Galloper
Darby Loudon (17)
The 9A comp has been very close - but there's not a split hair between PAD, VILLA and ASH from what I've seen. PAD led ASH all game to be beaten in literally the last minute of the game. That said the sides were close in ability. PAD scored first against VILLA with VILLA going to the break 10-7 (mostly from astute kicks) - VILLA got home on the back of some over-zealous officiating in favour of VILLA - all schools have "that one ref" - let's call it a home ground advantage hmmm - VILLA and PAD evenly matched with PAD forwards slightly more dominant and VILLA backs creating a few more opportunities through cross-field kicks - great comp and will be a cracker First XV comp down the track - IMO ASH looked stronger than VILLA in the 9A's - watch this space -
My understanding is that Ashgrove have several forwards out injured in the 9A's, on top of losing two other forwards to BGS since last year.
As a result the Ash 9A's pack is under-strength but the backs look pretty good. Still, Villa should start favourites v Ash at home in the last round.
Ash 10A's don't look to have much opposition, it will be interesting to see how many of that team can force their way into a strong First XV in 2018.
I've been of the view since the start of the year that the Ash First XV's in 2018 and 2019 will be stronger than this year's team, but they might start to struggle after that.