Sydney Colts - 2015

[Fibrotown Insider]

I find it interesting that Randwick would need to use such a gifted rugby player against a Penrith 2nd Grade Colts team - off the bench or not. In fact it is rumoured that Randwick used no less than 11 (eleven) 1st Grade Colts in their home round against Penrith (the week that Penrith's 1st Colts had been removed from the competition on the basis of 'duty of care' for the Penrith players). I wonder how the displaced Randwick 2nd and 3rd Grade Colts spent their time that day.

I understand that it was always one of Penrith's major concerns, that opposition clubs would play 1st grade colts against the Penrith 2nd and 3rd Grade. I have been informed that Penrith were given assurances by NSWRU on behalf of the SRU that this situation would be policed. It is now disappointing to learn that at least 11 1st grade colts played the Penrith side that weekend - sort of defeats the purpose of the whole 'duty of care' argument. One may suggest that it exposed the SRU to greater 'risk'. Considering how strong the entire Randwick colts program is this year, I would have thought that 'cracking a walnut with a sledge hammer' would not have been required.

That being said and done, I understand the day after that match, Penrith got on the front foot and sent a further request to the SRU via NSWRU in an effort to ensure the 'duty of care' theme was exercised on behalf of the now exposed 2nd and 3rd grade squads. I have been advised that they have been given those assures and in addition the SRU published these rule changes on Friday 24 April 2015 in preparation for the following days rounds.

It is yet to be seen whether the SRU will do a retrospective audit for the Randwick round - considering that I understand they formally gave Penrith an assurance that they would police this issue - at the time it was initially raised by Penrith - prior to the Randwick round.

It has been rumoured that on Saturday 25 April 2015 Eastwood may have contravened the rule and played at least one 1st grade colt against Penrith's 2nd grade.

It maybe in everyone's interests to follow teams that play against Penrith for the rest of this season to ensure the rules are upheld. I understand notification of any such breaches would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

^^^^
In most clubs, Colts players move up and down the grades depending on their week by week performance (on the field and at training), and injury (graduated return to play) status.

Some facts to assist readers put the rumours into perspective.

Looking at Rugby Link Team sheets, you can draw your own conclusions about the strength of the Wicks in the Wicks vs Emus 97-0 Colts 2 game in Round 5:
The following 11 Players from the Wicks have played in both Colts 1 (off the bench or starting) and Colts 2 games this year, and were in the team list against Penrith Colts 2 in round 5:
Anderson, Lachlan, 2 game Colts 1 (both from bench), 4 games Colts 2, 1 game Colts 3. Played Starting 10 vs Penrith
Bonin, Kieran C, 1 game Colts 1 (from bench), 3 games Colts 2, 2 games Colts 3. Played off the bench vs Penrith, started Colts 3 vs Penrith. NSW State Schoolboy 2014
Ellerton, Samuel, 1 game Colts 1 (from bench), 5 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 8 vs Penrith
Horwitz, Sam, 1 game Colts 1 (from bench), 4 games Colts 2, 2 games Colts 3. Played Starting 9 vs Penrith
Kava, Pat, 3 games Colts 1 (Rounds 1-3), 3 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 5 vs Penrith
Parkes, Jackson, 2 games Colts 1( Started rounds 1 and 4), 2 games Colts 2, 1 game Colts 3. Played off the Bench vs Penrith, started Colts 3 vs Penrith.
Powter, Ryan C, 5 game Colts 1 (4 off the bench, Started round 2), 5 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 4 vs Penrith
Streater-Mason, Ronald L, 3 game Colts 1 (2 from Bench, Started round 2), 5 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 15 vs Penrith
Takau, Latham, 3 game Colts 1 (2 from Bench, Started round 2), 4 games Colts 2, 0 game Colts 3. Played Starting 3 vs Penrith
Tali, Epalahanie, 5 games Colts 1 (all Starting games), 1 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 1 vs Penrith
Woodhill, Jum, 4 games Colts 1 (all Starting games), 1 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 6 vs Penrith. NSW State Schoolboy 2014.

The following 4 Players from the Wicks have played in both Colts 1 and Colts 2 this year, and were NOT in the list against Penrith Colts 2 in round 5:
Crafts, Matthew, 3 games Colts 1, 1 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.
McKay, Charlie, 5 games Colts 1 (3 starting, 2 off the bench) , 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.
Robinson, Ned W, 1 Game Grade 2, 2 game Colts 1, 4 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played 2nd Grade vs Penrith.
Wong, Thomas J, 3 game Colts 1, 2 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.


Looking at Rugby Link Team sheets, you can draw your own conclusions about the strength of the Woodies in the Woodies vs Emus Colts 2 Round 6 encounter that the Woodies lost by 15-22.

The following 11 Players from the Woodies have played in both Colts 1 and Colts 2 this year, and were in the team list against Penrith Colts 2 in round 6:
Day, James, 3 games Colts 1 (Started Rounds 1-3), 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Starting 10 vs Penrith. NSW State Schoolboy 2014.
Herron, Zac, 4 games Colts 1 (2 off the bench, started round 2. 3), 4 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.
Hopping, Aidan, 4 games Colts 1 (starting Rounds 1-4), 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Played Starting 11 against Penrith
Reid, Nicholas, 2 games Colts 1 (Starting Round 1 and 2), 1 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.
Bones, Joshua P, 5 games Colts 1 (all Starting team), 1 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.
Sarks, James D, 3 games Colts 1, 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Fresh Reserve off the bench vs Penrith
Barkley-Brown, Rihann, 2 games Colts 1 (1 off the bench, Started round 5), 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Starting 15 vs Penrith.
Northridge, Liam, 3 games Colts 1 (all from bench), 6 games Colts 2, 1 game Colts 3. Starting 3 vs Penrith.
Yates, Hugh, 3 games Colts 1 (all starting team), 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Starting 14 vs Penrith.
Croese, Lachlan, 3 games Colts 1 (2 off the bench, 1 Starting in round 4), 5 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Fresh Reserve off the bench vs Penrith
Simpson, Zachary, 5 games Colts 1 (4 from bench, 1 Starting team in round 1), 5 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3. Starting 7 vs Penrith.

The following 2 Players from the Woodies have played in both Colts 1 and Colts 2 this year, and were NOT in the list against Penrith Colts 2 in round 6:
Bamford, Jacob, 3 game Colts 1, 1 game Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.
Bartholomew, Matthew M, 4 games Colts 1(2 off the bench, Starting team in Round 3 and 4), 2 games Colts 2, 0 games Colts 3.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Another way of looking at the Randwick vs Penrith Colts 2 game is to review the team lists that the Wicks published before the announcement was made that the Emus would not be contesting Colts 1, compare that to the team that took the field against Emus in the actual Colts 2s match. Did the Wicks "stack" their Colts 2 team against Penrith? You decide.
Proposed Wicks teams for Round 5 were:

The Actual Colts 2 Team that played against Penrith was:

And what is the "strongest" side that the Wicks could assemble to give a true indication of who is a "Colts 1 Standard" player and who is "Colts 2 standard" or "Colts 3 standard"?

Readers need to bear in mind that some players may be playing below their "standard" in order to not breach Player Points Caps, and that a "Colts 3 Standard" player at one club may be considered to be "Colts 2 Standard" or even "Colts 1 Standard" at another club depending on the playing roster.

Perhaps the best guide to who the Wicks Selectors consider to be their strongest players* would be who they select to take on fellow heavyweights, Sydney University, which just so happens to be this weekend. The Wicks Team lists for this Round 7 matchup are:

* Strongest Available Players. Wicks have five (5) Colts eligible players unavailable this weekend on National U20 Duty. Some of these are regular Colts players: Henry Hutchison (Team Rehab), Ned Hanigan, Olly Kamp, Andrew Deegan, Andrew Kellaway, and Lukhan Lealaiauloto-Tui, and in their absence other players get promoted up the Colts grades. And then let's not forget Team Rehab: Rudolf and Vasilis are both former NSW State Schoolboy players who are holding down positions in Team Rehab ATM.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Looking forward to this weekend:
Team Lists for The Corporation vs Randi-Wix

http://www.sydneyunirugby.com.au/team-list.html
http://www.randwickrugby.com.au/rugby/grade/teams/4606-round-7-v-sydney-university-2-may-2015

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Gordon vs Hobbits Round 7 Teams:

http://www.gordonrugby.com.au/indexb1.php?x=NEWS~Feature-News|News-April-2015^`245

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Randi-Wix Team Lists for Round 7 vs BuildCorp

 

[Sideline Eye]

I find it interesting that Randwick would need to use such a gifted rugby player against a Penrith 2nd Grade Colts team - off the bench or not. In fact it is rumoured that Randwick used no less than 11 (eleven) 1st Grade Colts in their home round against Penrith (the week that Penrith's 1st Colts had been removed from the competition on the basis of 'duty of care' for the Penrith players). I wonder how the displaced Randwick 2nd and 3rd Grade Colts spent their time that day.

I understand that it was always one of Penrith's major concerns, that opposition clubs would play 1st grade colts against the Penrith 2nd and 3rd Grade. I have been informed that Penrith were given assurances by NSWRU on behalf of the SRU that this situation would be policed. It is now disappointing to learn that at least 11 1st grade colts played the Penrith side that weekend - sort of defeats the purpose of the whole 'duty of care' argument. One may suggest that it exposed the SRU to greater 'risk'. Considering how strong the entire Randwick colts program is this year, I would have thought that 'cracking a walnut with a sledge hammer' would not have been required.

That being said and done, I understand the day after that match, Penrith got on the front foot and sent a further request to the SRU via NSWRU in an effort to ensure the 'duty of care' theme was exercised on behalf of the now exposed 2nd and 3rd grade squads. I have been advised that they have been given those assures and in addition the SRU published these rule changes on Friday 24 April 2015 in preparation for the following days rounds.

It is yet to be seen whether the SRU will do a retrospective audit for the Randwick round - considering that I understand they formally gave Penrith an assurance that they would police this issue - at the time it was initially raised by Penrith - prior to the Randwick round.

It has been rumoured that on Saturday 25 April 2015 Eastwood may have contravened the rule and played at least one 1st grade colt against Penrith's 2nd grade.

It maybe in everyone's interests to follow teams that play against Penrith for the rest of this season to ensure the rules are upheld. I understand notification of any such breaches would be greatly appreciated.

Last week, v Penrith, Eastwood colts named their sides as per normal, without fear or favour or fiddling, and the 1st colts team sat it out or ran the line / water, etc. it's not hard.

 

[the coach]

Last week, v Penrith, Eastwood colts named their sides as per normal, without fear or favour or fiddling, and the 1st colts team sat it out or ran the line / water, etc. it's not hard.

A quick scan of the Wicks teams originally selected v the 2nds Colts team which took the field I can only see 4 players originally named in the 1sts team --- hardly qualifies as stacking IMO. Given the fact that Penrith withdrew after the original selections and there was probably another training run before the actual game you have to expect some ups and downs due to injuries etc. The Wicks have played several 1st Colts players in grade this year, almost every week, so this would inevitably result in a lot of movement between the 3 colts teams.

There's also another aspect of this. What have Penrith done with the players who played 1sts in the earlier rounds? I assume they are playing 2nds.

 

[Sideline Eye]

.

There's also another aspect of this. What have Penrith done with the players who played 1sts in the earlier rounds? I assume they are playing 2nds.

Lol. Keep up Coach! That's the whole point of the exercise. As Penrith were getting smashed 100 plus to nil in every colts grade, they are supposed to be moving all their players down to give them a fighting chance. Kinda like a handicap.

 

[the coach]

Lol. Keep up Coach! That's the whole point of the exercise. As Penrith were getting smashed 100 plus to nil in every colts grade, they are supposed to be moving all their players down to give them a fighting chance. Kinda like a handicap.

Yes, obviously I understand that.
But why did they enter a team in 1sts in the first place?
Withdrawing after a few rounds just adds to the argument that Penrith would be better off playing subbies. It's sad but how long can this continue if the SRU / NSWRU are not prepared to do anything and Penrith in spite of lots of hard work are still not competitive in Colts or Grade?

 

[Sideline Eye]

Eastwood Colts Match Reports

Round 6 v Penrith

Colts 1
[Bye]

Colts 2
Eastwood 15 - Penrith 22
With Penrith not competing in Colts 1’s, 2nds faced those that remained from the Penrith team after their previous round encounter, 0-97 courtesy of Randwick. The game made a start just when that storm hit the West, and conditions went from bad to worse as the game progressed. Early game signs showed Penrith had a greater respect for ball possession, as the Woods high error rate resulted in providing the Emu’s with numerous opportunities to enthusiastically threaten our line. James Day did all he could from #10, and crossed the Emu’s line, twice. Good support work from #6 Tim Anstee saw him rewarded with a try.

For the Second half, 2nds struggled to execute set pieces and to achieve game continuity beyond a limited number of phases. As a result the ball was repeatedly turned over, Penrith lifted, and managed to take the points.

Woods game highlight, regardless of the mud…. the damaging runs from #15 Rihan Barley- Brown.

Woods try scorers – James Day (2) Tim Anstee
B&F Points 3 Rihann Barkley-Brown 2 James Day 1 Tim Anstee
Players player: Rihann Barkley- BrownSpecial thanks to Damien Ferguson who kindly assisted as 2nds Manager for the day.

Colts 3
Eastwood 26 def Penrith 7
After a week in which were not able to take the training field, but worked hard at alternative training activities such as running hill sprints in pouring rain, we fronted up to play another team of very big boppers.

Penrith had some massive and powerful runners and our defence and individual tackling were the best they have been this season. The conditions were also very difficult, with a very heavy track affecting the speed of the game and handling finesse.

The backs were dangerous throughout the game, with Ryan Jensen controlling affairs and Tom Hudson proving difficult to handle in the midfield. Tries were scored by winger, fullback and flyhalf, which was a good effort in the heavy conditions. However we still coughed up quite a lot of ball and made errors in promising situations, which is a habit we need to rectify when we play the top teams.

The second half was mostly disappointing as we dropped our standards a little and conceded a try. But we managed to score another try by a winger on fulltime to earn our third successive bonus point win. Ryan Jensen’s sideline conversion was an impressive exclamation mark to end the game.

Ryan Jensen, Daniel Loneragan, Jonas Williams, Tom Koodrin Tries; Ryan Jensen 3 Goals.

http://www.eastwoodrugby.com.au/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=256

Eastwood's 1st colts side - watching on...

 

[Sideline Eye]

Match Previews - Round 7
Eastwood colts v Easts

Colts 1 - 7th Place
Eastern Suburbs have just two wins against their name and are sitting in 9th place. They have had wins over Manly and Souths and lost 10 – 59 to Randwick last week. They also lost 19 – 29 to Gordon back in Round 1. When we played these two sides we lost 10 – 63 to Randwick and 17 – 22 to Gordon. These results are not dissimilar and would indicate it will be a tight tussle between these two sides.

Easts will definitely believe they can come away with the points. Eastwood needs to make a statement with this one and place their authority on the game with the clash against Colts powerhouse University just days away.

Colts 2 - 9th Place
Colts 2 find themselves in the bottom quarter of the competition following two successive losses to teams who they should have beaten. In an attempt to turn things around five changes have been made to the side to take on Eastern Suburbs.

Three players come into the side from Colts 3. Duncan Ryan at Prop, Jake Temm at 5 and Daniel Ryan at 8. Lachlan Croese who missed the last two games takes over at Full Back and Nick Reid who hasn't played since Round 2 in Colts 1 is the new Hooker.

Eastern Suburbs are sitting in 6th with two wins and a draw and will be liking their chances of making it three wins this weekend. They drew with the strong Gordon side and have wins against Manly and Southern Districts while they had a one point loss to Northern Suburbs two weeks ago before going down 10 – 41 to Randwick last weekend.

When we played Randwick we held them to 10 – 22 while we lost to Gordon 20 – 29. On these results if Colts 2 can return to form they can take this game and get back on track. It will be interesting to see what impact the team changes have as another loss at this stage will severely impact on the rest of the season.

Eastwood Colts 3 - 6th Place
Eastwood are on equal points with Southern Districts who play the undefeated Gordon this weekend adding to the importance of this week's game against Eastern Suburbs.

Colts 3 made it three wins in a row taking the points against Penrith 26 – 7 scoring four tries in the process thus adding another point to their total. Their opposition this weekend have just the one win against Manly to their name and they are sitting in 10th place. They went down 0 – 61 to Randwick last Saturday and lost to Gordon 15 – 27 in Round One.

Eastern Suburbs will be keen to add another win to their tally but Eastwood are on a bit of a roll and should be too strong for the boys from the East provided they maintain the focus.

http://www.eastwoodrugby.com.au/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=256

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Hobbits vs Highlanders Teams
Colts 1
1. Milan Papalii
2. Gareth Thomas
3. Lachlan King
4. Josh Lyons
5. George Prassad
6. Dan Broady
7. Tom Doyle
8. Rahboni Vosayaco
9. Rory Davis
10. Brock Hammond
11. William Latu
12. Nathan McIlveen
13. Franklin Calgulay
14. Jack Conen
15. Angus McGrath

Colts 2
1. Joey Tahati
2. Henry Robertson
3. Nathan Ford
4. Dylan Turner Williams
5. Mitch Whittet
6. Angus Guthridge
7. Kurt Rumsay
8. Simiki Ilufe
9. James Whelan
10. Dom Richbell-Tivira
11. Grant Isles
12. Tylah Pritchard
13. Callum Quinn
14. Tom McCabe
15. Tom Evans

Colts 3
1. Tom Swiderski
2. Benet James
3. Evander Filemu
4. Nathaniel Leon
5. Jacob Fetui
6. Alex Hoy
7. Dawie Erasmus
8. Karaitiana Sa'u
9. Ben Lewis
10. Luca Calabria
11. Liam Euruini Bennett
12. Locky Walsh
13. George Cardassilaris
14. Drew Nuttall
15. Andrew Kaine

http://www.southerndistricts.com.au/our-teams/first-colts.htm

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Round 5 reports from the Beasties (better late than never)

Colt's Report Round 5

In a game of rugby if you make little or no mistakes you will invariably win …if you make a lot of mistakes you will invariably lose.
So it was for the first grade colts making a host of mistakes and they went down to Norths in a disappointing 32 to 10 defeat.

Norths were 10 nil up running in 2 unconverted tries in the first 6 minutes before Easts knew what hit them.

A penalty goal saw Easts narrow the deficit to 7 before the forwards rumbled ahead for a 20 metre charge for captain Archie Hall to power over and with the conversion successful Easts somehow were back on equal terms at 10 all.

However mistakes started to creep into the Easts game and at half time they were down 20 to 10 following anther penalty and converted try to Norths.

The second half was real struggle for Easts as they failed to gain parity at the set pieces and although the close in defence was reasonably solid Norths ran in soft tries mid-way thought the second term before scoring again right on full time for a very disappointing score line.

For Easts.
Plenty of work to do this week before the clash against competition leaders Randwick.

For seconds and thirds they both suffered heart breaking losses in the final seconds of their respective games.

Seconds defended stoutly in a real see sawing match with the lead changing several times and with 10 minutes to go Easts scored their bonus point 4th try to lead 28 to 19. With just 5 minutes to go Norths scored to get it to 28 to 24 and then right on fulltime Norths scored again to snatch victory away from a brave East team. 2 bonus points was a tough reward for a spirited performance

Similarly for 3rd grade they looked as though 12 all draw was going to be a just score line when Norths broke clear and scored again right on full time to go down 19 to 12.

A disappointing day all round and no easy mission against the old foe Randwick at Latham Park on Anzac Day.

http://www.graphicmail.com.au/new/en_send_preview_iframe2.aspx?SID=18&SiteID=5924&NewsletterID=74280

Round 6 Reports rom the Beasties

Colt's Report Round 6


The Colts day against Randwick was a day when all you could say was “that the opposition were way to good”. In every grade the scores were large and especially in First and Seconds, Randwick blew Easts away in the second halves.

Firsts colts battled away bravely early on and after 30 minutes Randwick were just ahead by 5 to 3 …with the Randwick try coming a after just 11 minutes against the run of play. Easts were right in the contest having the majority of territory and the scrum holding solid.

But then the flood gates opened with Randwick unleashing their speed and precision to be leading 26 to 3 at half time and then running over the top of Easts in the second half finally winning by 59 to 10.

For second colts it was a similar story and 5 minutes into the second half they were leading 10 points to 8. Then Randwick lifted the tempo and Easts fell apart to go down 41 to 10.

Thirds never troubled the scorer in a 61 to nil loss.

Next week it’s on the road again with the trip to Eastwood.
http://www.graphicmail.com.au/new/viewnewsletter2.aspx?SiteID=5924&SID=18&NewsletterID=74387

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Beasties vs Woodies Team Lists

http://eastsrugby.com.au/season/team-list/

 

[Tah and feathered]

Hobbits vs Highlanders Teams
Colts 1
1. Milan Papalii
2. Gareth Thomas
3. Lachlan King
4. Josh Lyons
5. George Prassad
6. Dan Broady
7. Tom Doyle
8. Rahboni Vosayaco
9. Rory Davis
10. Brock Hammond
11. William Latu
12. Nathan McIlveen
13. Franklin Calgulay
14. Jack Conen
15. Angus McGrath

Colts 2
1. Joey Tahati
2. Henry Robertson
3. Nathan Ford
4. Dylan Turner Williams
5. Mitch Whittet
6. Angus Guthridge
7. Kurt Rumsay
8. Simiki Ilufe
9. James Whelan
10. Dom Richbell-Tivira
11. Grant Isles
12. Tylah Pritchard
13. Callum Quinn
14. Tom McCabe
15. Tom Evans

Colts 3
1. Tom Swiderski
2. Benet James
3. Evander Filemu
4. Nathaniel Leon
5. Jacob Fetui
6. Alex Hoy
7. Dawie Erasmus
8. Karaitiana Sa'u
9. Ben Lewis
10. Luca Calabria
11. Liam Euruini Bennett
12. Locky Walsh
13. George Cardassilaris
14. Drew Nuttall
15. Andrew Kaine

http://www.southerndistricts.com.au/our-teams/first-colts.htm

Souths 1sts colts side is looking more solid each week, been a few guys out and have now had a game or 2 back. Rahboni the 8 has been crook as rookwood past 2 weeks and didnt play against Manly and Prassad has been back 2 weeks and adds some grunt too the lock position. Brock hammond has his 3rd game? back from shoulded reconstruction and Frank Calgulay is now over his hamstring injury so this Qld connection should be finding there feet and the pass Frank Calgulay threw for a try was out of the SBW textbook.
With a 4 or 5 top end 1st colts players still to return at the end of this month a big back end of the season is expected.
The scrum against Manly was dominant and they have changed there front row as they know it has to be stronger against Gordon. Going to be an interesting day at Forshaw. A burger and a beer and a good days colts rugby what a way to spend a saturday.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

^^^ Frank Calugay is true blue Waratah stock, and hails from the North Coast of NSW. Originally attending Alstonville High School, a Nudgee College snatch and grab team persuaded him to finish his year 11 and 12 across the border in 2013/14 where he played 1st XV for Nudgee with distinction, but was not selected for State Representative honours. Having seen the error of his ways, he has returned from Banjoland, and decided to join the shoeless ones in the Shire. No Queensland connection there.

Frank gets a mention here from this report on the 2012 NSW CHS championship http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/94928/mcintyre-named-player-of-the-carnival-at-dubbo/

 

[Hugh Jarse]

For tomorrow in Sydney, Bom.gov.au say: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/sydney.shtml

Min 18 Max 21
Sydney area
Cloudy. High (80%) chance of rain. The chance of a thunderstorm along the coastal fringe in the morning. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h turning southerly 25 to 35 km/h in the early afternoon.

4 from 5 in round 6, with the perfect tipping round ruined once again by Manly, combined with some Hail and Lightning.

Round 7 Tips
This has to be the round of the year and, with most games potentially going either way, it is harder to pick than the soil at Lightning Ridge. The forecast weather combined with a heavy track will favour the piggies and should keep scores lower than usual, that is if Council don't close the various ovals.

Warringah v Parramatta. Rats have been very poor this year and M2B will notch up their third consecutive victory in a row without losing one. M2B by 35.

Eastwood v Eastern Suburbs. Intriguing battle for centre of the table supremacy. If it was dry, I'd be tipping the Woodies to win with a 4T BP, but given the forecast, I reckon the Beasties will enjoy the inclement conditions better and their piggies will be able to strangle any Woodies creativity. After their thrashing from the Wicks last week, the Beasties would have focused on basics this week at training and that will help them get home over the Woodies by < 7.

Manly v Northern Suburbs. As predicted the Shoremen rolled the Corporation. Historically they usually back these stellar performances up with a less than stellar performance. The Marlins will be looking to re-establish their claim for a spot in the finals after their loss to the Hobbits in last weeks tempest. I'm tipping the MMM to ambush the Red and Black folk and win by 5-10 in a low scoring game.

The Bye v West Harbour. The Pirates will be looking forward to an easy 4T BP victory over The Bye, who have been consistently poor all year.

Southern Districts v Gordon. A cracking game in prospect with 4th slot on the table at stake. When is high tide at Forshaw Park? Will we see a repeat of the 2014 GF ground conditions? Both teams are evenly matched across the park, and have some good folk from their 2's to come off the bench when the fat boys get puffed out after oranges. A coin was tossed and it came up Highlanders. Margin will be < 7.

Randwick v Sydney University. 2014 Grand Final rematch, and weather and ground conditions may be similar as well. When was the last time the Corporation lost two in a row? The Wicks have had it fairly easy so far this season and this is the first of 5 potentially tough games for them: Uni, MMM, Hobbits, Norths and Gordon. Can they maintain their momentum? The Slop Coefficient will be high given how easily No 1 Oval cuts up, so the game will be won in the forwards and by the team that plays field position better. Again I've tossed a coin and it came up in favour of The Corporation. Margin will be close, and there will be cards.


Small print: These tips are based on games going ahead tomorrow in the weather as forecast, and will be voided if games are postponed or rescheduled.

 

[the baz]

mmm v shoreman postponed

 

[Eyes and Ears]

Uni v randwick colts has been postponed too.