The Rogues Rant #210
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
I understand that there is a move afoot to have the abandoned top grade match between Avondale and Bowral last week declared a draw. The game was abandoned when Bowral winger Tom Mooney suffered a horrendous leg injury after just a minute and a half of play in the second half. The match was delayed for forty minutes as Mooney was prepared for transport to Hospital and Referee John Maughan had no option with the light failing but to call full time. The IDRU Competition Rules are very clear as to what should happen in these circumstances. If the match has been more than 50% completed the score at the time will stand. Bowral were leading 18 – 13 at the time the match was abandoned and therefor are considered the winner of the match. However the Rules also allow for the match to be replayed if both clubs agree to do so and the replay is approved by the IDRU Board. Any attempt to declare the match a draw is not covered by the Competition Rules and should not be allowed. To allow a contrived result to the match in this way would in my opinion risk the integrity of the Points Table and subsequently the IDRU Premiership. The result should stand unless both clubs agree to replay the match in full.
The Avondale V Bowral match was not the only match abandoned over the weekend. Out Central West way a match between the Orange City Lions and the Cowra Eagles played in Cowra was also abandoned. Orange City and former NSW Country Hooker, Josh Tremain was allegedly punched by a Cowra player and left unconscious on the ground. The Referee ended the match with Cowra leading 31 – 15 as Tremain, who was playing his 200th Game for the Lions was placed in an Ambulance and taken to Hospital. Cautionary scans at the Hospital ruled out any major injury to Tremain’s Brain but due to the depth of the concussion he suffered he has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Let’s hope all goes well for Josh Tremain.
The NSW Country Junior Championships are over again for another year. After winning four titles last year things didn’t go quite as well this year. Three of our Boys sides went down to Newcastle Hunter in the finals to finish second in their tournaments along with the Girls 17’s who also ran second to our northern rivals. On the up side 32 players made Country sides this year which is a very healthy representation indeed. Well done to all involved and good luck one and all preparing for the State Tournament in June.
The make up of the Super Rugby Finals is going to be unknown I reckon right down to the last round. Any one of the teams in the Australian and South African conferences can still qualify with the probable exception of the Sunwolves. The Crusaders and the Hurricanes look to be there in New Zealand, but we will more than likely see a third Kiwi side as well. As things stand with 4 rounds to go the top eight consists of three Kiwi sides, three South African sides, the Jaguares and the Brumbies. The Australian Conference is definitely going down to the wire with a number of local derby’s to come yet which will go a long to deciding who will get through. Let’s see if this week’s results can make the Finals picture any clearer. My tips for this week: Chiefs, Brumbies, Rebels, Crusaders, Waratahs, Stormers, Sharks.
We now have an interesting points table after six rounds of the IDRU Builders Club Premiership. Bowral are now on top with Avondale and Camden equal second, and Shamrocks holding fourth spot on averages, although on equal points with Vikings and Uni. If things go the way I think this week we’ll have a different top four again next week. Shoalhaven and Avondale meet at Nowra and there can only be one result here on recent form. Avondale to Win. Tech Waratahs play Campbelltown at Saunders Oval and should register their second win for the year. Tech Waratahs to Win. Vikings have Kiama at Vikings Oval and despite Kiama showing some good improvement of late we should see another win for the Blueys. Vikings to Win. University hosts an in form Shamrocks side who are on the back of a four game winning streak. Despite the Bulls having home ground advantage I’m going for a Shamrocks win to lift them to third on the ladder. Shamrocks to Win. The Match of the Round is at Camden Rugby Park with a late start at 4.30PM. Camden are having a junior promotional day so the main game will be starting late and finishing under lights. The Rams have had a couple of setbacks against the bigger clubs over the last couple of weeks but will be taking plenty of confidence into this match at home none the less. They will fancy themselves against the Premiers but will need to be at their very best to get the points, from a Blacks side that will be welcoming back their star Fly Half Lachlin Huntington. I think the Blacks will win but not by much. Bowral to Win.
All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.