ORANGE Emus director of rugby Andrew Logan and Orange City president Steve Stone both expressed their clubs’ concerns regarding the changes to the 2016 Blowes Clothing Cup, released yesterday.

Both clubs have reservations regarding the two-pool system set down for the back half of the year, although they are in support of the change to make the colts grade (changed from under 20 to under 19) mandatory.

Basically, first grade, second grade and colts will be split into two, random pools after round 12, with the top five sides overall progressing to the finals after round 18.

“From Emus’ perspective, we have reservations about that second half of the competition,” Logan said.

“What happens if we’re left with a pool of death situation in one pool, while another club gets an easier run to the finals in the other? That doesn’t sit well.

“We’re also disappointed colts will be under 19s rather than under 20s. That will slash the number of players clubs have to choose from.”

“(The new structure) is an interesting one to adjudicate on,” Stone said.

“Although, it’s also disappointing from the local derby perspective. I know how much both clubs enjoy the recip rocal rights to those games, which might not be possible now.

“For us, the (colts) competition being under 19s probably suits us a bit better.”