Div 5 Mid-Season Wrap Up
Been a bloody good year of rugby so far. The injection and resurgence of some clubs has been great to see and really lifted the overall quality of the comp this year. Keen to see how things shake out as the race for finals heats up!
1. Redfield
After a tough couple of rebuilding years caused by retirements and injuries, the traditionally strong club is back with a bang with youth being the driving force behind their success. Undefeated in both grades so far, they use their fitness to go over late in games and so far no one has an answer for them yet. Their only weakness is a lack of size in the forward pack but so far this hasn't proved to be much of a issue. Favourites in both grades and a prime candidate for div 3 next year.
2. Hawkesbury Valley
Their first grade side has been relatively unchanged for a number of years and it shows in the skill and experience they bring to the table each week. Unbeaten and hardly tested in this grade it seems like you can all but pencil in a grand final clash between them and Redfield. The quality of their second grade has also been pretty good as well, they hit hard and have had some great wins so far this year.
3. Western Raptors
Always pretty good each year, both first and second grade have big boppers that run hard and are had to handle at this level. Been a bit under the radar compared to the top dogs but keep getting pretty good results. Player numbers at away games and some boys losing their heads look to be a big challenge that may keep them from seriously contending but we'll see.
4. Sydney Harlequins
Have come out a bit flat this year compared to their former div 3 counterparts in Hawkesbury Valley. Seem to lack a bit of top end talent to take them to the next level in first grade. Their good structure has seemed to work well in second grade and could definitely be a side that challenges at the pointy end with some good talent in that side.
5. Renegades
Good building year for them, first grade is well structured and have been developing nicely however a lack of consistency in the lineups each week is seeming to hold them back from being serious contenders this year against the top sides. Second grade is in a bit of a tough patch with just the one win, looks like the lack of combinations has been a real killer in games this year.
6. Maccabi/Sydney Convicts
Despite a couple wins it looks like Maccabi is finding it a bit tough in this division. They are well structured but lack size and talent which sees them get rolled. Should get a couple more wins but can't see them making finals. Convicts despite only the two wins have been very unlucky with a lot of close losses, if they can flip some of those results around they could make a run to finals
7. Canterbury
Very tough year for them in first grade, they look well off the pace against most sides and will do well to pick up a win all year. Second grade has big bodies as expected and are definitely poised to make finals after a slow start to the year however I don't think they'll have the discipline to win this year as the second grade comp is much stronger than last year.
8. Epping
What a fall from grace, the rumours of a tough preseason must have been true as they are struggling in both grades this year. First grade may win a couple more games but won't make finals. Second grade will be lucky to win a game. Desperate for a rebuild.
