Over the halfway point now, what are our thoughts on how it seems to be panning out?

1. WRR - Deservedly there, undefeated until last week. Not used to maintaining top spot could be a tough change defending lead rather than chasing? Theirs to lose, have choked in the past due to lack of depth at the backend of the year, but ressies strong this year so might be the year of the Rover?

2. EWW- Only the draw with North Ryde stopped them being equal first. Seems to have clicked this year with some convincing wins (2xover WPH, first time any team has done that in the last 5 years) Problem is ressies are V average.

3. WPH - Defense has let them down so far this season, not used to being the ones chasing. One more draw or loss would expect them to lose any chance of silverwear this year which is unlike them. Maybe their chokehold on this comp is finally over? Need the top 2 to choke to have any shot.

4. PEN - Much improved from last season, won last 4 on the trot. Ressies won last year + decent this season so depth might not be an issue, could mean a strong finish to the season. Looking good to make top 4 and finals (if they go ahead with washouts etc)

5. PUT- Lightning start to the season, 6 games undefeated until they came up agaisnt decent sides. Then thouroughly humbled by WRR, EEW and WPH shipping 13 goals in 3 games. If they want to make finals they need to beat the teams below them and then try and jag some points against the big boys. Unfortunately their ressies are trash with a capital T so any major injuries/sickenss/holidays may cripple those chances. Will be here next season, good 1st year lads.

6. STA- Average results so far but compared to where they were this time last year I'm sure they'd take it. They're no easy-beats only shipping 11 goals, lowest in the league. Unfortunately for them they also can't score many (Equal lowest with North Ryde). They need some gritty results against those above to even have a chance of making semi's. Can't rely on depth as their ressies are lackluster.

7. NMH- From top 4 last season to bottom 4 this year. Have dropped off quite a bit. Highlight of the season so far was a win agasint WPH. Narrow losses to MQD, EEW and STP would have put them 9 points higher into the top 4 so they'd be ruing their missed opportunities so far. Another team who's usually stalwart defence has gone missing with almost the worst defence in the league so far. A lot has to change if they want to compete in finals this season, I'd almost say it's a case of "oh well, we'll try again next year"

8. MQD- Dire Straits at Waterloo. Only the 1 win this year was their 11 goal epic against Normo. Lacking in both scoring prowess and defensive structure meaning more draws than any other team (4). If they're not careful they may be in for a relegation scrap. Only positive thing for them is their ressies side seems to be doing ok (Currently 3rd) so migiht have to rely on their depth towards to end of the season. But that being said if ressies are pushing for finals but 1sts are in relegation battle then say goodbye to finals reserve grade!

9. STP- Funnily enough have won more games than Dragons but also equal most losses in the comp. I'd completely write them off if it weren't for their stellar 2nd half run in 2023 where they charged home to make the GF only to narrowly lose to WPH. Who knows if they've got it in them again this year? I'd say not considering most of their losses have been convincing and not even close. Seems they may have been a 1 season wonder in Prems, only thing currently saving them from a guaranteed relegation seems to be the final team on this list.

10. NRS- Talk about a fall from grace. Without even a single win from their first 9 games in PL it seems the promotion may have gone to the wrong SL team. Can't even claim that no SL team would have done better because Putney are showing their younger counterparts how it's done despite coming 3rd last year. With the most goals conceded (30) and least goals scored (13) in only 9 games it is increasingly likely that the Magdala Boys will be one season wonders in prems unless something drasitcally changes. Worse still is their ressies are just as bad so either they dig in and show some heart and work to deserve to stay or they roll over and continue to be the whipping boys of the league. My guess is the latter, enjoy SL next season lads.

Good write up. 
Id say theres a good chance Mac are actually overachieving. 
2/3 of their first grade team played ressies last season and the have a rookie coach

Just wanted to weigh in with my LONG AWAITED analysis

1. **WRR** - They've been leading the pack, unbeaten until their recent loss. Adjusting to defending the top spot instead of chasing it could be challenging for them. It's theirs to lose, but historically, they’ve struggled with depth towards the end of the season. However, their reserve team is strong this year, so this might finally be the Rovers' year.

2. **EWW** - Only a draw with North Ryde keeps them from sharing first place. They've really found their stride with some dominant wins, including two victories over WPH—something no team has managed in the past five years. Their main issue is a mediocre reserve team.

3. **WPH** - Their defense has been a weak point this season, a new experience for a team used to leading. Any more draws or losses could see their title hopes fade. They need WRR and EWW to slip up to stand any chance of winning silverware.

4. **PEN** - Much improved from last season with four consecutive wins. Their reserve team won last year and remains solid, suggesting they have the depth for a strong finish. They look set for a top-four finish and a spot in the finals, weather permitting.

5. **PUT** - ill speak on the lads at the end

6. **STA** - Average results but a significant improvement from last year. They're tough to beat, having conceded the fewest goals in the league. However, they also struggle to score. To have a shot at the semifinals, they need to pull off some gritty wins against higher-ranked teams. Their lackluster reserve team means they can't rely much on depth.

7. **NMH** - They've dropped from top four last season to the bottom four this year. A win against WPH is the highlight so far. Narrow losses to MQD, EWW, and STP could have put them in the top four, so they’ll be regretting missed opportunities. Their usually strong defense is lacking this season. It looks like they'll be aiming to regroup and try again next year.

8. **MQD** - It's tough going at Waterloo. With only one win, they're lacking both in scoring and defense, leading to more draws than any other team. They risk a relegation battle if they're not careful. Their reserve team is doing okay, currently in third place, so they might need to lean on their depth towards the end of the season. However, if their reserves push for finals while the first team fights relegation, the reserves might miss out on finals.

9. **STP** - They've won more games than Dragons but also have the most losses. Their chances seem slim this year, despite a strong finish in 2023. Most of their losses have been convincing defeats, indicating they might have been a one-season wonder in Prems. Their saving grace from relegation might be the final team on this list.

10. **NRS** - A significant fall from grace with no wins in their first nine PL games. It appears promotion might have been too much for them. With the most goals conceded and the fewest scored, they're likely to be relegated unless they make drastic changes. Their reserves are also struggling, so it’s a tough season all around. It looks like they’ll be back in SL next season unless they show remarkable improvement.

**PUT** - Boy oh boy where do I even begin. Putney... What a club. Honey, my pookie bear, I have loved you ever since I first laid eyes on you. The way you drive into the box and strike fear into your enemies eyes. Your silky smooth touch around the box, and that gorgeous weight of the pass. I would do anything for you. I wish it were possible to freeze time so I would never have to watch in super league again. You had a rough start to life as a club, but you never gave up hope. You are even amazing off the field, and I forever dread and weep, thinking of the day you will one day retire. I would sacrifice my own life it were the only thing that could put a smile on this clubs beautiful face. You have given me so much joy, and heartbreak over the years. Not only have you changed the game of football and the world forever, but you've eternally changed my world. And now you're getting older, but still the goat, my goat. I love you pookie bear, my glorious king, Putney Rangers Football Club