East Coast Eagles
Currently: 1st- 52 points
The Run Home: Sydney University (H), North Shore (A), BYE
Analysis: It seems nothing can stop the ladder-topping Eagles. They are flying at the moment. Thankfully, they get a good test this weekend against Sydney University (who pushed Manly last week) at home before an opportunity to taper off against North Shore. The draw isn’t kind again though following the withdrawal of Campbelltown as it looks like it will be three weeks in between the North Shore match and the 2nd Semi Final.
Prediction: Deserved minor premiers with only one loss to their name.
Pennant Hills
Currently: 2nd- 46 points
The Run Home: UTS (H), BYE, North Shore (H)
Analysis: A beautiful run home for the Demons who get two home games, firstly against UTS who need a win to keep any slim mathematical chance of them playing finals alive, and in the final round against North Shore where they can manage their list with bigger fish to fry the following week.
Prediction: They will retain second and play Manly-Warringah in the Qualifying Final.
Manly-Warringah
Currently: 3rd- 44 points
The Run Home: BYE, Western Suburbs (A), UNSW/ES (H)
Analysis: Interestingly, a similar finish to Pennant Hills- a bye and two matches against bottom four-placed sides. Their biggest test will be away to the improving Western Suburbs but they should win that comfortably given recent form. Brayden Fowler might sew up the Stan Milton Medal with a bag against UNSW/ES in front of the Weldon faithful in the final round.
Prediction: Boring I know but they will stay in third and get a double chance.
St George
Currently: 4th- 28 points
The Run Home: North Shore (H), UTS (A), Western Suburbs (H)
Analysis: St George have threatened to breathe fire and have a nice run home ahead a September campaign where they will need to win four matches in a row to claim the title. Two games at home and their final two matches are against two sides they beat by two points earlier in the season. Richie Benaud would be proud with all those 2’s!
Prediction: They will win all their matches and play Sydney University in an Elimination Final.
Sydney University
Currently: 5th- 26 points
The Run Home: East Coast (A), UNSW/ES (H), UTS (H)
Analysis: In a tough fortnight, Sydney University after challenging Manly-Warringah, face the toughest road trip of the league to East Coast. It gets easier from there for the Students who would be loving the fact their final two games are home against the sides last and sixth on the ladder respectively. If UTS can cause a couple of upsets, their match with them in the final round is an outside chance of being a mini Elimination final.
Prediction: Hard to see them getting over East Coast but should have enough of a buffer from UTS to seal the last finals spot.
UTS Bats
Currently: 6th- 16 points
The Run Home: Pennant Hills (A), St George (H), Sydney University (A)
Analysis: The equation is simple for the Bats, they must their final three matches to keep their very slim hopes alive. A loss this weekend against a side they arguably should have beaten earlier this year and their dream is over. It is an unlikely proposition against the ever-consistent Pennant Hills away from home. All in all, its a tough run home for the Bats- having to face finals bound sides in the final three weeks.
Prediction: The chances of them winning their last three games and Sydney University losing all three are unlikely. Sixth.
Out of finals contention
Western Suburbs
Currently: 7th- 12 points
The Run Home: UNSW/ES (A), Manly-Warringah (H), St George (A)
Analysis: The year of woe for the Magpies ends with two matches against sides destined to play finals. They will set their sights on a win away to UNSW/ES this weekend as their best chances of a win in the run home.
Prediction: Will finish equal on points with UTS but ultimately remain where they are on inferior percentage.
North Shore
Currently: 8th- 12 points
The Run Home: St George (A), East Coast (H), Pennant Hills (A)
Analysis: The toughest run home of any side- they play 4th, 1st and 2nd on the ladder with two of those matches away. Ouch!
Prediction: Eighth and a percentage that will dip like a stock market crash.
UNSW/ES
Currently: 9th- 4 points
The Run Home: Western Suburbs (H), Sydney University (A), Manly-Warringah (A)
Analysis: It’s a fall from grace for the side that claimed the Premier Division title just three seasons ago. Their Grand Final will be this weekend in their final home game of the year against Western Suburbs.
Prediction: Certain wooden spooners.
Last Modified on 14/08/2015 17:47
