The time of year is upon us once again, and with it comes the return of Club Corner, our weekly preview series where we showcase the upcoming weekend of club rugby!
Following a thrilling opening weekend of rugby on both sides of the country, this weekend sees several big clashes of old rivals in the world of the Shute Shield and FMG Premier Grade, a perfect signal that club rugby is back with a vengeance this year.
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SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND TWO
Round one of the Shute Shield saw many close encounters, surprising results and more. If there is any indication that there will be daylight between the top and bottom of the ladder, it certainly wasn’t the case based on the weekend.
Among the fantastic results included a nail-biting clash between the Wildfires and Stags in Newcastle, a thriller between the Two Blues and the Pirates played at Eric Tweedle Stadium for the first time ever, Randwick grabbing a vital away win at T.G. Milner Field, and most impressive of all, Warringah shocking the high flying Students at Rat Park.
This weekend will see several grudge matches; amongst our favourite matches the Two Blues will host the Wildfires in the West, Norths will make the journey down the A8 to face Warringah, and the Woodies welcome Eastern Suburbs.
Match of the Round - Sydney University vs Randwick
One of the great Shute Shield rivalries will play out this weekend over on Sydney Uni campus, and the Students will be desperate to make amends after starting off the season on the wrong side of the scoreboard. They are favourites of the season for a reason, and in front of a packed home crowd is the perfect place to correct the record.
The only issue is, Randwick look a much improved side based on their first game. The Wicks have had several mixed seasons over the last few years, with the side occasionally struggling for depth, form, or both. However, if they were looking to turn fortunes around, their win against Eastwood last week was a perfect place to start. They will sense blood in the water, and if they capitalise, a win here would see them as the potential team to beat in 2022.
Other Fixtures
Southern Districts v Gordon
Manly v West Harbour
Warringah v Northern Suburbs
Eastwood v Eastern Suburbs
Two Blues v Hunter Wildfires
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FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND TWO
Round one saw blowouts and thrillers galore in an exciting round of footy in the west. Several of the heavyweight sides in Nedlands, Wests Scarborough and current premiers Cottesloe picked up wins, however the round was filled with plenty of surprises, including a commanding win by Perth Bayswater over Associates, a dramatically improved effort from the Southern Lions, and Wanneroo scraping past Palmyra.
This weekend sees several heavyweight clashes, among them Associates welcoming Nedlands, and UWA hosting Perth Bayswater. The round also sees ARKs enter the competition for the first time this year, and they’ll have a tough task on their hands as they welcome a resurgent Lions side.
Match of the Round - Cottesloe v Wests Scarborough
Well, it’s a biggie! Two of the most decorated teams in WA rugby will go head-to-head this weekend, and anticipation is rife given how close the matches between these two teams were last year. Both sides picked up strong opening wins, with Cottesloe overcoming a resilient Kalamunda to put themselves in good stead for their first home game.
Wests meanwhile put a commanding fifty past Rockingham, but a big win will matter not if they can’t back it up against the reigning champions. With a partly cloudy day forecast for Perth, it will be perfect conditions for thrilling rugby!
Other Fixtures
Associates v Nedlands
ARKs v Southern Lions
UWA v Perth Bayswater
Joondalup v Kalamunda
Rockingham v Wanneroo
Palmyra - BYE
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If you are in Sydney or Perth, be sure to get out and support your local team. Enjoy your club rugby this weekend, and stay safe!
