Club Corner is back for another weekend, and after a huge round of big derbies across Mother’s Day, teams will now be settling into the weekly grind of the regular season.
With that comes the rise of promising talent staking a claim for higher honours, which is going to turn plenty of heads.
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NEW SOUTH WALES: CHARTER HALL SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND EIGHT
There’s a fire raging at the top of the table in the Shute Shield, with the Hunter Wildfires not only beating second-placed Norths to put a six point buffer between them and the pack, but all their grades below also swept the Shoreman, highlighting the growing depth up in the Hunter. Other results saw Gordon, Sydney Uni and Eastwood pick up strong wins, while Manly prevailed in the Battle of the Beaches. The match of the round was a thrilling clash between the Galloping Greens and the Two Blues at Coogee, which saw the homeside prevail in the closing stages.
This week the Pirates return home to take on the Wicks, Norths square up against Eastern Suburbs, Souths have a tough assignment heading up the freeway, and the Two Blues welcome Manly to Eric Tweedle Stadium.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Sydney Uni v Gordon
A rematch of the grand final last year, there is an opportunity for sweet, sweet revenge for Gordon. Currently sitting in second on the ladder, the Highlanders have started to get on a roll following their close loss to Norths in round five, and their win over Easts will give them a huge amount of confidence. Uni have so far been very inconsistent, only showing glimpses of the form that got them the Shield last year. However, it doesn’t take much to turn their ship around, and after a strong win over Souths they’ll likely be hungry to build on that result.
Other Fixtures (Live on Stan Sport)
West Harbour v Randwick
Norths v Eastern Suburbs
Eastwood v Warringah
Two Blues v Manly
Hunter Wildfires v Souths
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Rising Player
While the results haven’t come Souths way in the comp so far, the efforts of their fullback Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens certainly haven’t gone unnoticed. Scoring one of the tries of the season last week against the Students, it compliments what’s been a great couple of weeks for him. Watch this kid in broken play, it is something to behold!
QUEENSLAND: STORELOCAL HOSPITAL CUP - ROUND EIGHT
When it comes to pure entertainment last week, the Hospital Cup was the standout winner across club rugby nationally, with three games decided by four points or less, and the remaining game between GPS and Sunnybank and a good old-fashioned try fest between both teams! Bond University, Easts and Brothers picked up wins for their efforts, and the results have shaken up what is becoming a very congested ladder.
With top-placed Easts set for the bye this weekend, Brothers and Bond Uni have the opportunity to move up into the top spot. In other games, Norths host UQ, and Sunnybank look to turn their improving form in their first win when they take on Souths.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Bond University v GPS
Bond came roaring back into contention, grabbing a critical away win over UQ to see them sitting in third. Given their growth this season, they’ll be hungry to take top spot and a win over GPS will do just that this weekend. GPS put fifty on the Dragons last week, and despite the lack of defence in that game it was a much needed confidence boost to build on their crucial win over the Brethern in round six. This will be a fantastic clash down on the Gold Coast!
Other Fixtures (Live on Stan Sport)
Easts - BYE
Sunnybank v Souths
Brothers v Wests
Norths v UQ
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Rising Player
Brothers centre Michael Bond put in a strong showing over the weekend in his sides win over Souths, showing great awareness in both attack and defence and proving tough to wrangle for the Magpies. Expect a big shift from him against Wests.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND NINE
The Fortescue Premier Grade come into round nine after a surprisingly controversial week that saw a Perth Bayswater player handed a 96-week ban for a hit on the ref during their clash against Associates. The result overshadowed a thrilling week, with UWA now eleven points clear at the top of the ladder following their win over Associates. Cottesloe, Nedlands and Palmyra also picked up wins, with Bayswater demolishing Kalamunda.
This weekend the Bulls will look to get back to form against Wests, Perth Bayswater will take on UWA, and the Southern Lions and Palmyra will square off in a curtain before the Force-Brumbies clash.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Associates v Nedlands (Live on Stan Sport)
Associates return for match of the round this week, coming up against an old rival in Nedlands. With UWA opening up such a lead, landing yourself in a strong position below becomes critically important, and both these sides look well placed for a late run in the season. Both teams have suffered inconsistent form however, with a strong win, could kickstart that run early.
Other Fixtures
Joondalup - BYE
Kalamunda v Wests Scarborough (YouTube Live Stream)
Perth Bayswater v UWA
Cottesloe v Wanneroo
Southern Lions v Palmyra
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Rising Player
Piersen Kennington put in a great shift in the front row in his side's win over Wests Scarborough. Considering the strength of the forward pack in the defending premiers, his performance was an even more impressive showing!
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: BENTSPOKE JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND SIX
Sticking to previous rounds, the John I Dent Cup saw big wins with Gungahlin falling one point short of putting a century on the Penrith Emus, while Tuggeranong also made dominant work of the Owls. The surprise result came in Wests Lions defeating premiers Queanbeyan across the border, firing a warning shot to all teams in the hunt that Wests are a legitimate threat this season.
This weekend, all action takes place in the Capital as the Emus take a much-needed bye. Wests will host Gungahlin Eagles, and the Royals welcome the Owls to Phillp.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Queanbeyan Whites v Tuggeranong Vikings
The Whites will be hurting after their loss to the Lions, and they’ll be up against arguably the best performing team in the comp this weekend. It’s time to make a statement for the reigning premiers. As for the Vikings, despite their good form they’ll likely have a tough assignment on their hands here, but a win sees them push further ahead at the top of the ladder, with only the Lions in striking distance. Expect plenty of ladder movement this weekend.
Other Fixtures
Penrith Emus - BYE
Canberra Royals v Uni-North Owls
Wests Lions v Gungahlin Eagles
Rising Player
Paul Alofipo was an absolute gun in his side's win over the Emus last week, proving unstoppable in his physicality, having a near flawless day with the boot and getting a hattrick for his efforts. The result few players can dream of!
VICTORIA: VALO DEWAR SHIELD - ROUND FOUR
Incredibly, three sides remain undefeated the Dewar Shield come round four, with champions Harlequins, Endeavour Hills and Melbourne University all flying out of the gates after more strong performances. Interesting to note is the growth Footscray have shown as well, despite going down on the weekend proved to be more than a handful against the Hills!
This weekend, Uni take on Power House, Box Hill look to get their first win against Moorabbin, and Footscray welcome the Melbourne Unicorns.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Harlequins v Endeavour Hills (Live on MSL)
Easily the match of the round, both sides have barely put a foot wrong in the opening half of the season. The Quins have picked up where they left off after last year, picking up big scalps in the process. However, they’ll be wary of Endeavour Hills’ attack, which has looked exceptional over the course of this first month of the competition. Expect a great clash down at Holmesglen Reserve!
Other Fixtures (Live on MSL)
Melbourne University v Power House
Moorabbin v Box Hill
Footscray v Melbourne Unicorns
Rising Player
Shoutout to Quins’ Number Eight Jimmy Hewitt for his quality shift last week in his side's win over the Unicorns. Jeepers proved a menace in open play and was instrumental in the result. Expect a big showing against the Hills!
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: COOPERS PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SIX
A monster fifty tries were scored across the Premier Grade in round five, with huge romping wins to Burnside, Brighton and Elizabeth. Southern Suburbs however remain at the top of the ladder, bouncing back from their loss to Elizabeth with a strong 30-18 win over Old Colls.
This weekend, Souths will look to continue their form over Woodsville, Port Adelaide face Onkas, and Elizabeth travel to face Uni.
MATCH OF THE ROUND: Old Collegians v Burnside (live on Rugby Union South Australia - Facebook)
A critical top four clash for both sides, this game is set to serve as a checkpoint for both teams to launch a raid into the top of the ladder. Collegians will be reeling after their loss to Souths, and with Burnside currently riding high after their big win expect a strong showdown here.
Other Fixtures
Brighton - BYE
Souths v Woodville
Adelaide Uni v Elizabeth
Port Adelaide v Onkaparinga
TASMANIA: TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - ROUND FOUR
Lastly, Tasmanian rugby saw big results over Round Three as Devonport bounced back in emphatic fashion over Uni, while Taroona got up over Burnie Emus and Glenorchy overcame a resilient Hobart Lions. Launceston however looks to still be the team to beat, outclassing Harlequins 71-3.
This weekend the Tigers host the Lions, Harlequins face the Stags, Burnie Emus will welcome University of Tasmania, and Devonport and Taroona will face off in their derby clash as match of the round.
Fixtures
Launceston v Hobart Hutchins Lions
Harlequins v Glenorchy
Devonport v Taroona (live on TAS Rugby Facebook & YouTube)
Burnie Emus v University of Tasmania
Enjoy your club rugby this weekend, wherever you are!
