NORTH EASTERN F/L

[whufc]

Although i didnt count It looked like b grade had less on the field

it certainly was easier to watch as it was more open

Yeah 16 a side.

Could be the future of country football in all grades
would ease the burden on clubs
and
may eliminate the -1 point and save two kids sitting on the bench just so the imports can play

Yeah its a tough one......I played every minute on the ball (out of necessity more than anything else) and the extra space makes it really difficult for a 37 year old like me

Interestingly it doesn't seem to have to much effect on the amount of goals in a game, i would have thought the extra space etc would have equated to more goals but that hasn't seemed to be the way.

[whufc]

Nutrien Cup Squad announced for trials about 40 blokes named.

BSR with 8 in their, Luke & Cooper Hayes, Sam Wilsdon, Lachlan Wilson, Ashley Bruce, Isaac & Jackson Moller and Alex Morgan.

Great to see Jack Turney in there from Riverton, quality person.

[whufc]

Thoughts for this week.

BSR vs Min Man
Should be a cracker in the A Grade with both teams 4-0. Min Man are flying however winning games comfortably whilst BSR are tracking 'ok'. Most probably have this as a GF preview with this weeks winner taking the May premiership and flag favoritism. Too hard to pick a winner but obviously want the Tigs to get up.

The B Grade is also two teams sitting at 4-0. Much like the A Grade Min Man are flying in the b's whilst BSR are still trying to get 18 on the park. Min Man should/would start favorites rightly so but the BSR boys have shown a fair bit of heart so far so who knows hey.

RSMU vs South Clare
This should be another close affair. RSMU coming off back to back loses to the comps two best sides whilst South Clare got the upset W in the derby. South are a much better side than last year and RSMU seem to have come back to the pack a tad. In that saying i would expect RSMU to get up by a couple of goals.

The B grade will be an interesting watch between two winless sides that have struggled the last couple of years. I liked what i saw from the young RSMU lads when we played them a few weeks ago so think they might get the job done.

North Clare vs BBH
Another great match up in the A's. Both these sides are fighting for the realistic oppurtunity to finish 3-4 and play finals for the first time in a while. BBH are going under the radar a bit and seem to be playing consistent footy. The same could have been said about North until they went and lost to South last week. I think Norths best football will be better than Burra's but whether North bring the attitude will be the question. i think they will this week and get a very close win.

B Grade should also be a belter between two teams with genuine premiership aspirations. North have been cruising since their round 1 loss whilst Burra were upset by Blyth on the weekend. (only two games Blyth have won was against these two sides) . I'm expecting North to start the day in winning fashion with a 4-5 goal victory, im sure most will be happy anytime they see Burra b grade lose.

Southern Saints vs Blyth
The Saints were pretty good against BSR last week despite the loss, albeit they had the luxury of having Adam Hartlett in the forward line. I imagine he wont play this week with Westies playing on the Saturday. That said i expect the Saints to be too strong and physical for a young Blyth side and get a comfortable 6 goal win.

The B grade will be a very close game. The Saints were decent last week especially with Ah Chee back in the side. Blyth have won two games which have been against arguably top 3 sides, they have mail medalist Gareth Ottens running around. Really hard to pick a winner in what will be a physical contest....ill go Saints by a point.

[norfoftheborder]

Thoughts for this week.

BSR vs Min Man
Should be a cracker in the A Grade with both teams 4-0. Min Man are flying however winning games comfortably whilst BSR are tracking 'ok'. Most probably have this as a GF preview with this weeks winner taking the May premiership and flag favoritism. Too hard to pick a winner but obviously want the Tigs to get up.

The B Grade is also two teams sitting at 4-0. Much like the A Grade Min Man are flying in the b's whilst BSR are still trying to get 18 on the park. Min Man should/would start favorites rightly so but the BSR boys have shown a fair bit of heart so far so who knows hey.

RSMU vs South Clare
This should be another close affair. RSMU coming off back to back loses to the comps two best sides whilst South Clare got the upset W in the derby. South are a much better side than last year and RSMU seem to have come back to the pack a tad. In that saying i would expect RSMU to get up by a couple of goals.

The B grade will be an interesting watch between two winless sides that have struggled the last couple of years. I liked what i saw from the young RSMU lads when we played them a few weeks ago so think they might get the job done.

North Clare vs BBH
Another great match up in the A's. Both these sides are fighting for the realistic oppurtunity to finish 3-4 and play finals for the first time in a while. BBH are going under the radar a bit and seem to be playing consistent footy. The same could have been said about North until they went and lost to South last week. I think Norths best football will be better than Burra's but whether North bring the attitude will be the question. i think they will this week and get a very close win.

B Grade should also be a belter between two teams with genuine premiership aspirations. North have been cruising since their round 1 loss whilst Burra were upset by Blyth on the weekend. (only two games Blyth have won was against these two sides) . I'm expecting North to start the day in winning fashion with a 4-5 goal victory, im sure most will be happy anytime they see Burra b grade lose.

Southern Saints vs Blyth
The Saints were pretty good against BSR last week despite the loss, albeit they had the luxury of having Adam Hartlett in the forward line. I imagine he wont play this week with Westies playing on the Saturday. That said i expect the Saints to be too strong and physical for a young Blyth side and get a comfortable 6 goal win.

The B grade will be a very close game. The Saints were decent last week especially with Ah Chee back in the side. Blyth have won two games which have been against arguably top 3 sides, they have mail medalist Gareth Ottens running around. Really hard to pick a winner in what will be a physical contest....ill go Saints by a point.

I think you are pretty onto it here!

BSR v Min Man - A - Min man are flying at the moment but BSR always seems to get up in the close games, So I will go with them, they know how to finish teams.
B - Could go either way would say a Min Man win in the twos by a goal or two.

RSMU V South - A - South played well in the A's on the weekend but I think Riverton at home will be too much for them and they will go down by a few goals.
B - Riverton to get over the line and get a win in this one.

North V BBH - A - North was atrocious against south but played well against the Saints, will need to be on their game to beat burra and stay in the hunt for a top 4 spot at the end of the season. Roosters by 3 Goal
B - Should be a good game North has been cruising against probably the bottom three sides and this will be a challenge but they can get the job done at 'home' by a few goals.

Saints v Blyth - A - Eudunda wins this game quite easily and goes into the last few games confident although difficult could still make the four with a few upsets.
B - Saints to win this one just getting over the line.

[Arry Gablett]

BSR v Min Man - A - I'm gonna go Min man BSR were OK Saturday against the saints but didn't strike me as the powerhouse of the last few years The winner will be flag favorites
B - Min Man win

RSMU V South - A -Haven't seen either this year so will go RSMWHO?
B - Riverton, but don't refer to them as that when their supporters are around

North V BBH - A - Winner might play finals = North
B - BBH

Saints v Blyth - A - If saints don't win this they may as well shut the doors for 2022
B - Saints

[norfoftheborder]

Any surprises in the Nutrien cup Squad? And who are the under 21 players?

[norfoftheborder]

BSR v Min Man - A - I'm gonna go Min man BSR were OK Saturday against the saints but didn't strike me as the powerhouse of the last few years The winner will be flag favorites
B - Min Man win

RSMU V South - A -Haven't seen either this year so will go RSMWHO?
B - Riverton, but don't refer to them as that when their supporters are around

North V BBH - A - Winner might play finals = North
B - BBH

Saints v Blyth - A - If saints don't win this they may as well shut the doors for 2022
B - Saints

Haven't seen Min Man or BSR this season, BSR have gotten going in the past for big games where Min Man haven't should be a cracka.

I think RSMU will fall off in the second round this year and lose games against teams they have beaten to start the season and wouldn't be surprised if south got up.

[Arry Gablett]

Saints have 5 out from last week
A lot of young kids in this week
will need Schmidt and Prior to be on top of their game
Time for a few of the lads who have 100 plus A grade but never really dominated to step up and run the show

I'm hoping there isn't an upset brewing

[whufc]

Quality day at Brinkworth with the both the A and B’s getting up.

The A’s just got over the line in a tight contest by 4 point. Both teams had there chances in a goal less last quarter. Looking very likely these two sides Will met when the whips are cracking.

Min man only had 15 for the b’s so was 15 a side on the field with BSR playing 3 on the bench. Was a tight game up until three quarter time until min man ran out of puff. BSR b grade is 5-0 but it’s a weird record given how games have been this year.

[whufc]

Interesting results this weekend

A Grade
BSR got a close fought win...…two good sides, both premiership chances.

South Clare with the one point win over RSMU and back to back victories. South Clare are much improved and seem to be getting better each week. RSMU right back in the mixer now. Not sure what to make of them.

Burra win a 3 goal win over North Clare. Burra looming as a genuine finals chance, big test against BSR this week. North Clare just doing Norf Clare tings. If they could find consistency they should be in the top 4.

Saints got the much needed win, will it kick start their season. Pretty much game over for Blyth.

B Grade
BSR got the win against an undermanned Min Man, big test this week against Burra at Burra though.

RSMU continue to improve in the b grade with a 6 goal win over South Clare, their youngster seem to be getting better each week.

North Clare continue to show they have strong depth with a 7 goal win over Burra. Flag favourites for mine in the b grade.

Blyth with a ten goal win over the Saints. Blyth are the sleeping giants in the b grade. Would expect them to start stacking over the next month or two and would expect Darling and Ottens to both qualify for finals. Saints b grade season looks all but shot at 0-5.

[Arry Gablett]

Quality day at Brinkworth with the both the A and B’s getting up.

The A’s just got over the line in a tight contest by 4 point. Both teams had there chances in a goal less last quarter. Looking very likely these two sides Will met when the whips are cracking.

Min man only had 15 for the b’s so was 15 a side on the field with BSR playing 3 on the bench. Was a tight game up until three quarter time until min man ran out of puff. BSR b grade is 5-0 but it’s a weird record given how games have been this year.

B-S were in the hunt early Saints able to pull away in the last quarter, which was their best for the season
Matt Prior would be my early favourite for the mail medal, would have 9 votes from his last 3 games (assuming umpires know what's going on)

B-S b grade quickly becoming the new BBH

[whufc]

Blyth vs RSMU
A Grade- Two out of form sides do battle. RSMU are coming off three losses in a row and need a win to stay in touch with the top 3. Blyth are still win less and if they have any hope of keeping their season alive they have to find a way to win. Weather is looking pretty rugid so could bring teams back to the pack. I would expect RSMU to win but an upset could be on the cards.

B Grade - Two improving sides here both coming off wins. Blyth will be aiming for a top 3 spot with the talent they have in the side. RSMU need to win to stay in touch with the 4. Would expect Blyth to win this one pretty comfortably and their older stronger bodies of Ottens, Atkinson, Conradi, Hentschke, to do a number on the younger RSMU side in the wet.

Min Man vs North Clare
A Grade- Probably game of the round in both grades. Both sides coming off a loss last weekend. Min Man will be looking to cement themselves in the top 2 with a win whilst North Clare will be hoping to end a 2 game losing streak and stay in touch with the 4. Hard to go past Min Man who were very good last week and are still a big premiership shout. North Clare could do Norf Clare things though and surprise.

B Grade- Two sides expecting to be playing a GF. Min Man struggled with numbers last week and if that's the same this week hard to seeing them getting over the top of a very strong north clare side. The roosters should win this one comfortably.

South Clare vs Southern Saints
A Grade- Another contest that looks to be extremely close. Both sides were winners last week and will need to a win to keep top 4 hopes alive. This is a genuine 50/50 but I cant help think the improving South might get up in this one.

B Grade- Two winless teams do battle here, season over for the loser no doubt. Hard to go past the Saints especially in the wet conditions which should suit them. This could be the kick start to their season they need especially with RSMU next week so they might be able to snag a couple of wins in a row.

BBH vs BSR
A Grade- This will be an interesting game with Burra being another big improver this year. BSR are winning but I wouldn't think are playing at their best. I would expect BSR to get the job done but if the weather gets the better of them and they aren't switched on BBH could cause the upset.

B Grade-- No doubt another close encounter. BSR are undefeated but it seems for a case of having a bit of luck at the right times. BBH have lost two in a row which wont please the b grade specialists...…..might see some big ins for them this week. Would like to think BSR can get the job done but this will be the biggest test so far. Will the king.....the mayor of Boob, the great big man Stephen Tohl make an appearance against some of his cricketing team mates or is the weather forecast a bit too cold and wet.

[Arry Gablett]

Blyth vs RSMU
A Grade- Blyth were ok for half last week and perhaps RSMU

B Grade - As stated Blyth are the new BBH, old stagers chasing former glory in the magoos

Min Man vs North Clare
A Grade- I think MM, paid some coin out this year so wouldnt wanting to be dropping games to teams below them.

B Grade- The roosters should win this one comfortably. I love they've gone back to the old jumper would be great to see a longsleeve version with the red and yellow hooped arms aka hawthorn style longsleeve set up

South Clare vs Southern Saints
A Grade- I'm going saints although probably not adding missing players from last week, more so taking more away

B Grade- saints although I'm not answering my phone from Thursday night till12:30 Saturday, its going to be 8 degrees at Blyth not the best day for a comeback

BBH vs BSR
A Grade- Speaking of cold at least Blyth oval they haven't built the clubrooms on the wrong side and all the rain comes into your face
BSR but will be interesting to see if BBH get close

B Grade-- B Grade specialists BBH in a close one

[whufc]

There has been a lot of discussion in some of the other threads about umpiring standards in their various competitions.

I must say the umpiring this year in the b grade has been pretty decent...……...definitely not being the deciding factor in who wins games that's for sure.

You get the occasional bad mistake and the odd time where a couple of the umps have completely different interpretation especially of the holding the ball rule. Overall though there doing a pretty decent job all things considered. Umpire abuse definitely seems to be down as well which can only be a good thing.

[Arry Gablett]

There has been a lot of discussion in some of the other threads about umpiring standards in their various competitions.

I must say the umpiring this year in the b grade has been pretty decent...……...definitely not being the deciding factor in who wins games that's for sure.

You get the occasional bad mistake and the odd time where a couple of the umps have completely different interpretation especially of the holding the ball rule. Overall though there doing a pretty decent job all things considered. Umpire abuse definitely seems to be down as well which can only be a good thing.

umpiring in the NEFL has always been contentious, unfortunately lots of umpires are bound to clubs and a s a result they have always been seen as biased, eg BSR have a couple and BBH have a what some would see is a really biased help; Having umpired with them I don't think that in most cases this is true unfortunately history would say at times the decisions they make can be seen as biased. the BBH bloke unfortunately has a history of making the wrong decisions at the right time for his team

[whufc]

There has been a lot of discussion in some of the other threads about umpiring standards in their various competitions.

I must say the umpiring this year in the b grade has been pretty decent...……...definitely not being the deciding factor in who wins games that's for sure.

You get the occasional bad mistake and the odd time where a couple of the umps have completely different interpretation especially of the holding the ball rule. Overall though there doing a pretty decent job all things considered. Umpire abuse definitely seems to be down as well which can only be a good thing.

umpiring in the NEFL has always been contentious, unfortunately lots of umpires are bound to clubs and a s a result they have always been seen as biased, eg BSR have a couple and BBH have a what some would see is a really biased help; Having umpired with them I don't think that in most cases this is true unfortunately history would say at times the decisions they make can be seen as biased. the BBH bloke unfortunately has a history of making the wrong decisions at the right time for his team

Was a funny old b grade game this week......probably the worst standard game you will ever see. I cant accuse either umpire of being bias as im not sure a decision was made all day.....cant be biased if you don't blow the whistle hey

My god am i sore........had the big ruckmen genuinely accidently fall on me after a tackle in which we were pushed over by the second tackler given he would have been 120kg and im only 70kg it hurts. Going to get an x ray on the ribs today. Then also 'accidently' had two Timmy Dalla knees in back of my spine after a decision didn't go his way the contest before. Needles to say I can barely walk today.

[Arry Gablett]

Was a funny old b grade game this week......probably the worst standard game you will ever see. I cant accuse either umpire of being bias as im not sure a decision was made all day.....cant be biased if you don't blow the whistle hey


might have been the weather the saints versus south B grade game didn't reach any heights

week off to recover then back into it

[whufc]

Was a funny old b grade game this week......probably the worst standard game you will ever see. I cant accuse either umpire of being bias as im not sure a decision was made all day.....cant be biased if you don't blow the whistle hey


might have been the weather the saints versus south B grade game didn't reach any heights

week off to recover then back into it

Yeah only one goal kicked against the breeze in our game, at times you could only kick the ball 20m forward. Was an odd start, the umpires were running 5 minutes late for no reason. The game started with 10 consecutive ball ups and then the timers accidently went 3 minutes too long for the first quarter which we were against the breeze.

The second when we had the breeze, a bloke from BBH got injured in what looked a very innocuous tackle which then stopped the game for 5 minutes while he was taken off, not sure what he did actually injury....maybe a back but in fairness to he didn't return to the field so he was genuinely injured.

Also interesting was that Burra came up to us and asked if we could play a couple of their blokes because we only had 19 and they had a heap that didn't get picked but were available. Think they might have regretted that decision especially in the last when one BBH player was given his teammate who was playing for us a right old serve about not going off the oval for the final minutes whilst the game was in the balance. I'd never seen that before.

[norfoftheborder]

Any news on the association team?

I assume it has already been decided and Thursdays training is just a formality as with most years, but interested to see what players will be put on the park. I would assume quite a few BSR and Min Man players, the usual Burra suspects (Tom Drew and Smyth's), Helbig from North possibly a few others, Will Pratt and Dylan Foulis from Blyth, Riverton Krause and a couple more I would suggest, Nietschke from Saints, and a couple from South Matt Allen and others.

Should be a strong side but YPFL will be odds on favorites again I think.

[whufc]

Any news on the association team?

I assume it has already been decided and Thursdays training is just a formality as with most years, but interested to see what players will be put on the park. I would assume quite a few BSR and Min Man players, the usual Burra suspects (Tom Drew and Smyth's), Helbig from North possibly a few others, Will Pratt and Dylan Foulis from Blyth, Riverton Krause and a couple more I would suggest, Nietschke from Saints, and a couple from South Matt Allen and others.

Should be a strong side but YPFL will be odds on favorites again I think.

Haven't heard anything from BSR but most of the guys on the pre list are the city based blokes so not really a discussion point for us country b grade lads at training.