CAS 2019

[runningrugby1]

I'm not sure why we seem to be discounting Waverley so much. They lost one big upset game to Aloys, probably just due to complacency and took Aloys too lightly.

Aside from this, Waverley have been just a few points away from having an absolutely stellar season. Change a few goal kicks, maybe a poor refereeing decision and all of a sudden Waverley beat Joeys, Knox, Kings and Riverview. Their PD over these 4 games is -6.

Waverley are the losers of this anyone's-game season, with only 1 CAS round it's nearly impossible to crawl their way back, but I think they're a little hard done by in this thread with everyone saying poor coaching poor structure etc. Cranbrook are no doubt strong as well this season, and again - its anyone's game.

 

[rod skellet]

I assume you will be at the game this weekend Rod? I will be in Brisbane with some old boys watching the Wallabies. I guess you will be posting developments as they occur?

Yes I should be there.

 

[Hasbeen]

I'm not sure why we seem to be discounting Waverley so much. They lost one big upset game to Aloys, probably just due to complacency and took Aloys too lightly.

Aside from this, Waverley have been just a few points away from having an absolutely stellar season. Change a few goal kicks, maybe a poor refereeing decision and all of a sudden Waverley beat Joeys, Knox, Kings and Riverview. Their PD over these 4 games is -6.

Waverley are the losers of this anyone's-game season, with only 1 CAS round it's nearly impossible to crawl their way back, but I think they're a little hard done by in this thread with everyone saying poor coaching poor structure etc. Cranbrook are no doubt strong as well this season, and again - its anyone's game.

Ah yeah they will have a point or two to make. Watch them lift.

 

[wallabyinwaiting]

i'm getting excited for cranners v the college this weekend.

a lot hinges on this game. i've heard scuttlebutt about suspensions for waverley players. anyone confirm?

brook's fitness against knox impressed me. think it could be key at death valley.

i really don't think theres much between these two sides - hard to pick a winner. this is the game that waves will get up for, but i'm tipping cranners momentum to carry them over the line in a close one.

could very well be match of the season.

 

[WLF]

Cranbrook’s new 15 is Kourembanas. Played second grade for a while and performed consistently before getting the call up. I was told by a Cranbrook parent that he is an ex-waverley boy and couldn’t get a run in the A’s for his small stature. He didn’t play against us in the trials but has clearly done enough to impress. This weekend promises a spectacular duel in the valley, and how poetic it could be if the little Cranbrook 15 scored under the sticks nearing full time. I know where I’ll be this Saturday.

Corn.

Corn,

There is a real air of expectancy building for this years local derby.
The Waves will have the support of 20/30 and 40 year reunions (mine), along with the fact that the Comp is still possibly up for grabs and the weather will be a cracker.

I know many Brook old boys who will be there, and without them admitting it - they are quietly confident, as they should be.
So please put the call out to your fraternity/supporters, not always do the stars align, BUT this weekend this year they have!

Bring on 3.15pm at Death Valley!

Trust you are as exited as we are....

 

[SonnyDillWilliams]

Wlf, they have done it again ... soccer on QP 1

And 16As on too early. What the hell... I think 16As deserve a sleep in

I don’t like cranbrook’s hopes in 16As... even if they do have a couple players that I rate highly

If cranners don’t win 1sts ... it could be a clean sweep... as I think all the opens teams are pretty solid

 

[WLF]

Wlf, they have done it again . soccer on QP 1

And 16As on too early. What the hell. I think 16As deserve a sleep in

I don’t like cranbrook’s hopes in 16As. even if they do have a couple players that I rate highly

If cranners don’t win 1sts . it could be a clean sweep. as I think all the opens teams are pretty solid

SDW,
The thing is against Knox, the 4ths were moved to another ground at 12 noon, so the 16as played at noon, a perfect lead into the 3rds and every Rugby fan was happy as it all flowed perfectly, it made sense, and the ground was dry for the 16as game/no dew.
It's a touchy subject so let's not go any further, except to say, I am sure you/we will all see a lot more of this age group,the 1 below, and next years crop, so all good.

 

[WLF]

Without picking any fights, I’ve heard that a few Waverley boys seemed destined for 1st XV footy in lower grades are now displaced in lower grades (2nd and 3rd grade) due to the recent admissions of 5 or so of Waverley’s 1st XV. Not to say this isn’t happening anywhere else but do you think some of these boys could get a run with the season all but over, a stumbling 1st XV appearing a bit low on school spirit and the absolute stellar form of some of the lower grades at Waverley? Interested to hear thoughts.


Corn.

Corn, this is not a subject I, and many others, would like to comment on, let's just talk about sats game!

 

[wallabyinwaiting]

i'd figured lamens was in the 2s recovering from injury. big call. always been a rocks and diamonds sort of fullback, probably looking for more consistency.

"The Duel in the Valley" . i like it. a battle for the hearts and minds of sydney's east. i'm sure the ascham sheilas will be in full spectator mode.

 

[J Dog Fenton]

If the ascham girls are anything like what they used to be I'll be sure to poke me head in for a sticky beak

Predictions?

Knox vs Trinity. I've got Knox +30 if they can manage to keep Vuki at bay. They have the size, physicality and skill to put 50+ on trinity, it'll just come down to who turns up. I have no doubts that Fitzgerald will be up to the task of ensuring Vuki doesn't do any damage, and I'm sure he'll be looking to make a statement in a bid to turn selectors heads and make them wonder if they made the right decision.

Barker vs Aloys. This will be a tight one, but I've got my money on Barker to beat Aloys by 10, but won't be done without a fight I'm sure. If aloys turn up and put the pressure on Barker early like they did to Waves, there is every chance they will stun Barker and they might fail to find their feet late in the game. If they don't manage to put points on the board early and assert dominance, I'm afraid that the fit Barker outfit will pick them apart piece by piece until there is nothing left. All in all should be a good game.

Waverley vs Cranbrook. The battle for the title of, "Beast of the East". I really hope that Waverley have managed to find some form over the break, and come back firing because I truely think that they can beat Cranbrook if they have some cohesion. I'm sensing an upset, and this would be the best round for it as it would really open up the competition and would surely impress the old boys. I haven't seen the traditional waverley 'mongrel' and real comradery that I've seen from them in the past and if they manage to find it. They will be a dangerous outfit to match up against. Imho, if waves turn up and play with their hearts on their sleeves, they have the ability to dust cranbrook by 15+. If they don't turn up, Cranbrook's heavy hitters and slick backs will make a mockery of Waverley @ QP, and for those heading back for their reunions, it'll be a bad day to be a Waverley boy.

Knox vs Trinity: Knox by 30+

Barkey vs Aloys: Barker by 10

Waverley vs Cranbrook: Waverley by 5

 

[runningrugby1]

Predictions?

Agree with your tips, but not all your margins.

Knox by 30+?? I dont mind if you're a Knox supporter, but I don't think this will be this much of a blow out if you've seen anything of the Trinity side. They're not that bad, dominated Aloys and seems like Barker didnt account for them easily. I believe if Trinity get off to a good start and aren't asleep when they run out, they might go alright. Trinity have a knack over the years of winning games they shouldn't, even when I was at a GPS school years ago. In saying this, I don't think they'll beat Knox on the weekend - Knox by 15. Could be an upset, could be a blowout. Who knows.

Barker by 10?? Everyone seems to be taken aback by Aloys win over Waverley - upsets happen in rugby, we know that. Aloys have had one good game, Barker have been consistently strong. I'd say this is the more likely blowout, Barker by 25.

Waverley vs Cranbrook - I'd agree with you here. Either could take the bacon but won't be by more than 7 - I'm tipping Waverley.

 

[bobs bunker]

I have seen everyone bar Knox this season, so difficult to say much about the Trinity v Knox game other than Trinity are unusual football side. They have really good periods with some very good players but then they go off the boil. The game I saw I thought their forwards were strong but had too many low intensity periods. Their half and 5/8 were both outstanding and the backline is more than capable of making long breaks so they can score points. No tip here as i am yet to see Knox play.

I saw Barker against Shore and, whilst this team is not quite the 2018 side, they do look like the all-round side. One of their great strengths is they play the game at pace and can hold onto the ball for long periods. There is a lot to like about this team and I don't see any real weakness across the board. Aloys played IMO very poorly against Trinity and just didn't do the simple things well including a lot of dropped ball, poor passing and some very bad options. Against Waverley they looked like a cohesive rugby unit and played very well against an opposition where for them nothing much went right on the day. They are pretty determined side and I suppose this game will either frank their form against Waverley or tell me that Barker may well be on their way to a title. At Tyneside I am tipping Aloys by 1 point

Waverley v Cranbrook will be very interesting. IMO I think Waverley have some really good players, but when things started going wrong against Aloys many players ,including the obviously talented ones, dropped their heads. With so many good players in their 2nds, that to me look like they must be putting significant pressure on those above, I think everyone might lift for this one. Cranbrook are hard to read. When they are on, they look really good but are more than capable of some moments of dullness and when the break doesn't come they seem to lose patience . At Death Valley i am tipping Waverley by 7.

 

[The Sydney Rugby Ref]

(WLF will probably know the answer to this..)

What is the strength of the Waverley 2nd XV and 3rd XV? Are they title contenders? We all know that the lower age groups (especially the As) are strong at Waverley, but I haven't heard much about the lower open teams at Waverley.
If they are strong, then I am sure Cranbrook will not be looking forward to these games at QP on Saturday as the talent gap drops with the Cranbrook open teams after 1st XV

I was at Hordern when they played Shore last Friday, and Shore 2nds were well in control of that match; not that the Cranbrook lads did not try their hardest..

 

[P. Parker]

What is the strength of the Waverley 2nd XV and 3rd XV? Are they title contenders? We all know that the lower age groups (especially the As) are strong at Waverley, but I haven't heard much about the lower open teams at Waverley.
If they are strong, then I am sure Cranbrook will not be looking forward to these games at QP on Saturday as the talent gap drops with the Cranbrook open teams after 1st XV

I was at Hordern when they played Shore last Friday, and Shore 2nds were well in control of that match; not that the Cranbrook lads did not try their hardest..

I think you will find the Waverley 2nd's and 3rd's are both title contenders.

Waves 2nd's beat Aloys 26-0, and Knox 35-7. Knox 2nd's beat Shore by 2 points.

Waves 3rd's are also pretty strong. They beat Knox 3rd's 31-7. Knox 3rd's beat Cranbrook 50-7.

 

[SonnyDillWilliams]

Waverley very strong in 2nds and 3rds

If cranbrook wins either of those ... I’ll do a nude run across QP 1

Bit of history... trying to emulate joker the archivist
Recent results of cas comp games... waves v brook

2014... cranners win 24-12
2015... waves win 48-28
2016... waves win 50-10
2017... waves win 64-5
2018... waves win 21-12

With so many leaguies in Waverley team, I worry that a loss could come at the expense of some lack of knowledge re rules

Eg a deliberate pass of the ball over the touch line or deadball line

I honestly think that there are a few kids in Waverley 16As that really should be in the 1sts

(Has Waverley ever had more 16As players make NSW schoolboy team?)

Whether the coaches would make such a change (elevate 16As players) late in the year, I doubt.

Really feel there are a few big name Waverley players that need to have good games... as there have been some average performances... despite unquestioned ability.

Otherwise I’d punt them to 2nds... in the interests of being a meritocracy. It’s the joeys philosophy, no one is above being relegated...

 

[Corn]

Waverley very strong in 2nds and 3rds

If cranbrook wins either of those . I’ll do a nude run across QP 1

Bit of history. trying to emulate joker the archivist
Recent results of cas comp games. waves v brook

2014. cranners win 24-12
2015. waves win 48-28
2016. waves win 50-10
2017. waves win 64-5
2018. waves win 21-12

With so many leaguies in Waverley team, I worry that a loss could come at the expense of some lack of knowledge re rules

Eg a deliberate pass of the ball over the touch line or deadball line

I honestly think that there are a few kids in Waverley 16As that really should be in the 1sts

(Has Waverley ever had more 16As players make NSW schoolboy team?)

Whether the coaches would make such a change (elevate 16As players) late in the year, I doubt.

Really feel there are a few big name Waverley players that need to have good games. as there have been some average performances. despite unquestioned ability.

Otherwise I’d punt them to 2nds. in the interests of being a meritocracy. It’s the joeys philosophy, no one is above being relegated.

SDW, I appreciate your archival efforts, but I’m 100% sure Cranbrook beat Waverley in Death Valley in 2015 on a very muddy afternoon, I was there watching a friend’s son in the Cranbrook team. It was a two round comp back then as we all know, so I’m sure your result was the other game that year.

Corn.

 

[Snort]

With so many leaguies in Waverley team, I worry that a loss could come at the expense of some lack of knowledge re rules

Eg a deliberate pass of the ball over the touch line or deadball line

Stretching my memory here, but I seem to recall a game at Queens Park around six years back when Waverley was leading Knox when the siren (or bell?) rang. Waverley's winger tried to end the game by throwing the ball into touch, and Knox then scored to win after a penalty was awarded.

Haven't seen it happen since, though.

I can't speak for Waverley's selection policies, but I can see the sense in keeping the 16s together. They're winning and getting used to playing together. Waverley will find it very hard to win the 1sts competition now, because they a lot of other results (over which they have no control) to go their way. So better perhaps to move the 16s up together next year.

More generally, though, it's a great idea to have no player above being dropped, though few schools are brave enough to do it. I remember in 1985, a year 11 boy from Trinity was the NSW Schoolboys No9. The next year Trinity dropped him to its 2nd XV, because they figured they had a better scrum half. As it turns out they did - the new No9 went on to play NSW Schools as well. You seldom see a coach with the guts to make a call like that.

 

[sidelineview]

SDW, I appreciate your archival efforts, but I’m 100% sure Cranbrook beat Waverley in Death Valley in 2015 on a very muddy afternoon, I was there watching a friend’s son in the Cranbrook team. It was a two round comp back then as we all know, so I’m sure your result was the other game that year.

Corn.

I'm pretty sure Cranbrook won at QP in 2015 as well.

 

[runningrugby1]

Snort, many of us would know of Tom Cameron, a prodigy rugby player for Knox throughout the age groups, NSW u/16's I believe in 2016, played in the fantastic 2016 joint premiership winning first XV in year 10. Fast forward to his final year in 2018, in Knox's weakest firsts side in years, he was relegated to seconds.

I'm not sure what happened to him, but just a recent example of what you talk about with the gutsy coaching calls. Coaches usually see a player with a reputation or talent one year, and expect him to have another stellar year the next - doesn't always run like this.

 

[sidelineview]

Stretching my memory here, but I seem to recall a game at Queens Park around six years back when Waverley was leading Knox when the siren (or bell?) rang. Waverley's winger tried to end the game by throwing the ball into touch, and Knox then scored to win after a penalty was awarded.

Haven't seen it happen since, though.

I can't speak for Waverley's selection policies, but I can see the sense in keeping the 16s together. They're winning and getting used to playing together. Waverley will find it very hard to win the 1sts competition now, because they a lot of other results (over which they have no control) to go their way. So better perhaps to move the 16s up together next year.

More generally, though, it's a great idea to have no player above being dropped, though few schools are brave enough to do it. I remember in 1985, a year 11 boy from Trinity was the NSW Schoolboys No9. The next year Trinity dropped him to its 2nd XV, because they figured they had a better scrum half. As it turns out they did - the new No9 went on to play NSW Schools as well. You seldom see a coach with the guts to make a call like that.

That particular game when a Waves player threw the ball over the line, I believe was in 2013 or 14 against Barker. Waves were leading but from the ensuring penalty Barker scored to win the match and the Premiership.

As far as I can remember Waverley coaches haven't been shy in promoting talented U16s to play 1st XV. It has caused controversy amoung parents whose sons were relegated to play 2nds and understandably so.