The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Shute Shield snapshot after six rounds

11th May, 2011
Advertisement
Roar Pro
11th May, 2011
11
1515 Reads

The 2011 Shute Shield rugby competition has produced some exciting matches and big upsets. Six rounds have now been completed and we are approaching the stage where performances and ladder standings can give us some kind of indication of how the season might finish.

Eastern Suburbs

Have just made it to second position on the Shute Shield ladder. Managed a big win against Manly and a victory over Sydney Uni. Big tests to come, still need to play against more quality opposition to justify their place on the ladder but these early victories will provide positive thoughts in the upcoming rounds.

Eastwood

The undefeated competition leaders have been impressive from start to finish. Had tough opponents in the first four rounds (Southern Districts, Sydney University, Randwick and Manly), but managed to win every game and deservedly be the competition leaders.

Gordon

The big surprise of the competition, were expected to be around the bottom of the ladder but have managed to reach as high as second and have been undefeated in the last five matches. Their victories haven’t been against the strongest sides, but they are winning consistently something they were unable to achieve last season. A player to look out for is their fullback, Dion Berryman who you might have noticed playing some very exciting football in the Shute Shield’s last two televised matches, he has been performing well all season.

Manly

Advertisement

Won their first three matches, then lost consecutively to Eastwood then Eastern Suburbs whilst playing understrength. Manly are back on the winners list with a with a victory against West Harbour last week. They should find themselves back in the top three very soon.

Northern Suburbs

A weak first few rounds but have managed wins over Sydney Uni and Southern Districts the last two weeks, currently sitting inside the top six. If they maintain some consistency they could be the surprise of the year. Have another test this week against Randwick at home in the televised game.

Parramatta

They have been a big improvement on recent years, the problem is they have had a tough early draw (Uni, Randwick and Manly) but they’ve been competitive in every game and managed to score their first win in two years against Warringah in a match away from home. Put in a strong performance last week against undefeated Eastwood, which some say they should have won if it hadn’t been for a few tough decisions.

Penrith

The big news of last week was Penrith’s one point upset away victory against Randwick. Have been competitive in most of their matches. The question is can they follow on from their solid performance and have a real go at the top six and start taking victories from more of the top sides?

Advertisement

Randwick

Last year’s grand finalists have disappointingly found themselves outside of the top six. Their unexpected losses to Warringah and Penrith makes them look very vulnerable and will give every side who plays them some confidence. Outside of those games they have had their usual scorelines. Their match this week against the in form Northern Suburbs will be vital for their confidence this season.

Southern Districts

Going along steadily in fifth position, have not had the brilliant undefeated start to the season as they did last year. Quite a few eyes are on Souths as former Brisbane Broncos player Denan Kemp has started to play for them. A fairly solid side which should win more then lose this season seeing them off into the finals.

Sydney Uni

They have had a disappointing start to the Shute Shield season including an upset loss to Northern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval last week. Expect them to bounce back later in the season as they usually do.

Warringah

Advertisement

Had a great first round with an upset win over Randwick but have since lost every match including a hammering to rivals, Manly 55-12 in front of a large crowd. Unexpectedly they are currently sitting on the bottom of the ladder.

West Harbour

Much like Parramatta have been competitive in pretty much every game. Have had close losses to Southern and Sydney Uni. They are the type of team that can beat any team on their day, they just lack the consistency to really challenge for the top six.

close