Club Corner is back for another week, and as we head into the long weekend we will see most of Australia’s club rugby competitions enjoy a much needed bye.
The Shute Shield, Dewar Shield, Coopers Premier Grade and Tasmanian Premier Grade will all enjoy the King’s Birthday weekend, but for Queensland, WA and the ACT, the rugby community comes together to celebrate some very exciting games of footy.
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QUEENSLAND: STORELOCAL HOSPITAL CUP - ROUND ELEVEN
Round Ten of the Hospital Cup was characterised by surprise convincing wins for the likes of GPS, Wests, Easts and Souths, putting away many contenders in strong fashion. Especially of point to note was Wests 14-46 win over Bond Uni on the Gold Coast, highlighting their defence credentials. The results see Easts cling onto the top of the ladder, however the chasing pack has closed considerably as a result of these wins.
This weekend Brothers come off the bye to face Sunnybank, Wests come up against Norths, and UQ host Souths on campus to try and keep their season alive.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Easts vs Bond University
The Bullsharks will be desperate to make amends after they were dispatched at home by Wests last week, and despite the fact they are on the road this week they have every opportunity to cause a surprise at Easts Rugby Club. The Tigers meanwhile have been on a role since their round six lost to Souths, picking up many solid scalps including, critically, an away win over the Bulldogs. With such a critical fixture in the state of the ladder, expect a strong showing from both teams.
Other Fixtures (Live on Stan Sport)
GPS - BYE
Brothers v Sunnybank
Wests v Norths
UQ v Souths
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Rising Player
He might be on the bye this weekend, but that won’t stop GPS winger Veresa Mataitini from standing out in the last round. Picking up a double against UQ and proving especially strong in broken play, Veresa is the latest wonderful showing for what is proving to be a great year for back three players in Queensland rugby.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND TWELVE
As the Fortescue Premier Grade heads into its second half, a six point gap has emerged at the top of the ladder between second-placed Palmyra and third. With UWA enjoying the bye, Palms took advantage with a critical win at Harvey Field to see them make up ground over the Students. Interestingly, in third sees current Premiers Wests Scarborough, who after their win against the Gulls have experienced a rapid turnaround in form, winning five of their last six matches.
This weekend, other big improvers Perth Bayswater head off to Joondalup, Nedlands welcome Cottesloe, and Associates look to continue their promising form when they host Wanneroo.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Wests Scarborough v UWA
How can you not? It’s the premiers vs. the contenders! UWA will be up to re-establish their health lead after the bye, while if Wests win they put themselves in striking distance of the top of the ladder. With both sides in red hot form, it’s what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Essentially, the Wests faithful can expect a cracking fixture, and it’s a match which could be a critical result later in the year.
Other Fixtures
Palmyra - BYE
Associates v Wanneroo
Kalamunda v Southern Lions
Nedlands v Cottesloe
Joondalup v Perth Bayswater (Live On Stan Sport)
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Rising Player
Alex Cayley had a fantastic shift in the front row for Kalamunda as they grabbed a crucial win over Brothers. Considering how vital a win like that is in the context of keeping the Bulls season alive, expect them to turn to him a lot more in the latter half of the year.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: BENTSPOKE JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND NINE
Twelve points separates the Vikings from the chasing pack, as they continue to dominate the John I Dent Cup. However, Round Eight saw a much closer affair as Gungahlin proved to be a tough nut for Tuggeranong to crack, the Royals and Lions playing out the first draw of the season, and even the Penrith Emus showed glimpses of improvement in their loss to the Owls.
This weekend will see a reduced round, with only two matches being played. As the Emus, Owls and Vikings enjoy the bye, the Queanbeyan Whites will be holding onto their title contention when they host the Royals across the border.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Wests Lions v Gungahlin Eagles
The big clash of the weekend however will be out at Jamison Oval, as the two big improvers of the comp in the Lions and Eagles go head to head. A critical fixture for both, a win sees them close the gap significantly on the Vikings. The Lions will likely by slight favourites, but there is nothing to suggest that they won’t be in for a surprise when Gungahlin turn up.
Rising Player
He’s been selected as a rising player before, but Joe Wadman takes the spot again after a fantastic performance against the Eagles. Put under serious pressure by Gungahlin’s backline, Wadman proved instrumental in distributing ball to the backline, proving the strongest connection to get the Vikings over the line.
Enjoy your club rugby this long weekend, wherever you are!
