Club Corner is back once again to discuss the upcoming matches in clubland this weekend.
With the halfway point of the regular season crossed in Sydney and Perth and rapidly approaching in all other states, we dive into the games that are set to really deliver some classic rugby. Fans in Perth will be enjoying a bye weekend, while Tasmania looks forward to a special fixture. For everyone else, it’s time to rip in once again!
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SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND TEN
The Shute Shield ladder has become a congested state of affairs, with Eastwood, Sydney University and Manly all on 35 competition points. With only points differential determining the leaders, the run home is going to be critical for all teams to determine who reaches finals in the right fashion.
This weekend the chasing pack also have a chance to stake their claim, with Hunter Wildfires hosting Souths, Randwick being set to face Norths in Coogee, and Manly facing an unpredictable Two Blues side.
Match of the Round – Sydney University v Eastwood
A fixture steeped in rivalry, grandstand finishes and Australian rugby legend, this weekend second hosts first in the inaugural Robert & Jack Shute Memorial Cup match. The Uni faithful will sniff an opportunity for the Students to get back on top, and the hosts have barely put a foot wrong since their loss to the Two Blues, having knocked off Norths, Easts, Souths and Gordon.
Eastwood also come into the match on a three game winning streak, having bounced back from their loss against Manly to beat the Pirates, Two Blues and Rebels. Everything is on the line in this fixture, so be sure to get on campus and show your support!
Other Fixtures
Gordon v Eastern Suburbs
Randwick v Norths
Manly v Two Blues
Warringah v West Harbour
Hunter Wildfires v Souths
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Rising Player
Saxon Gillies has started to really turn heads in the Number 8 position for the Gallopping Greens. While only 21 years of age, his physicality and hunting for work has seen him compared to the likes of his father, Simon Gilles, an NRL and Bulldogs legend. With finals positions now in the picture, Saxon will be looking to make an impression this upcoming weekend against the Pirates.
QUEENSLAND PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SEVEN
Round six finally saw all teams get on the paddock in Brisbane, with several big statements made. UQ put fifty points on Easts to consolidate the top of the ladder, Sunnybank grabbed their first win in an impressive display over Norths, and Wests went down to GPS in a thriller, as did Souths against Bond Uni.
With Wests finally set for a bye, Brothers will host Easts, Souths will welcome Sunnybank, and Norths will look to turn things around against GPS.
Match of the Round – UQ v Bond University
The uni derby has been one of the more exciting derbies to watch in recent years, with the Bull Sharks showing themselves to be more than capable of knocking over the Red Heavies. UQ will still be favourites this weekend given their current lead on the ladder, but with Bond only one point behind this could serve as a tantilising curtain raiser for the 2022 finals series, given the previous form of both sides.
Other Fixtures
Brothers v Easts
Souths v Sunnybank
Norths v GPS
Wests - BYE
Rising Player
A standout in UQ’s dominant win over the Tigers last weekend, centre TJ Siakisini was the stuff of nightmares in the backline, causing headaches galore for the Tigers with his aggressive running play and defence, not to mention grabbing a try for his efforts. This weekend will be a good test of his skills against Bond Uni, so expect another commanding performance.
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JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND SEVEN
Round six served up several classic games, with Tuggeranong, Queanbeyan and Gungahlin all picking up wins in dogged clashes against Uni-Norths, Wests and Penrith respectively. However, while the rugby served up was quality, all teams have a lot of work to do to catch the Royals, who currently hold a one point advantage on the ladder.
With their nearest challengers Queanbeyan having the bye this weekend, a big win will put some much needed breathing space between them and the current chasing pack in the Vikings.
This weekend the Eagles welcome the Owls, while the Royals face the Penrith Emus.
Match of the Round – Wests Lions v Tuggeranong
While Tuggeranong are the current chasing team this weekend, six points below them in fifth is the Lions, who have been struggling for consistency all season. They have shown however how dangerous they are, nearly knocking over the Whites last week and putting the Eagles to the sword the week before.
Should the Royals beat the Emus, a win for Tuggeranong here is critical, and they’ll need to be on their toes and will likely anticipate stiff resistence from the Lions in Macquarie.
Other Fixtures
Gungahlin Eagles v Uni-Norths Owls
Canberra Royals v Penrith Emus
Queanbeyan Whites - BYE
Rising Player
Isaac Crowe is an exciting up and coming flyhalf out of Gungahlin, and showcased his real potential off the back of the Eagles first win of the season. While he’ll have a tough assignment this weekend against the Owls, his game strategy was particularly impressive, and he looks to be an exciting growth prospect for the men from Canberra’s north.
DEWAR SHIELD - ROUND SIX
The Dewar Shield has well and truly opened up in round five, with Harlequins and Endeavour Hills continuing to tussle at the top of the ladder. The Unicorns also ended their losing streak with a commanding performance over Moorabbin, while Power House also picking up a win over Uni.
This weekend, Harlequins welcome the Rams, Power House will face the Unicorns, and Footscray travel to Box Hill.
Match of the Round – Melbourne University v Endeavour Hills
Uni’s winning streak came to an end last week against Power House, however the side will likely take a lot of confidence out of the last few weeks and will fancy themselves a shot this weekend against Endeavour Hills. The visitors have been in solid form, and are still to drop a game since their round one loss to the Unicorns. With a tussle against Harlequins still going for the top of the ladder, they can’t afford to drop a game.
Other Fixtures
Box Hill v Footscray
Harlequins v Moorabbin
Power House v Melbourne
COOPERS PREMIER GRADE - ROUND NINE
The halfway point in the season looms this weekend in Adelaide, and with it comes a thrilling round of rugby. Brighton still remain the current ladder leaders, but up-and-comers Elizabeth are hot on their tales. This weekend they face Barossa, Onkas will host Brighton in a match of the round fixture, while Southern Suburbs welcome Burnside.
Fixtures
Barossa v Elizabeth
Port Adelaide v Woodville
Onkaparinga v Brighton
Southern Suburbs v Burnside
Old Collegians v Adelaide University
TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - NORTH v SOUTH
Finally, this weekend the premier grade takes a break as Tasmanian Rugby comes together for a special gala day: the clash of North v South. Rugby Park in Hobart will host several fixtures, with the main clash kicking off at 4pm. It’s an absolute must for any Tasmanian rugby fan, so be sure to get along and show your support.
Enjoy your club rugby this weekend, and stay safe!
