Round 9, 1st XV games, 29/8
1. Riverview vs Scots - my MoTR (Match of The Round)
Kings did it last Saturday, bouncing straight back after their own "week before horribilis" at the hands of Newington in the prior Round 7, but then, at home, putting it all over Round 8 match favourites, Riverview.
So, you just gotta know those View boys will not turn up at their Lane Cove homestead to become cannon-fodder for Scots. Scots lads, listen up, and listen up good...! Beware the wounded pride and passion that'll spring forth from the Blue and White in great gushes this week coming.
Scots will be pumped by Joeys' last Round win over Newington, all of a sudden putting them into joint-leadership for this year's Premiership.
BBQ battles aside, Scots will want to push their Premiership credentials in this one. They won't have it all their own way though, so Scots by 7.
2. Joeys (redeemed) vs Kings (rejuvenated)
Surprising most everyone apart from The Azzuri, Kings had a cracker of a win last week against quality opposition in 'View. So, it's hard to imagine the rejuvenated Kingsmen won't be plenty fired up for this week also. (Will Azzuri need to again threaten the boys with another visit down to the Massie Flats?!)
There's no real magic in this one, though, don't think. Joeys redeemed will want to finish huge at home for Season 2015 and send the Rugby Mums off to Jack's Bar all cock-a-hoop. Kings will be bold and brave, but I think unlikely in the end, and that'll leave The Azzuri with lots to ponder on approach if he's contemplating some post-match rucking with those Rugby Mums. Joeys by 14, and it could well be more.
3. Newington vs Shore
This couldn't be a ditto-repeato for the Shoremen from last year, could it?
No-one was expecting much of anything from the Shoremen late in Season 2014, when they popped up in the penultimate Round to put Riverview to the sword, even though the View boys then, were contending for the title. Updated to 2015, the Shoremen are away to New, it's the second last Round, and New remain in the sweet-spot of this year's Premiership calculations. Again, no-one is expecting much of anything from Shore other than all thinking folk are hoping that they won't cop a caning.
So, it can't happen again, can it?!? Surely not?
But here's the thing....
Everyone sees and acknowledges the ticker, the heart, the never-say-die approach that the North Sydney lads display out in the middle each and every week, and it is only a 2-horse race on match day, and it is a very odd-shaped ball that they use, which now and then bounces in most unpredictable ways...!
Am expecting another touch-up from New by 40 or so, but Rugby balls can and do bounce unexpectedly sometimes...!
