Club Corner is back for another weekend, with the penultimate weekend of club rugby upon us for 2023.
Only three matches remain in premier grade nationwide, with the Tasmanian Premier Grade Grand Final set to bring the curtain down on the Apple Isle's season, while the penultimate match of the Coopers Premier Grade in Adelaide also awaits this weekend.
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However, starting off in the West, a thrilling season of rugby was capped off with an incredible Grand Final at Tompkins Park. In front of a packed crowd, Palmyra overcame a late fightback from defending premiers Wests Scarborough to break a 32 year premiership drought, winning 25-23.
It was a heartbreaking result for the defending champions, whose come-from-behind attitude that had served them well all season came through again, grabbing the lead in the 67th minute and leading 18-23 at the 82nd minute before Palmyra broke through. Young reserve Fionn McCabe stepped up to nail the biggest conversion of his career, and delivered.
The result capped off a massive day for the Palms, with their third grade side also defeating Wests in their Grand Final 16-10, while their Under 18s went down in their Grand Final against Wanneroo, 18-12.
It capped off an incredible season for everyone in the West, and judging by the reception, highlights how strong a club system is building in Western Australia.
TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - GRAND FINAL: LAUNCESTON VS TAROONA
One match remains on the Apple Isle, and Rugby Park is set to welcome the Tigers and the Penguins for what should be a fascinating Grand Final.
Launceston have been the team to beat in this year's competition, demolishing most of the competition in emphatic fashion, and will be favourites for tomorrow's clash. However, there has been one team above all others that they have been challenged by: the mighty Penguins.
After going down to the Tigers in the first round of semis, the Penguins overcame a determined Devonport side 42-22 in last week's preliminary final. While they will go into this clash as under dogs, the Penguins have it in them to defeat this Tigers side, and with form and momentum, have plenty of opportunity to spring a surprise.
It's set to be a huge weekend down at Rugby Park in Hobart!
COOPERS PREMIER GRADE - PRELIMINARY FINAL: BRIGHTON VS SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Meanwhile, out in Adelaide, the penultimate match of their season is set to kick off this weekend at Tregenza Oval, as a different Tigers side in Brighton face Southern Suburbs.
Despite finishing as minor premiers, true to the form of the season Brighton were stunned in last week's semi final by Burnside, who prevailed 20-27 to book their place in the Grand Final next week, the perfect blow on their rivals as they chase their third title. It was a loss that Brighton will be desperate to make up for, and they come up against the big improvers of 2023 this weekend.
Souths have had a huge season this year, leading the competition for most of the regular season and going from one of the chasing pack to legitimate contenders. Many are hoping they can continue the form of Australian clubland teams breaking droughts, with 2007 marking the last time they won the premiership.
While this Brighton side may be a step to far and the Bulls will likely come in as underdogs, this is finals footy, anything can happen on Saturday.
Enjoy your club rugby this weekend, wherever you are. Go the Wallabies!
