4th February 2015
Whoa !!! Premiers and Champions of the short game what a great start to the year. It was a marathon weekend of 9s football but well worth it in the end. Thats our first ever 9s trophy but the second time we have won the short form of the game after winning the 7s way back in 1988. Rabbitohs fans continue to life in cloud 9.
Adam Reynolds has proved how good a player he really is by guiding Souths with a great kicking game. His ability to read the play and keep the opposition pinged back in their own goal was instrumental to our victory. And quite deservingly he was awarded MVP(Most Valuable Player) of the 9s tournament.
Every felt deeply for Issac last October when as part of our core playing team was rubbed out of the Grand Final. Leading as captain he controlled teh ruck at will in teh 9s competition and it was so fitting that teh players lofted him on their shoulders at the end of the game. He was also named with George Burgess as members of the team of the tournament.
One thing the 9s is good for is the ability to give up and coming players a chance. Aaron Gray and Grevsmuhl recent SOO U20 stars got their chance as did Australian RU convert Angus Crichton. All three performed exceptionally well and will be pushing for First Grade selection as the year progresses.
So to the new rules. The Bonus Point try was much better played this year than last year with team very aware that they need to protect the area under the posts or near the posts. While 5 points for a try its also a gift 2 points from in front. So its a 7 pt try. With near to teh post being a 6pt try. While most tries out wide ended up being 4 pts. Teams with stronger defence were rewarded this year. The shot clock was interesting. It resulted in teams reducing their post try celebrations or delaying of the drop out. But then kickers still tried to use up the full 30 sec and kick with just a few seconds left to gain maximum rest. But what I loved most was NO Video Referee stopping the game. We accepted the referees call and just moved on.
Signing off for another week - the midweek Cyber View from the Hill