Division Two
Manly-Warringah (14W, 1L) are all but assured of the Minor Premiership in Division Two with three rounds remaining. They face two bottom five teams in the next fortnight before a good hit-out prior to the finals against third-placed Western Suburbs.
Sydney University (12W, 3L) is second- two wins behind Manly and have a similarly soft next fortnight before taking on pre-competition favourites Camden at home in the final round.
The hopes of the Western Suburbs (11W, 4L) club now falls on their Reserves outfit after their seniors all but fell out of finals contention last weekend. They have two of their last three games at home with their biggest test against Manly.
Camden (10W, 5L) were bullish about their chances and had the list to prove it but have struggled to meet expectations till now. They face the two bottom sides at home before an away trip to Sydney University.
Moorebank (9W, 5L) is currently fifth and barring disaster will play in the finals, given they are three wins and percentage of next-placed UTS. They face UTS in the final round- their hardest match in the easiest run home; with all matches at home.
Under 18 Division One
With two rounds remaining, Pennant Hills (13W, 1L) is in the box seat to claim the minor premiership and the first week of the finals off. They will have a good hit-out in the finals round against second-placed UNSW/ES Bulldogs (11W, 2L).
Sydney University should finish third (11W, 3L) but will have the bye on the final round which could thwart their momentum. St George (9W, 3L) have also impressed in an improved showing in the Under 18s this year. Their toughest test will come final round against Pennant Hills.
Last year’s Grand Finalists, Illawarra (9W, 4L) will round out the top five and have a soft finish against eighth-placed St Ignatius and last-placed Macarthur Giants.
North Shore (three wins behind) are the closest of the chasing pack but will not make the finals. Interestingly, Sydney Hills have fallen from grace after dominating the U18 competition in recent years, including last year’s Grand Final, and will most likely finish seventh.
Under 18 Division Two
There will only be two sides missing out in the second-tier Under 18 competition with a final four system in place.
Manly-Warringah (8W, 1L) are all but assured of the minor premiership and are deserved favourites.
Holroyd-Parramatta (6W, 2L) are their likely opponents in the Grand Final in an improved showing in the Under 18 competition.
Moorebank (5W, 5L) and Macquarie University (3W, 4L) will round out the top four.
Balmain (3W, 4L) and Penrith (1W, 8L) are the sides likely to miss out on finals action.
Last Modified on 30/07/2013 11:55
