NORTH EASTERN F/L

[Arry Gablett]

I did see that
All results suggest it will be a tight competition throughout

[whufc]

I did see that
All results suggest it will be a tight competition throughout

Yeah I think BSR and South Clare the standouts, Blyth slightly behind due to injuries but capable of beating anyone on their day. Min Man, Riverton and North Clare to round out the bottom 3 but be able to beat anyone on any given day.

[Arry Gablett]

I agree with BSR and South
Thinking RSMU might have the goods as well

[whufc]

I agree with BSR and South
Thinking RSMU might have the goods as well

Yeah have to be honest I haven't really looked at RSMU, im probably not giving them enough credit.

I think Blyth are suffering a tad from a covid/premiership hangover. After winning it last year im not sure they have the same motivation. I live in Blyth and their training numbers have been really low compared to last year. In saying that it wouldn't take much for them to get their 'shit' together and start performing again.

[Arry Gablett]

There would be 5 other clubs hoping they don’t get it together
I can never remember BS not playing finals

[whufc]

There would be 5 other clubs hoping they don’t get it together
I can never remember BS not playing finals

You might see it this year.

Having a look at their team this weekend their bench is Tyson Eime, Harry Warner and Adam Conradi. Whilst all handy enough players they were not even close to getting a gig in last years A Grade side.

Still enough quality in the side but no sure they bat anywhere near as deep as last year.

[BPlumber]

There would be 5 other clubs hoping they don’t get it together
I can never remember BS not playing finals

You might see it this year.

Having a look at their team this weekend their bench is Tyson Eime, Harry Warner and Adam Conradi. Whilst all handy enough players they were not even close to getting a gig in last years A Grade side.

Still enough quality in the side but no sure they bat anywhere near as deep as last year.

BS have had more injuries in the first two weeks than they did all last year.
I would say 6-7 out of their first pick side atm. Premiership players Darling, Zwecky, hunter, Atkinson, salter all out this weekend. 4-5 blokes playing very sore atm due to not being able to rest. They will be fine. Most teams would be envious to have those three sitting on pine with all those injuries

[whufc]

Yeah no doubt if Blyth get their best side on the park they will be hard to knock off.

It's just going to be a matter of not dropping to many games before they all return. With BSR, SC, RSMU (away) its not out of the realms of possibility they could be 1-4. They would probably take 2-3 to be honest.

[iliveupnorth]

With Round 1 now complete, I think at this stage BSR look the team to beat. Pretty handy outfit.
RSMU and Min Man have been the surprise packets for me so far. South and Blyth are also around the mark and definitely capable of doing some damage on their day. North look all but gone and the cellar dwellers for 2020.

Whilst BSR are out in front - the season has a relatively even feel to it - will be interesting to see who misses out, will be a good run to the finals.

I wonder if this is the new future of the comp? Must be hard for Burra and Saints to comeback.

[whufc]

With Round 1 now complete, I think at this stage BSR look the team to beat. Pretty handy outfit.
RSMU and Min Man have been the surprise packets for me so far. South and Blyth are also around the mark and definitely capable of doing some damage on their day. North look all but gone and the cellar dwellers for 2020.

Whilst BSR are out in front - the season has a relatively even feel to it - will be interesting to see who misses out, will be a good run to the finals.

I wonder if this is the new future of the comp? Must be hard for Burra and Saints to comeback.

I think Burra in particular has a big enough town population to ensure they will fill senior sides again next year no problems.

I agree with your assessment on the season. BSR the current flag favourites. Blyth is the real danger if they can get men back on the park. My end of minor round ladder prediction is:

BSR
South Clare
Blyth
RSMU

Min Man
North Clare

[Arry Gablett]

Saints will be fine
$ talks

[whufc]

Reigning premiers Blyth miss the finals!

[Hazbeen]

Semi's this weekend;

Saturday at Redhill, 1st vs 2nd, A; BSR vs South, B: RSMU vs BSR, SC: MinMan vs BS, JC: MM vs North

Sunday at Snowtown, 3rd vs 4th, A: RSMU vs MinMan, B: BS vs North, SC: North vs RSMU, JC: South vs RSMU

[Hazbeen]

Congrats to MinMan's Bill Sandow on winning the 2020 B&F medal

[whufc]

Not sure if it just filling constitutional obligation but Blyth advertising for coaches for all 4 male sides.

The A grade gig decision was always going to be interesting with Blyth missing finals whilst also making some ‘controversial’ decisions on gun players

Personally I think Bassani will be re-appointed, would be a slightly harsh removal given the year everyone had. I only way I see him leaving is if one of the old guard, Darling or Ottens have the eye on the gig

[Information HWY]

Would be interesting to see a NEFL with Balaklava and HWE joining from the APFL - thoughts NEFL brains trust?!

A fierce local derby between BS and HWE would add a bit of interest, and even some spice between BS/South Clare and Balaklava!

[whufc]

Would be interesting to see a NEFL with Balaklava and HWE joining from the APFL - thoughts NEFL brains trust?!

A fierce local derby between BS and HWE would add a bit of interest, and even some spice between BS/South Clare and Balaklava!

I'm definitely not NEFL brains trust and I'm not connected to anyone within the league.

Surely they would have to entertain the idea though. Balak in particular (I don't know much about HWE) would tick all the boxes as far as being competitive onfield, facilities up to standard, big town in catchment ensures they are long term viable, the driving distance isnt overly long.

If the NEFL is purely looking at making their own league stronger than for me this would be a no brainer, obviously there might be some fixturing issues having to find a couple of extra games a year.

If Balak left it would severely hurt the APFL.

[Arry Gablett]

2 extra teams would make a 10 team comp
2 even rounds would be great
HWE would need to recruit continuously to remain competitive, not sure about Balak
Apart from the Clare teams all other struggle with 14s but more so 17s
Would they both have the capacity to fill the netball quota ?

[Lightning McQueen]

2 extra teams would make a 10 team comp
2 even rounds would be great
HWE would need to recruit continuously to remain competitive, not sure about Balak
Apart from the Clare teams all other struggle with 14s but more so 17s
Would they both have the capacity to fill the netball quota ?

The last A Grade game HWE played in was a premiership winning game.

No problems with netball.

It would be a bloody shame if they did leave the APFL, it would be reduced to a 6 team comp, I would've thought if Hummocks went anywhere it would be to the YPFL.

[whufc]

Blyth have appointed local school teacher Tim Packer as the new A Grade coach.

Not sure what happened with Bassani but surprised Blyth made the move.