Sydney Subbies 2025
- Thread starter Lindommer
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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.
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.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Can't argue with much of that. Different players each week is killing the flow!
Hopefully the break allows us to reset and start getting the little things right.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
The fascinating bit here is R13 - Valley host Redfield for double points. That will decide the minor premiership I think...
EddieJones1985
Bob McCowan (2)
Div two this week
Forest Vs Shammies
Is this the week that a big scalp is taken? Forest on the improve after a big win last week. Forest 14-10
Pats Vs Briars
Is this one for double points? Could spell major issues for the loser and the winner will be right back in contention. Briars 32-17
Uni Vs Irish
UNSW gave Irish a thumping last outing but Irish will bounce back this time around. Uni looked shaky against Briars, I think Irish can go close but will fall short. Uni 28-17
Forest Vs Shammies
Is this the week that a big scalp is taken? Forest on the improve after a big win last week. Forest 14-10
Pats Vs Briars
Is this one for double points? Could spell major issues for the loser and the winner will be right back in contention. Briars 32-17
Uni Vs Irish
UNSW gave Irish a thumping last outing but Irish will bounce back this time around. Uni looked shaky against Briars, I think Irish can go close but will fall short. Uni 28-17
parkfootyenthusiast2
Ward Prentice (10)
Div 3, Round 8:
Knox @ Beecroft: Knox makes another trip to Headen Park after the first game was moved there. I think come finals time Knox can give Beecroft a red hot go but I don't see it happening this week. Knox missing some key players in their pack still and Beecroft dominated in that area last time out behind big Meehan at 8. Give me Beecroft by 14. I like Knox in 2s and Colts handily though.
LCOI @ Hornsby: Should be a cracking game. Both disappointed last week, LCOI at home vs Knox and Hornsby at home vs Hills, but they're pretty evenly matched and will be frothing for a chance at a W. This one could be for double points also - and will go a LONG way to determining 4th place at the end of the year as a result. I think LCOI is a classier outfit overall, but I'm going to take Hornsby in an upset at home in a tight one. Hornsby by 3. LCOI in 2s and Colts by a bunch.
Blacktown @ Hills: Blacktown needed a week to cool off after their outing against Beecroft two weeks ago where they lost their heads and their coach got dismissed. Things will go from bad to worse for them though. Hills is a good, physical side with a fair bit of flash out wide also. They'll be too big, too fast and too structured in this one. Hopefully it's 80 minutes of competitive but well behaved footy... but we'll see. Hills by 30. Hills will dust them in 2s also. Unrelated to both clubs but Colleagues II vs Barker should be a good one, Old Barker by 10.
Yours,
PFE2
Knox @ Beecroft: Knox makes another trip to Headen Park after the first game was moved there. I think come finals time Knox can give Beecroft a red hot go but I don't see it happening this week. Knox missing some key players in their pack still and Beecroft dominated in that area last time out behind big Meehan at 8. Give me Beecroft by 14. I like Knox in 2s and Colts handily though.
LCOI @ Hornsby: Should be a cracking game. Both disappointed last week, LCOI at home vs Knox and Hornsby at home vs Hills, but they're pretty evenly matched and will be frothing for a chance at a W. This one could be for double points also - and will go a LONG way to determining 4th place at the end of the year as a result. I think LCOI is a classier outfit overall, but I'm going to take Hornsby in an upset at home in a tight one. Hornsby by 3. LCOI in 2s and Colts by a bunch.
Blacktown @ Hills: Blacktown needed a week to cool off after their outing against Beecroft two weeks ago where they lost their heads and their coach got dismissed. Things will go from bad to worse for them though. Hills is a good, physical side with a fair bit of flash out wide also. They'll be too big, too fast and too structured in this one. Hopefully it's 80 minutes of competitive but well behaved footy... but we'll see. Hills by 30. Hills will dust them in 2s also. Unrelated to both clubs but Colleagues II vs Barker should be a good one, Old Barker by 10.
Yours,
PFE2
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Div 5 Round 8
Renegades v Redfield - should be a good game of rugby if the rain stays away. Our forward pack vs their backs, basically
Back the boys!
Epping v Maccabi - Home side looking to build some consistency and their numbers are coming back I believe. Close game tho!
Harlequins v HVRU - both sides with a few years together as a unit. Think Valley's cohesion and experience might just be a step above at this point.
Raptors v Canterbury - It is third vs eighth so expecting it to go this way but will depend on Raptors' numbers again. Could Berries sneak the upset?
Renegades v Redfield - should be a good game of rugby if the rain stays away. Our forward pack vs their backs, basically
Back the boys!Epping v Maccabi - Home side looking to build some consistency and their numbers are coming back I believe. Close game tho!
Harlequins v HVRU - both sides with a few years together as a unit. Think Valley's cohesion and experience might just be a step above at this point.
Raptors v Canterbury - It is third vs eighth so expecting it to go this way but will depend on Raptors' numbers again. Could Berries sneak the upset?
Odyssey_Park the 2nd
Ted Fahey (11)
It’s all over the place as not everyone has played all the games but it does highlight the silliness of a 4 team final series in the 6 team divisions with sides currently in the 4 with 1-2 wins.
The whole final series is a mess in these divisions