Clubs vie for last spots in Finals Series
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:32 am
The 1st Grade matches this weekend between Vikings and University and between Avondale and Shoalhaven will be decisive in determining this year's Finals Series participants. Both Shoalhaven and Vikings will be looking for any bonus points they can muster, as the final table standings may well depend on who gets one more this weekend. Obviously both teams are looking to win their final games but Shoalhaven face a daunting challenge taking on an Avondale side which is just showing impressive form as they close in on the finals series. The Vikings v University clash should be a classic, with both teams needing a victory to confirm their current positions.
As a reminder to all clubs and to specatators, the IDRU has issued a notice clarifying the methodology for determining final ladder positions and, importantly, requirements for player eligibility: Download IDRU Finals Series Qualification & Eligibility 2013 - Notice
Teams with equal number of points at the end of the regular phone number list season are ranked by the number of games won in the season, and if they are still equal, then by the differential of points scored for and against. Currently Vikings is ahead of Shoalhaven in the table in fifth spot, thanks to one more win, but there's everything to play for this weekend.
Second Grade saw another convincing win to Vikings by 55 point 5. This game could have been a lot closer. University had some very speedy outside backs which saw a number of raids on the Viking line only defused by good defence. The Blueys were not similarly constrained however and Vikings scored four first half tries by five eighth Chris Maidment, and back rowers, Dane Nethery, Tom Claridge and a newcomer to Vikings who I know only as Troy. He’ll be handy next season. University scored their try just before half time to make the score 24-5 to Vikings at the break.
In the second half the Vikings back line swung into action, scoring four more tries with talented number eight Xavier Hollis bagging a fifth. The four tries to the backs were scored by winger Matt Barnes (2), full-back Andrew McKay (1) with a second to Chris Maidment. Dane Nethery relished his positional change from centre to flanker and winger Matt Barnes improves every game. I had mixed feelings about a couple of Vikings tries that came from a “kick-chase.” It’s a low percentage option. I prefer to see the ball kept in hand. Please don’t let it become a habit.
As a reminder to all clubs and to specatators, the IDRU has issued a notice clarifying the methodology for determining final ladder positions and, importantly, requirements for player eligibility: Download IDRU Finals Series Qualification & Eligibility 2013 - Notice
Teams with equal number of points at the end of the regular phone number list season are ranked by the number of games won in the season, and if they are still equal, then by the differential of points scored for and against. Currently Vikings is ahead of Shoalhaven in the table in fifth spot, thanks to one more win, but there's everything to play for this weekend.
Second Grade saw another convincing win to Vikings by 55 point 5. This game could have been a lot closer. University had some very speedy outside backs which saw a number of raids on the Viking line only defused by good defence. The Blueys were not similarly constrained however and Vikings scored four first half tries by five eighth Chris Maidment, and back rowers, Dane Nethery, Tom Claridge and a newcomer to Vikings who I know only as Troy. He’ll be handy next season. University scored their try just before half time to make the score 24-5 to Vikings at the break.
In the second half the Vikings back line swung into action, scoring four more tries with talented number eight Xavier Hollis bagging a fifth. The four tries to the backs were scored by winger Matt Barnes (2), full-back Andrew McKay (1) with a second to Chris Maidment. Dane Nethery relished his positional change from centre to flanker and winger Matt Barnes improves every game. I had mixed feelings about a couple of Vikings tries that came from a “kick-chase.” It’s a low percentage option. I prefer to see the ball kept in hand. Please don’t let it become a habit.