Sydney Subbies 2022

[Pfitzy]

Rohan has been calling everyone trying to do this for us. We already have a make up game against Lindfield on the only other WW weekend, so not playing this week is a disaster for Quinns. We have 4 possible grounds, but all seem to be low chance of being available. Waterloo is hardly even a 1% chance this week. To make matters worse, trying to get Barker over to replay this game at Waterloo for a Night Game is logistically hard for them, so the Saturday/Sunday double do is all we have up our sleeve if Mother Nature.

At least we managed to get 1st Grade sorted out. After a full day of sun today and another few hours by the time kickoff happens, Kellyville Park 5 should be a dream track to play on bar a couple of rough spots. Better than the wicket area at Waterloo right now, at least

 

[Pfitzy]

I'll have a crack at Fourth Div Round 10:

Redfield v Saints - postponed. But you'd back Redfield any day, any week.
Chatswood v Merrylands - now moved to Holroyd. After last week the Wolves will be fired up. I think they will take it.
Savers v HAC - Savers have depth to run 3 Grades right now (Halligan v Covies) and should win this comfortably. Wasn't even sure HAC would make it given the floods.
Renegades v Raptors - gotta back the boys. Solid win and minimal team changes + dry track. It'll be a battle.
Canterbury v Epping - Rams are in third right now, a point back from Savers. Big win coming up.
Harbour v Mac Uni - moved to Woollahra #3 and should be match of the round I reckon - Fijian flair versus high structure and fitness. Oysters to remain undefeated.

 

[Pfitzy]

Looking toward finals for Div 4:

McLean Cup
1 Oysters (43) look likely to finish 1st, undefeated, with a gap to the chasing pack. They're maybe not quite as sharp as last year so could be upset in the finals, but they're unlikely to drop a game from here, playing mostly bottom teams
The run home: Mac Uni (H), HAC (A), Saints (H), Chatswood (A), Canterbury (A)

2 Savers (36) not the easiest finish to the year, with a couple of games out west, and a couple of high-ranking opponents at Keirle Park. They will have learned from the game against Merrylands and while they took care of Redfield easily on neutral turf in Round 2, Redfield will be looking to improve on that.
The run home: HAC (H), Raptors (A), Merrylands (H), Redfield (H), Renegades (A)

3 Epping (35) the close loss to Oysters will have shown them where they are in the comp, and the temptation might be there to write off the loss to Savers as a bad day. They have a few games against lower-ranked opponents followed by a last-round stoush at Holroyd. They'll be hoping Savers stumble so they can grab 2nd spot, but back themselves from anywhere.
The run home: Canterbury (A), Chatswood (H), HAC (A), Renegades (H), Merrylands (A)

4 Merrylands (30) starting this weekend, the Wolves will look to drive toward 2nd spot. They'll see the Savers game at Keirle as a turning point that sees them reach for 2nd or settle for minor placings with a tough last-round fight against Epping.
The run home: Chatswood (H), Canterbury (H), Savers (A), Raptors (H), Epping (H)

5 Redfield (26) they will be confident they have the game for finals, with several close wins this year, and a draw with Epping as well as taking a halftime lead over Oysters. Can't write them off but they might come undone against size on a heavy track. The lower ranked opponents should see them safely into a minor place.
The run home: Saints (H), Mac Uni (A), Canterbury (H), Savers (A), HAC (H).

6 Mac Uni (25) a game in hand against Renegades means they might actually see themselves in equal 4th at this point. However they can probably look at inconsistency as their catch cry - a loss to Raptors and a win against Merrylands doesn't sound like they've delivering every week. A few tough games in their lead in to the finals. Line ball.
The run home: Harbour (A), Redfield (H), Raptors (H), Renegades (H-WW), Canterbury (A), Chatswood (H)

This is where the major break in the table occurs - and it'll take an effort to jump up from bottom 6.

7 Raptors (19) hard to tell what effect dropping their 2nd grade will have at this point. Certainly they've had highlights during the year, but Savers-Uni-Wolves could blunt their approach to the finals.
The run home: Renegades (A), Savers (H), Mac Uni (A), Merrylands (A), Saints (H).

8 Chatswood (17) this is one of the toughest roads home IMHO, and I don't think Chatswood's young guns will quite have the grunt to get there. They'll be satisified with 2 Grades and some good wins during the year, and look to build for next year.
The run home: Merrylands (A), Epping (A), Renegades (A), Saints (H-WW), Harbour (H), Mac Uni (A)

9 Saints (12) slow start to the year, perhaps with a few depth issues, and a couple of horror weeks back to back with Epping and Savers wouldn't do much for morale. The other issue is going to be finding time to play 2 washed out games before the end of the year; the first from Round 9 against Chatswood will be pushed to July 30 I supose, and would be one they could target. Tomorrow's game v Redfield is perhaps a forgone conclusion.
The run home: ?Redfield (A-WW)?, Renegades (H), Harbour (A), Chatswood (A-WW), HAC (H), Raptors (A)

10 Renegades (11) an absolute mountain to climb if we want to make finals. Inconsistent selection early in the year (with key absences) and a couple of tough weeks to start set us off on the wrong foot, but we pushed Redfield and never really looked outclassed until you saw the scoreboard. Perhaps an easier run home than most, playing a few against teams ranked just above us before the killer, make-or-break finish.
The run home: Raptors (H), Saints (A), Chatswood (H), Mac Uni (A-WW), Epping (A), Savers (H)

11 HAC (7) they've been playing with 1.5 teams most of the year. As a result they've had the one win against Saints and some lopsided results. Will likely stay roughly in place, looking at a win against Saints as a bit of a victory at this point.
The run home: Savers (A), Harbour (H), Epping (H), Saints (A), Redfield (A)

12 Canterbury (6) - again, low numbers have meant their 2nd Grade have somewhat prospered while First Grade slumped. A season with controversy, they'll be considering the future of multiple grades after having 3 not so long ago
The run home: Epping (H), Merrylands (A), Redfield (A), Mac Uni (H), Harbour (A)

Ladder for finals
1 Sydney Harbour
2 Epping
3 Manly Savers
4 Redfield Old Boys
5 Merrylands
6 Macquarie Uni
7 Renegades - we might get there on for/against but need to win every game handily.
8 Western Raptors
9 Chatswood
10 Northern Saints
11 Hawkesbury Ag College
12 Canterbury

 

[WoodyWoodsman]

Some clubs and players still not learning from the UNsW/Canterbury Kerry flex of earlier this year.
Not many games played today, but surely, surely, clubs can’t be that silly. A loss of points now could end a certain clubs finals chance.
Changing the players name didn’t work the first time, it’s not going to work again.
Clubs not doing their due diligence on players joining at this time of year are going to come unstuck.
I won’t blow the whistle, but I should.

 

[WoodyWoodsman]

Can anyone clear up Eppings day? Their socials say they won three grades, but I can’t find the third grade game vs Harlequins in Halligans, and their first grade didn’t have a try scorer yet they won 28-0.

 

[Waterloo_Ned]

Some clubs and players still not learning from the UNsW/Canterbury Kerry flex of earlier this year.
Not many games played today, but surely, surely, clubs can’t be that silly. A loss of points now could end a certain clubs finals chance.
Changing the players name didn’t work the first time, it’s not going to work again.
Clubs not doing their due diligence on players joining at this time of year are going to come unstuck.
I won’t blow the whistle, but I should.

You can't blame Blue Mountains for this one. Are they meant to track the whereabouts of their triple figure player base on a wet weather weekend? Macquarie Uni have to be responsible.

 

[C.Dark]

Apparently first grade whistle was blown to start and Canterbury forfeited moments later, an old friend of mine Steve who used to coach down at Epping said the Epping first grade coach was steaming, can’t blame him really imagine postponing a bay run or whatever it is those Epping latte lovers do on their days off to go all the way to Canterbury only to have it pulled at the last second.

surely subbies has to step in….

 

[Waterloo_Ned]

At least we managed to get 1st Grade sorted out. After a full day of sun today and another few hours by the time kickoff happens, Kellyville Park 5 should be a dream track to play on bar a couple of rough spots. Better than the wicket area at Waterloo right now, at least

Thanks for hosting. Wasn't the best day for us but the facilities and organisation at Rouse Hill are first class. Having half our club in the UK has definitely hindered us, but we will get there.

 

[Pfitzy]

surely subbies has to step in….

Divisional meeting Monday should be interesting

 

[WoodyWoodsman]

Divisional meeting Monday should be interesting

Wonder if they have had time to look through team sheets. As Ned said, someone is responsible. Might need to dig into second grade as well.

 

[Pfitzy]

Having half our club in the UK has definitely hindered us, but we will get there.

So Rohan was saying. Lacking a bit of polish and patience. I thought your replacement fly half settled things nicely but chasing the game at that point, you'd lost your THP and the scrum started to wobble.

That Barker 13 was very effective attacking the second and third channel. Got them a lot of gain line. Their hooker was effortless in the throwing stakes. Lot of young guys there by the looks, with Colts not playing yesterday.

Was nice to run touch for a neutral game. Very different style and pace to your typical Fourth Div fixture

 

[Pfitzy]

Thanks for hosting. Wasn't the best day for us but the facilities and organisation at Rouse Hill are first class.

It's funny we're still known as "Rouse Hill", but haven't actually played out of Rouse Hill since 2008! Rebrand to "Renegades Rugby" is taking a while longer than I thought...

The ground was in amazing shape considering it only had ~2 days of sunshine the last week. I wish we had better change facilities but apparently an upgrade is due.

 

[Uzi1989]

It was a fantastic day against Chatswood yesterday winning both grades but very close wish them all the best with the rest of the season

 

[Pfitzy]

It was a fantastic day against Chatswood yesterday winning both grades but very close wish them all the best with the rest of the season

They've got a very good crop of young blokes in their First Grade. Hopefully they can keep it going and get to 3 Grades and, with some other clubs, get 4th Division humming again from 12:50PM of a Saturday.

 

[qwerty123]

Can confirm that I am not Phil Lawrence, but I am interested to know more about him. Having trawled through Drummoyne’s social media, he isn’t announced as part of their coaching team from earlier in the year, but looks like he coaches their 3rd grade. Would seem like a big jump…

left epping for unsw and then to drummoyne all either 3s or 4s. Doubt he has passed smart rugby or could if he wanted to.

 

[qwerty123]

Are you Phil Lawrence?

Rae Rae

I am phil lawrence

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I am phil lawrence

Rae Rae

 

[Pfitzy]

The other part of Div 4 after some more results have rolled in:

Grose Cup
1 Merrylands (45) fairly plain sailing for the Wolves so far, losing a close one to Epping in R1, but undefeated since. No doubt frustated that of their 9 wins, 1 was a bye (pre-Raptors returning to Grose), and 2 others forfeits (Saints and HAC). It remains to be seen if the Raptors game will give them points as they already got the "first bye = forfeit" in round 2, which was the agreement at the time.
The other two games - at Keirle Park and home against Epping - will go a long way to sorting out the minor premiership
The run home: Canterbury FORFEIT (H), Savers (A), Raptors FORFEIT (H), Epping (H)

2 Epping (40) one win back from Merrylands after losing to Savers and Eaysters, the Rams will ready to launch into the finals, and a bit miffed that their club is lacking game time across the grades as other clubs start to feel the pinch. Will HAC still have enough players for Round 12? The last round at home against Wolves could determine 1 and 2
The run home: Chatswood (H), HAC (A), Renegades (H), Merrylands (A)

3 Eaysters (37) the 5th Grade from Easts have been trundling along, playing rugby and racking up solid wins. With the upcoming forfeit to Canterbury, they're effectively in 2nd place on 42 points. Probably got surprised a bit by the 3 losses to Raptors, Merrylands, and Redfield, but at least they know the score heading into finals, and will get a rest in Round 14 unless they want a trot in Halligan Cup that day.
The run home: HAC (A), Saints (H), Chatswood (A), Canterbury FORFEIT (H)

4 Manly Savers (32) I was a little stunned at their draw with HAC, if I'm honest. They've put out three grades a couple of times recently and will be scrambling for a game this weekend at Mittigar as well. They're already on 37 based on that, with some tough clashes to go, but will be licking their lips at the chance to avenge the close losses to Merrylands and Redfield in Rounds 12 and 13.
The run home: Raptors FORFEIT (A), Merrylands (H), Redfield (H), Renegades (A).

5 Redfield (30) with a game in hand against Saints, you'd say they were on 35 points, but stranger things have happened in rugby. Variable strength opposition but again: a forfeit from Canterbury to factor in.
The run home: Mac Uni (A), Canterbury FORFEIT (H), Saints (H-WW), Savers (A), HAC (H).

6 Canterbury (24) - out of contention, having dropped 2s.

7 HAC (20) their club men have been showing strong form in Grose Cup, but they've suffered for it in McLean. Will they have enough players to qualify a 2nd Grade team in the event they make the finals? They've got to play 3rd, 2nd, and 5th in among all that. Tough ask.
The run home: Harbour (H), Epping (H), Saints (A), Redfield (A)

8 Chatswood (14) the Stags are showing some good effort but lack that little bit of size to finish over some of the other clubs here. Will look fondly back at their wins over Redfield and Raptors as they head to Mad Monday, with a tough run home and other results needing to fall their way.
The run home: Epping (A), Renegades, (A), Sydney Harbour (H), Macquarie Uni (A)

9 Saints (13) one win being a bye over the absent Raptors, with the 2 others being HAC and Mac Uni. They'll push hard on the way home but also have to find time for wet weather catchups over both Redfield and Chatswood, with only one Saturday left.
The run home: Renegades (H), Harbour (A), Chatswood (A-WW), ?Redfield (A-WW)?, HAC (H), Raptors FORFEIT (A)

10 Renegades (13) a couple of losses we should have turned into wins against Canterbury and Redfield. A draw against Chatswood with a throw-together team. Some young talent coming through to play with the old heads, but inconsistent. We've got a good finish ahead against opponents more our style, but then a massive hurdle in Epping following by Savers. The absence of Berries and Raptors might help us squeak in.
The run home: Saints (A), Chatswood (H), Mac Uni (A-WW), Epping (A), Savers (H)

11 Raptors (12) - out of contention, having dropped 2s

12 Mac Uni (11) - they've turned up every week and posted wins against Chatswood and the bye in Raptors' absence. There was a Colts side for the first time in a while, and hopefully they can build from that. They'll look to put up a fight against Redfield and take another win over the stags in R14.
The run home: Redfield Old Boys (H), Western Raptors FORFEIT (H), Canterbury FORFEIT (A), Chatswood (H)

Ladder for finals
1 Merrylands
2 Epping
3 Sydney Harbour
4 Redfield Old Boys
5 Manly Savers
6 Renegades - absence of Canterbury helps here...
7 Hawkesbury Ag College
8 Chatswood
9 Macquarie Uni
10 Northern Saints
11 Canterbury / Raptors

 

[Denistone_Dennis]

Heard it here first team. Our esteemed subbies exec director is trying to get finals series changed from top 6 to top 4. Hard sell considering its been top 6 all year.

 

[Uzi1989]

Heard it here first team. Our esteemed subbies exec director is trying to get finals series changed from top 6 to top 4. Hard sell considering its been top 6 all year.

Cool what division is your one