Club Corner is back once again to discuss the upcoming matches in clubland this weekend.
As Super Rugby comes to a close and we head towards the international season, the business end of club rugby begins as teams all around the country chase finals berths!
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SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND ELEVEN
The race has officially set in for the Shute Shield, and with all teams coming off the bye clubs will be looking to either consolidate finals placings, or attempt a last ditch dash for finals. Sydney Uni and Manly hold a slender grip at the top of the ladder, but judging by the performance of several teams, any upset could see the tables turn (quite literally) very quickly.
This weekend, the Two Blues welcome Randwick to Eric Tweedle, Norths take on the Hunter Wildfires, and Eastwood take on a flagging Gordon at T.G. Millner Field.
Match of the Round – Sydney University v Manly
The bragging rights for the top of the ladder looms large on campus this weekend, and given the form of these two rivals could serve as a potential finals hitout. The Students have been able to hang on to the top of the ladder even though they have been shown up by teams on some occasions. The Marlins meanwhile have been the big improvers of 2022, and will be licking their lips at the opportunity to try their luck against the current pace setters.
Other Fixtures
West Harbour v Eastern Suburbs
Eastwood v Gordon
Two Blues v Randwick
Northern Suburbs v Hunter Wildfires
Southern Districts v Warringah
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Rising Player
Shoutout to Ben Houston, flanker at Randwick. In what has been a positive season for the first grade skipper, his work rate has seen him pick up a monster 153 tackles this season, more than any other player in the whole competition. With the Wicks looking to consolidate their position in the top of the ladder, this week his services will likely be called upon once again to down a spirited Two Blues side.
QUEENSLAND PREMIER GRADE - ROUND NINE
The Hospital Challenge Cup has been thrown wide open over the last week, following Sunnybank pulling off an incredible win over UQ and cutting their lead to shreds. While the Red Heavies still lead on points difference, both Wests and Bond Uni are now within striking distance.
This weekend serves up several match-of-the-round contenders, with Easts facing Bond Uni, Brothers welcoming Sunnybank, and Souths playing hosts to Wests.
Match of the Round – UQ v GPS
The rematch of last years final is set to contain plenty of fireworks, and with GPS currently outside the top four, a win here would be vital for their finals run. They will come up against a hurting UQ side who are known for bouncing back quickly. This has the potential to be the club match of the weekend, so get down and show your support!
Other Fixtures
Easts v Bond University
Brothers v Sunnybank
Souths v Wests
Norths - BYE
Rising Player
Sticking with the flankers, Nixon Taramai was an absolute standout in last week's critical win for Bond Uni over fellow high flyers Brothers. Off the back of his performance in general play, Uni proved too strong for Brothers to handle, and he’ll look to continue his enforcing style of play this weekend against the Tigers.
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FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND TEN
It’s danger time in Perth. With the Force reinforcements now firmly entrenched in clubland, the race now begins for who makes the top eight. UWA have opened up a commanding lead following their solid win over Cottesloe, while Nedlands, Associates and Palmyra all picked up wins. Rockingham also grabbed their first W of the year over ARKS.
This weekend will be Mental Health Round in the West, with Wests Scarborough hosting Kalamunda, Joondalup taking on UWA, and Palmyra taking on a dangerous banana skin team in Perth Bayswater.
Match of the Round – Wanneroo v Nedlands
Firmly entrenched in the top four, Wanneroo have been nothing short of impressive this season, finally delivering on the promise the side has shown for years. However, their title credentials can only come by beating the best, and this weekend they face the team currently chasing down UWA on the ladder. Nedlands have enjoyed a strong run and have a game in hand over the ladder leaders, so they can’t afford to drop a game.
Other Fixtures
Palmyra v Perth Bayswater
Cottesloe v ARKS
Wests Scarborough v Kalamunda
Joondalup v UWA
Rockingham v Southern Lions
Associates - BYE
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Rising Player
Matthew Griffiths for Rockingham put on a positive performance as they overcame a spirited ARKS side to register their first win of the season. As Rockingham face a resilient Lions outfit this weekend, their confidence will grow with a strong performance here, and Griffiths will look to grasp the opportunity with both hands!
JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND EIGHT
Can anyone stop the Royals? As we hit the halfway point in the John I Dent Cup, the usual suspects in the Royals and Vikings have hit their stride and look to take the comp by the scruff of the neck. Queanbeyan and Uni-Norths have been looking promising, with both sides aiming to end the red and blue tide.
This weekend Gungahlin will welcome the Emus, while Queanbeyan face Tuggeranong.
Match of the Round – Canberra Royals v Uni-Norths Owls
This fixture has become such a close affair over the last few seasons, and the Owls always are up for a clash against the current premiers. The Royals will have to be prepared for a spirited outfit, while they are still to drop a match this season, there is no excuse for complacency in a competition this close.
Other Fixtures
Queanbeyan v Tuggeranong
Gungahlin v Penrith Emus
Wests - BYE
DEWAR SHIELD - ROUND SEVEN
The last few rounds of the Dewar Shield have been characterised by close matches and armwrestles. Harlequins still hold the ladder lead despite going down in a one point thriller to Moorabbin, while Box Hill and Melbourne both scraped past Footscray and Power House, respectively. Melbourne Uni also continued their strong form with a win over the Hills.
This weekend the competition crosses the halfway mark as the Unicorns face Box Hill, Footscray welcome Uni and the Rams host Power House.
Match of the Round – Endeavour Hills v Harlequins
Despite the losses last week, both teams come into this match in solid form at the top of the ladder, and with both desperate to maintain that and contain the Unicorns from their premiership push, this fixture will be critical for both teams’ seasons. The Quins will likely be favourites, however they will expect a strong showing from Endeavour Hills as they look to correct their loss last week.
Other Fixtures
Melbourne v Box Hill
Moorabbin v Power House
Footscray v Melbourne University
COOPERS PREMIER GRADE - ROUND TEN
Demolition after demolition was dealt upon teams in round nine of the premier grade, with Brighton, Old Collegians and Port Adelaide picking up monster wins. The results have made the fight for the semis very interesting, with seven teams now vying for the top four positions.
This weekend Burnside face Old Collegians, Onkas face Port Adelaide, Southern Suburbs welcome the men from wine country and in a potential clash of the season, Elizabeth come up against Brighton for a top of the table clash.
Fixtures
Southern Suburbs v Barossa
Adelaide University v Woodville
Burnside v Old Collegians
Elizabeth v Brighton
Onkaparinga v Port Adelaide
TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SIX
After several big clashes in the Tassie rugby calendar, the regular season gets back underway this weekend with several top of the table ladder clashes. Among them include a tantalising clash between Devonport and Burnie, Taroona hostUniversity of Tasmania, and the Stags face the Quins.
Fixtures
Devonport Bulls v Burnie Emus
Launceston v Hobart Hutchins Lions
Taroona v UTAS
Glenorchy v Harlequins
Enjoy your weekend, and be sure to get out to clubland and support your local club.
