Lindroth is back, Juniors kick off and Dewar kicks on!
Our snouts in Club Land have been passing on the latest tea, so sit back and take it in (with a grain of salt!)
Oli Kellett raised a ton of Dewar Shield appearances as a referee when he oversaw the Unicorns vs Eagles clash at Frog Hollow on Saturday.
It was a long time spent sitting on 99*, but the milestone was worth the wait after a classy tribute from the Eagles and Unicorns players who formed a guard of honour for Kellett and his children as he made his way onto the field.
We hear the custom made socks marking the occasion may never be washed again…
Speaking of referees, there must be something of a shortage at present after some recent appearances from senior honchos at HQ.
Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson was seen sucking in the seagulls after overseeing the Samoa v Fijian Women’s 10s clash on Gosch’s Paddock as part of Pasifika Round last week.
Meanwhile, Rugby Victoria Coaching Manager Greg Fergus returns from refereeing retirement to oversee the Moorabbin vs. University Lindroth fixture tomorrow. The occasion marks 25 years since Ferg coached the Unicorns women’s team to a Lindroth premiership.
We hear one Lindroth player has had her insta DM’s overflowing with admirers after footage of her dancing in the Lindroth Cup promo video went viral.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a deeper investigation reveals they’re already off the market…
It seems at least one Dewar Shield team took exception to our ladder prediction last week (Only one?!)
A printed off copy of our scathing assessment was pinned to the dressing room wall as a way of firing up the boys.
It worked.
The 50th Anniversary dinner for the Maroondah Rugby Club brought out some notable alumnae who spent the occasion regaling stories from the glory days.
An ‘All Star Griffin team’ of the first 25 years was named with industrious hooker Allen Southwell named as captain of the merit team.
We’re not sure what the bar bill came to, but perhaps the copious amounts of ‘nostalgia’ were behind one of the All Stars promising to come out of retirement for another season.
Our eyes will be glued to the team sheets when Maroondah host Shepparton next week…
Old rivals Harlequins and Box Hill face off at Quins for the Bruce Bailey blazer.
Quins are fresh off a bonus point win against Uni but will be looking to play more consistent, mistake free rugby to retain the blazer.
Whilst a bit clunky at times, Quins displayed an all-round game that will see them feature heavily towards the end of the season. Box Hill put in a somewhat surprising performance to run out bonus point winners over Power House and showed that whilst things appeared to be quiet during preseason, behind the stable doors they were cooking up some magic.
This game will be closer than first thought but the all round power of Quins should see them retain the blazer but they need to be very weary as if they switch off, the Broncos could gallop away with the prize.
Prediction: Quins by 12
Endeavour were jumped early by Melbourne last week and were chasing the game.
Although their scrum was dominant, a surprising choice to play uncontested scrums for a part of the game let Melbourne gain ascendency that they couldn’t pull back. The coaches will have been working hard on ball retention and execution at the breakdown this week and look for them to not put two poor performances out in a row.
The House put in a good workmanlike shift against Box Hill but lacked some finishing power but now know the level required to compete in Dewar Shield and will be better for the run.
Is the aura around the nest somewhat diminished now?
The House will be looking to take advantage of the wounded eagle.
Prediction: Endeavour by 15
Moorabbin outlasted a gallant Footscray outfit and will return home ready to put the students to the sword.
The Rams will be looking to build on their phases and match management this week and put out an 80 minute performance in front of a vocal home crowd.
Uni, on the other hand will be smarting from last week’s loss to Quins and will be looking to shore up their defence and create more turnovers to build their attack.
This game will be decided by who has the best discipline, patience and can hold the ball. The most accurate goal kicker could be the determining factor.
Prediction: Moorabbin by 3
Melbourne pulled off a great snatch and grab last week at the nest.
Their work on defence and at the breakdown was at times brutal and their ability to counter attack and apply score board pressure was top shelf.
Footscray ran the Rams close last week and will be looking to finish games off better when they have the opportunity.
Melbourne’s only weakness last week was the scrum and we are sure there will have been lots of work on the machine at Orrong Park this week, but the Bulldogs will be looking to exploit this and get some front foot ball for their hard running backline.
The Unicorns should snuff out the Doggies bite but it could take them until the 2nd half to do it.
Prediction: Melbourne by 22
