PROPOSED SPLIT: The BJRL have advised that as of the April 28 weekend, the U14A Competition will be split in two, with the top 5 teams to take their points forward into a new A1 competition and the other teams to start again in an A2 Competition. No advice has been received as how it will be determined who is to play in the President's Flag, or how many teams ins semi-finals (although it is believed it may be all 5 in each competition).
WEBMASTER COMMENT: Certainly an interesting decision from the Junior League in response to the large scores in some games to date. I would have thought it fairer that if the competition was to be split, it may have been best to wait till after Round 9 when everyone had played each other and there would be no bias due to the vagaries of the draw to date - there would still be time for the two 5 team comps to play "Home and Away" after that. Otherwise leave it to the teams to apply to change grades - this procedure has been available for years. Please feel free to add your comments in Guest Room.
LOGAN BROTHERS - SYMPATHY: The events of Friday night have proved what a ludicrous situation has now been created. Logan Brothers, who have had by far the hardest draw of any team in the first 3 rounds, thrashed Slacks Creek 40-4 (after leading 34-0 at half-time), and 2 other teams, who now Logan Bros will have to play in the "A2" comp, forfeited!! This is a gross injustice to Logan Bros who ran 3rd in the Junior A1 Comp last year, and were Southside A Premiers the 2 years before that - understandably the team and club (along with Easts may I add) is furious - let's hope sanity prevails, and the BJRL decision is reversed. What is the benefit in creating an A2 comp where in all probability only 2 teams will be competitive!?!? Good teams should not suffer because 2 (and perhaps 3) poor teams were wrongly graded. (PS Easts also proved their credentials today - despite losing to Arana, the game was tough and competitive all the way).
LETTER TO BJRL: Discussion amongst the team has led to Arana submitting a letter to the BJRL asking them to reconsider their decision to split the competition. This was supported by the results of the previous Web poll which showed only 2% of respondents agreeing with the decision. 50% thought it should be up to teams to apply for a downgrade; 29% thought Spirit and Brighton should go down a grade and 15% suggested to at least wait till the end of round 9 to split.
Brad T - 12/4/2002 - 20/4/2002
