Club Corner is back once again to discuss the upcoming weekend in clubland.
The business end of the season begins this weekend, with every club competition into the latter half of the regular season. Fans in South Australia and Tasmania will enjoy a bye and reduced round respectively as part of the Southern States Championships taking place in Canberra.
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SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND FIFTEEN
There's a traffic jam currently in the Harbour City, and it ain't hard to see why. Only points differential separates Sydney University from Manly, and with next to nothing separating the chasing pack, predicting the make up of finals is next to impossible.
This weekend will see several big clashes, with the Students welcoming Warringah, Gordon welcoming Souths, and Randwick playing Hunter.
Match of the Round – Norths v Eastwood
An interesting derby looms this weekend at North Sydney, and with both sides in the hunt for a top of the ladder finish, neither can afford to slip up. The Shoreman will likely be favourites with home ground advantage, but judging by Eastwood's form, they are perfectly primed to stage an ambush.
Other Fixtures
Randwick v West Harbour
Gordon v Souths
Manly v Hunter Wildfires
Sydney Uni v Warringah
Two Blues v Eastern Suburbs
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QUEENSLAND PREMIER GRADE - ROUND TWELVE
With nearly all sides now on equal pegging games wise, we head into the backhalf of the regular season. Wests, Brothers and GPS currently hold the top of the ladder, with Bond Uni looking to potentially nudge UQ out of the top four.
This weekend UQ host Souths, while Wests come up against a resurgent Easts.
Match of the Round – GPS v Bond University
No surprises that this match is turning heads for this weekend, with both sides looking to consolidate a top four position. It is an especially critical match for the Bullsharks, should they drop and game and UQ win, much work will have to be done to make up ground.
Other Fixtures
UQ v Souths
Brothers v Norths
Wests v Easts
Sunnybank - BYE
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FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND THIRTEEN
It's the final round of the regular season before the premiership splits into divisions, with UWA holding a commanding lead at the top of the ladder as the team to beat. Despite this, the remainder of the top six is far from guaranteed, with Palmyra and Associates still a chance to sneak in.
This weekend Palmyra play Kalamunda, Cottesloe host Perth Bayswater, and Associates will look to secure a finals position against ARKs.
Match of the Round – Wanneroo v Wests Scarborough
Pending the results of other fixtures, these teams could be likely playing for their season this weekend. A loss here means losing a premiership place. Win, at all costs.
Other Fixtures
Palmyra v Kalamunda
Cottesloe v Perth Bayswater
Associates v ARKs
Joondalup v Southern Lions
Rockingham v Nedlands
UWA - BYE
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JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND TWELVE
The John I Dent Cup returns to a full round this weekend, with the Royals and Vikings still tussling for the top of the ladder. With Wests on the bye, Queanbeyan and Uni-Norths have the chance to push further ahead and secure their finals positions.
This weekend the Vikings travel to Penrith, while the Royals welcome Gungahlin.
Match of the Round – Queanbeyan v Uni-Norths
Speaking of securing finals positions, the Whites and Owls will do battle this weekend to sure their placings, with the winner likely set to have the best chance to push for a home semi-final. Both sides have shown strong form, however are still to hit their strides to challenge the Royals for the top of the ladder. Expect statements to be made!
Fixtures
Penrith Emus v Tuggeranong Vikings
Canberra Royals v Gungahlin Eagles
Wests Lions - BYE
DEWAR SHIELD - ROUND ELEVEN
It’s statement time in the Dewar Shield! With only three rounds to go after this weekend, the premier comp in Victoria sees a tight race between Harlequins and the Unicorns, with Moorabbin not far behind. The likes of Melbourne Uni, Endeavour Hills and Power House will be looking for wins this weekend as they make their final push for the top four.
This weekend Box Hill face the Students, the Rams travel to the Hills, and Power House welcome Footscray.
Match of the Round – Harlequins v Melbourne
It’s the top of the table. This match will likely decide who finishes as minor premier. Harlequins have done well to lead the competition and capitalise on a slow start from the Unicorns, but if they want to win the Shield, they have to beat the current premiers at home. This is a must win for all concerned, expect many eyes watching the outcome of this game!
Other Fixtures
Box Hill v Melbourne University
Endeavour Hills v Moorabbin
Power House v Footscray
TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - CATCH UP ROUND
With the Southern States championships on, Tasmanian rugby will see two sides play catch up rounds this weekend, with Hobart Lions hosting Devonport for their round two clash and Burnie Emus hosting the Harlequins for their round seven clash.
Fixtures
Hobart Lions v Devonport
Burnie Emus v Harlequins
Enjoy your weekend, and be sure to get out to clubland and support your local club.
