REVIEW:

With just two matches to go this season for the Under 11's to Under 16's and three for the Under 6's to Under 9's, it's time for a brief review of the 2007 season.
Both Under 6 teams have been very competitive, with the Red team winning 10 of 12 games and the Blue team 7. The Rams have a tremendous record in the Under 6's since the competition commenced in 2004. The majority of the '04 team are now in Under 9's and their experience shows.

The Under 8 teams have also been competitive. The Blue team, made up of children turning 7, have improved every week and have built a tremendous foundation for further improvement as Under 8's again next year. The Under 8 Red team has many new and inexperienced players and they've taken time to learn the basics. The majority will be Under 9's in 2008.

The Under 9's took time to gel, given the number of new children and the introduction of tackling. They have performed very well in the second half of the season.

The Under 10's season has been similar to the Under 9's - a slow start and a number of inexperienced children still learning the basics. They should shine as Under 11's in 2008.

The 2007 Under 11's have been the 'quiet' success story of 2007. Consistantly short of players until the last 6 games of the season, the boys have showed tremendous character to win more than half their games. Their defeat of Modbury, with just 15 players for the first quarter until two Under 9's arrived to make 17, was a highlight. Also scored some gutsy, grinding wins against Payneham, Golden Grove and Para Hills. Seven of the regular squad are either Under 9's or 10's.

By contrast the Under 12's have not had the success we expected after they were so competitive in 2006. The loss of several key players from last season along with some season ending injuries hasn't helped. Big changes await as they look forward to Under 13's in 2008.

The Under 13's WILL play in the finals this season and can't finish lower than third. Their best 18 can match any team in the competition, but the best 18 haven't been available for the four losses this season. They will be available for the finals, however.

The Under 14's were always going to struggle as they are, more or less, a brand new team. Lack of numbers early in the season hurt badly but they have been a little unlucky too. Losses by 5 points and a goal or two in three games didn't help. Have a solid squad now and are looking to emulate this year's Under 15's, who also struggled as 14's in 2006.

The 2007 Under 15's, despite two losses, are headed for the grand final. After struggling last season, a solid pre-season regime and a couple of new players and a new coach have made them extremely competitve. The loss of a couple of key players to injury and suspension had made the path to the premiership a little more rocky than it appeared to be two months ago.

The Under 16's, with just one loss, are also headed to the Grand Final. The only other team to match our 16's is North Pines, and it's one-all so far this year. The fight for the Premiership will be very, very close!