Club corner is back to preview the upcoming weekend of club footy across the country.
It is trying times in clubland, with the Shute Shield in Sydney and the Dewar Shield in Melbourne now having multiple weeks in lockdown. They are set to be joined this weekend by the Coopers Premier Grade in Adelaide as they enter a seven day lockdown, with round 14 set to be postponed to a later date.
There will be plenty of club rugby still to play this weekend, with the Queensland Premier Grade taking centre stage this weekend on FTA, while the John I Dent Cup will also still be going in the nation’s capital.
QUEENSLAND PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SIXTEEN
With the top of the ladder (nearly) all but sure up for 2021, two remaining finals spots are up for grabs this weekend. Third and Fourth are currently held by Wests and Brothers, but the likes of Bond University and Easts can still make the top four. The clash between Wests and Bond Uni this weekend will be of particular interest, as if Wests win they will likely lock in one of those finals placings.
RUGBY.com.au Match Of The Round:
UQ v GPS - The match of the round (and likely a Grand Final preview), this year it has been UQ, GPS and then daylight. GPS are currently thirteen points behind the Red Heavies with a game in hand, and a win here would be critical in their confidence around reclaiming the trophy. But it is hard to go past a UQ side that has managed fourteen bonus point wins in a row, and achieved the maximum number of points in the competition. This match will be THE club game of the weekend to watch.
Other fixtures:
Brothers v Sunnybank
Wests v Bond University
Souths v Easts
Norths - BYE
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JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND TWELVE
Only three rounds remain after this weekend’s action in the capital, and seven points separates Tuggeranong Vikings from the chasing pack. The man from Canberra’s South will likely not be resting on their laurels however, given only seven points separate second from fifth place. Anyone can still top the ladder, and anyone can still win.
RUGBY.com.au Match Of The Round:
Gungahlin v Queanbeyan: While the Owls-Vikings clash will be a significant game for the top four, the match of the round will see a critical match play out between the Eagles and Whites. This game will be massive in the contexts of both their seasons; Queanbeyan have been a much improved side this year, but sit only two points off the top four. With fourth-placed Wests likely favourites against the winless Royals, it’s critical they win this match to stay in touch. Gungahlin are currently staring down the barrel of earning a home semi-final, so they won’t be looking to drop this game either. It’ll be a critical match in the John I Dent 2021 season!
Other Fixtures:
Uni-Norths v Tuggeranong
Wests v Canberra Royals
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FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND FOURTEEN
The grind is now officially in, as the race for the top eight makeup intensifies in Perth. The likes of Cottesloe and UWA have made fantastic progress over the course of the season, and as players return from the Force several teams are likely to strengthened at the right time. With only four more rounds after this, there is plenty to play for!
RUGBY.com.au Match Of The Round:
Kalamunda v Palmyra: While the Cottesloe-UWA and Nedlands-Wests matches will be tasty, this particular rivalry comes at a great time, as both teams look to show their progression this year and highlight why they made the top six. Palmyra may be higher ranked, but the Bulls have proved an extremely tough outfit to put away at home, which really will see a case of which side will budge first. Expect grinding rugby at it’s finest!
Other fixtures:
Southern Lions v Coastal Cavalier
Wanneroo v Perth Bayswater
Cottesloe v UWA
Nedlands v Wests Scarborough
ARKs v Curtin Uni
Joondalup v Associates
TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - ROUND TWELVE
We enter the final three rounds on the Apple Isle, with Launceston currently the team to beat. Routine challengers in Devonport and Taroona making up a solid chasing pack however, and given the unpredictability of the competition this year, there are plenty more surprises yet to come in the season.
Fixtures:
Hobart Lions v Launceston
University of Tasmania v Devonport
Harlequins v Burnie Emus
Glenorchy v Taroona
Wherever you are this weekend, we hope you enjoy your club footy! We hope everyone stays safe.
