Club Corner is back once again to discuss the upcoming matches in clubland this weekend.
With the first of two long weekend rounds upon us, fans will be out in droves to check out the latest games in clubland. With the FMG Premier Grade having a bye during Easter, the Shute Shield will fly the flag for Australian club rugby.
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SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND THREE
After a fortnight of rugby, the Shute Shield currently sees two teams remaining undefeated, with Norths and Gordon putting on commanding displays in their first matches. The weekend also saw premiers Sydney University get back in the winners circle with a win over a fast finishing Randwick.
The most interesting match up however saw a commanding win by the Hunter Wildfires over the Two Blues, which, combined with their close effort against Gordon in round one suggests that the man from Newcastle will be far tougher nuts to crack for the comp heavyweights in 2022.
This weekend sees a clash of momentum. With eight sides currently on a one win-one loss record, there is real estate on the ladder should teams start to string form and wins together.
Match of the Round - Hunter Wildfires v Eastwood
Speaking of the Wildfires, a real test of their progress looms this weekend when Eastwood make the journey up the M1. While other clashes like the Highlanders v Rats and Wicks v Marlins also look tantilising, the fact Hunter are currently sitting in third on the ladder gives you an indication of how significant this match could be if they win. Despite losing to Gordon in round one, the losing bonus point margin turned a lot of heads in the competition. With them backing it up with a bonus point win over the Two Blues at Eric Tweedle, momentum is on their side.
What makes this even more fascinating is the inconsistent form Eastwood has had coming into this match. The Woodies have enjoyed their first two games at home, but the results have seen them fall to Randwick, then just scrape past Eastern Suburbs. While their momentum has been stunted, a strong win here would help turn the tide, and should they recognise the real threats the Wildfires pose, they definitely have it in them to win here.
Other Fixtures
Norths v Souths
Gordon v Warringah
Randwick v Manly
Eastern Suburbs v Two Blues
West Harbour v Sydney Uni
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Rising Player
Starting this week, we’ll begin covering players who have impressed us over the course of the competition. Starting us off is none other than Gordan flyhalf Reece Macdonald, who leads the comp scoring tally. Gordon are currently the best attacking side in the opening two rounds, and more than half their points have been scored by Macdonald. While his kicking has been solid, his game management and backline has been deadly for the Highlanders, especially off the back of being tested by the Wildfires in round one, before putting Souths to the sword in round two. If he can back it up with a solid performance against the Rats, he will certainly be marked as a potential player to watch for the season.
Be sure to get out and support your local team. Enjoy your club rugby this weekend, and stay safe!
