Club Corner is back for another week, and with it comes a critical period of time as four of the seven premier grade competitions head into the final month of the regular season.
Ladders are tight across the nation, and with finals now well and truly in the equation this week marks the start of ‘now or never’ territory for clubs to make finals. With reinforcements now back, there are no excuses. It’s time to step up.
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NEW SOUTH WALES: CHARTER HALL SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND THIRTEEN
The Shute Shield continues to live up to the hype that anyone can beat anyone following round twelve. Wins to the Wildfires, Norths and the Wicks have seen a small gap open up between the top five and the chasing pack, while Sydney Uni and Gordon face a new challenger to their tussle for a finals spot in Western Sydney, who put sixty points on Eastwood on the weekend.
The weekend the Two Blues will look to continue their surge when they face Souths, the Wildfires are back in Newcastle to face Warringah, and Manly will look to stop their slide after several close losses when they host the Galloping Greens.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Norths v Sydney Uni
A derby that has taken on more spice since the famous 2016 grand final, this year it looms even more now Sydney Uni find themselves in a now or never moment. Sitting outside of finals, the return of Super Rugby cavalry has yielded mixed results, with them sneaking home against Manly before going down to Randwick. Heading to North Sydney Oval is a tough assignment at the best of times, but even more so when the Shoreman sit in first, and haven’t dropped a game since round seven. Expect the Students to turn up ready for a good battle.
Other Fixtures (Live on Stan Sport)
West Harbour v Eastern Suburbs
Manly v Randwick
Eastwood v Gordon
Two Blues v Souths
Hunter Wildfires v Warringah
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Rising Player
Remember Harrison Goddard? Played for the Rebels, also in the Sevens and U20s circuit? Well the young scrum half is still carving up, and despite being on the losing side of the draw has shown glimpses of great potential for Gordon. Despite current form the law of averages suggests Gordon will come good for finals, and this flyhalf will be a major part of that equation.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND FIFTEEN
After several rounds of the competition pack chasing down UWA, the gap has well and truly closed, with a game advantage the only thing separating the Students from everyone else. Add to that only four points separating third from sixth and you have the makings of an exciting run home.
This weekend will celebrate NAIDOC round, and several big clashes loom in the context of the season as Wanneroo travel to Hartfield Reserve, Cottesloe face Joondalup, and Associates welcome Wests Scarborough to Allen Park.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - UWA v Palmyra
A thriller looms at the Library, and we’re not talking about books. The last time these two met it was a thriller that saw the Students sneak home, and judging by their form since then we should expect more of the same this weekend. Both sides are looking strong with weapons across the park. Expect a great clash with some of the best rugby WA has to offer.
Other Fixtures
Perth Bayswater - BYE
Kalamunda v Wanneroo (Live on Stan Sport)
Associates v Wests Scarbrough
Southern Lions v Nedlands
Cottesloe v Joondalup
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Rising Player
Shoutout to Perth Bayswater Prop David Tifa, a regular feature in the team of the week across the whole competition. While Bayswater have the bye this weekend, this exciting player has been a major part of why they currently sit in fourth, and has got the makings to go higher in rugby.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: BENTSPOKE JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND TWELVE
The same state of affairs continue in Canberra, as the Vikings put a dominant display in over the second placed Lions, Canberra Royals eventually pull away against the Emus and Gungahlin prevail over Uni-Norths in an entertaining clash on campus.
This weekend, Gungahlin face the Queanbeyan Whites, and the Royals look to maintain their push with a win against the Lions.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Uni-Norths Owls v Penrith Emus
The Emus have shown glimpses of potential over the last fortnight, coming agonisingly close to beating Queanbeyan and falling short after being in the fight for much of the Royals clash. Another chance looms when they travel to face the Owls on campus, who themselves haven’t won since this corresponding fixture in Round Eight. The Emus are an improving side however, so this match will likely not be a repeat.
Other Fixtures
Tuggeranong Vikings - BYE
Canberra Royals v Wests Lions
Gungahlin Eagles v Queanbeyan Whites
Rising Player
Seamus Smith has formed one half of a lethal halves combination with flyhalf Josiah Leali’ifano for the Vikings, and was on full display as his side put away the Lions. With the Vikings looking as strong as they are, it’ll be no surprise to see him continue this form after the bye.
VICTORIA: VALO DEWAR SHIELD - ROUND NINE
The results of Round Eight showed that despite the Harlequins continued form, there are still plenty of potential surprises looming across the teams. Melbourne Uni showed their class overcoming a determined Box Hill, Power House showed why they went deep into finals with a win over the Rams, and Footscray were shown up at home by Endeavour Hills. The Unicorns showed fight, but couldn’t hold off the current Shield holders, going down 19-34.
This weekend Moorabbin welcome the Unicorns, Footscray host Box Hill and Harlequins welcome a resurging Power House.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Melbourne University v Endeavour Hills
This weekend is a great opportunity for the Students. A year of huge growth could see them crashing into semis in emphatic fashion, but to win the comp, they have to beat the stronger teams, and the Hills certainly are up there. Endeavour Hills have looked in fine form since their last loss in round five, to Uni, and will be hungry for revenge and for ladder contention to get a result here.
Other Fixtures
Moorabbin v Melbourne Unicorns
Footscray v Box Hill
Harlequins v Power House
Rising Player
Power House’s Fullback Josh Miller takes the Rising Player this week, with kicking and tactics proving vital in his sides win over the Rams. He’ll have a tough assignment this weekend against the current premiers, but he’s proven himself to be more than up for the challenge.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: COOPERS PREMIER GRADE - ROUND ELEVEN
A critical weekend looms in South Australia. For most of the competition, Brighton, Burnside and Southern Suburbs have been trading the top of the ladder. This weekend, in what could be a preview for the grand final, Burnside host Burnside, with the winner taking the top of the table.
In other games, Old Collegians host a resurgent Elizabeth, Port Adelaide host Woodville, and Souths take on Onkaparinga.
Fixtures
Adelaide Uni - BYE
Old Collegians v Elizabeth
Burnside v Brighton (Live on Rugby Union South Australia - Facebook)
Souths v Onkaparinga
Port Adelaide v Woodville
TASMANIA: TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - ROUND EIGHT
Big games loom down in the Apple Isle. Taroona are coming off putting a century on Uni, but this week they travel to Launceston to face an in-form Tigers outfit. With both sides having a strong lead in the competition, this result will be critical in determining who finishes as minor premiers.
Other clashes see University host the Lions, Devonport welcome Glenorchy, while the Emus host the Quins.
Fixtures
Launceston v Taroona
Tasmania University v Hobart Hutchins Lions
Devonport v Glenorchy
Burnie Emus v Harlequins
Enjoy your club rugby this weekend, wherever you are!
