Footy is back
A summary of the AAGPS standings thus far
F. A. Loxton
SINCE A GROUND-BREAKING SEASON LAST YEAR FOR THE 1ST XV WHICH SAW SHORE FINISH EQUAL SECOND ON THE TABLE AND WIN 3 GPS MATCHES, THIS YEARS 1ST XV PREMIERSHIP RACE LOOKS AS OPEN AS EVER AFTER THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS. With competition games doubled to 10, and each team playing each other both home and away, this year a loss won’t break a teams season making it anyone’s guess as to who raises the shield.
To start, The Scots College First XV have had a troubled start to the season facing key injuries in the forwards amid their talented backline. The likes of Zac Fittler and Leo Jacques fill out the centers in what is their second season in the team, and number 8, Toby Brial, has shown himself to be a strong forward in his first year out of the second row. Whilst they had a promising comeback in their first round against Joeys at home to secure a draw, a disappointing defensive performance against Riverview saw them go down last week 43-24. Tomorrow they will face Shore in what will be a test for both teams.
Newington have had a slow start to the 2023 season, so far falling short to the two undefeated teams in the competition – Kings and Riverview. With a skillful backline, the team will look toward the more experienced players of the team to improve their game. This week they face Joeys, providing an opportunity to prove themselves as contenders.
Kings have established themselves as premiership front-runners with an undefeated season so far against some formidable opponents. Claiming a round 1 victory over Shore at Parramatta, the team have showcased speed in the backs and size in the forwards, dominating the ruck to prove the Shore’s First XV’s biggest test yet. Last week, the Kings side faced Newington, and although gaining an early lead, became complacent, taking a close win 33-24. Riverview is their next opponent, who although were beaten by Kings in a holiday trial match, will look for revenge when it counts.
Joeys so far this season have had two disappointing outcomes in games which could have been won. In their first round fixture, they led Scots 21-0 at Bellevue Hill before Scots backs stepped up to tie the game 31-31. At one moment a penalty in front of the posts could have secured a victory, but choosing to tap and go resulted in no outcome. Last week the side faced Shore at the Bridge and were lucky to escape with another draw, with an underdog Shore side showing up in their first home fixture of the season. As their younger players continue to gain confidence, their captain Hwi Sharples has been crucial in leading the team around the park.
The Riverview First XV have perhaps been the most surprising side so far, remaining unbeaten in GPS matches with a strong backline led by flyhalf Joe Dillon in his final year. Starting their campaign with two away wins, Riverview have slotted into contenders with no trouble scoring points. However, their biggest challenge awaits tomorrow against Kings which will result in a clear leader of the First XV competition ladder.
Finally, the Shore First XV showcased a much improved defensive performance last week to secure an unlikely draw against Joeys. With new First XV coach this year – Angus Sinclair, the likes of Marshall Le Maitre, Tom Klem and Hugo Orpin were key in Shore’s draw, which was the first time since 2010 that the First XV have not lost to Joeys. Tomorrow will see the Blue and White army return to Bellevue Hill, with fly halves Ben Whatley and Henry James a key matchup in controlling their sides momentum.
Ultimately, this year’s First XV competition is proving to be one of the closest we have had yet, and I would highly recommend anyone with an interest to either attend the fixtures or watch via Cluch tv, in what is a showing of some of the greatest schoolboy talent in Australia.