in Aus getting the best players in the age group playing against each other week in week out?

At the top level we are developing the " third tier "to compete at international level yet at Premier rugby and colts we are trying to level the playing field by having top level players play against players not at their level because of a points system designed to even the playing field rather than enhance it.

 

[no9]

Maybe the Uni selectors just get it right (see last few years U20's championship results)

 

[Dave Beat]

Maybe the Uni selectors just get it right (see last few years U20's championship results)

my view the strongest front row last year was Manly, studying at S Uni (BTW) but playing with their mates in God's country.
Strong front row this year as well.

 

[Rocco]

New
Maybe the Uni selectors just get it right (see last few years U20's championship results)
no9, Today at 8:38 AM Report#333LikeReply

@no9 This is true but if we reflect on the Aus U20's results in the Junior World Championships over the last four years it is embarrassing.

I believe we continue to perform so poorly at the World Championships due to a club like Sydney Uni where the Aus U20's halfback is playing 4th Grade.
Angus should be playing 1st/2nd Grade or at least 1st Colts so that he is competing/playing at a level that prepares him for the World Championships.

Sydney Uni continue to win the Shute Shield and 1st Colts as they have the most incentives to offer players - (scholarships/accommodation/tutoring). I'm not saying that all players at Sydney Uni get these incentives but it would be more than the 2 or 3 players which every other club can afford.

Looking at the results from last week we can only hope that Manly, Souths or Norths have the strength in their squads this season to cease Sydney Uni's domination of the Colts competition.

 

[lily]

How good is Rory O'Connor? Awesome ball running, obviously a back in another life.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Round 2 Results

1st Colts
Penrith 10 West Harbour 29
Eastwood 44 Gordon 17
Northern Suburbs 22 Randwick 22
Warringah 7 Southern Districts 71 (ouch)
Manly 24 Parramatta 19
Sydney University 43 Eastern Suburbs 26

2nd Colts
Penrith 14 West Harbour 39
Eastwood 57 v Gordon 15
Northern Suburbs 29 Randwick 0
Warringah 6 Southern Districts 20
Manly 30 Parramatta 24
Sydney University 45 Eastern Suburbs 0


3rd Colts
Bye West Harbour
Eastwood Bye
Northern Suburbs 24 Randwick 12
Warringah 0 Southern Districts 26
Manly 41 Parramatta 27
Sydney University 45 Eastern Suburbs 7

Edit: Woodies v Gordon Colts 1 Score added

 

[Pete King]

None of them are bitter and are genuinely thankful for the opportunity. They learnt a lot and have brought a higher intensity to training and preparation. They are determined to show the selectors they got it wrong through a big year in Colts.

A refreshing approach and the only way to get ahead

 

[paul martin]

Is it just me or has the Shute Shield thread disappeared?

 

[Iluvmyfooty]

For those looking for Shute Shield commentary look at the top of the Club Rugby forum