It’s Good Friday, and with that comes excitement for the long weekend, and with it, more premier grade rugby!
This weekend, the Shute Shield takes centre stage once again following some incredible results last weekend. The Hospital Challenge Cup and Fortescue Premier Grade will enjoy an Easter long weekend bye, however fans will be excited by the news that, upon their return next week, they’ll also be joined by the opening rounds of the John I Cup and the Coopers Premier Grade!
Into the weekend:
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NEW SOUTH WALES: CHARTER HALL SHUTE SHIELD - ROUND TWO
The opening round of Shute Shield delivered surprise after surprise, starting off with Souths sinking last year’s runners up Gordon, Norths prevailing on a strong win over Sydney Uni, and Hunter Wildfires picking up where they left off last year with a great win over Manly up in the Steel City. The most compelling game of the round was the battle of the West however, as the Pirates marked their return to their spiritual home in the revamped Concord Oval with a thrilling 17-15 over the Two Blues.
This weekend Warringah host the Students at Rat Park, with both sides looking to get back to winning ways. The Beasties host West Harbour, Norths return home for the first time this year against the Rebels, as do Eastwood taking on the Marlins, and the Two Blues welcome the Highlanders to Eric Tweedle Stadium.
MATCH OF THE ROUND - Hunter Wildfires v Randwick
Yep, an interesting choice, but there is something interesting about these teams already. The Galloping Greens have looked promising for several seasons only to fall into inconsistent form on many occasions, and their away win against the Rats showcased a great level of maturity that could mark them out as a team to watch this year.
But, if there is one place that is developing a reputation as a hard place to win, it’s Newcastle. The Wildfires were the big improvers last year, picking up many scalps (including the eventual premiers Sydney Uni), and with them dispatching a talented Marlins side, this match becomes an unpredictable clash. This Good Friday fixture is going to be a beauty!
Other Fixtures (Live on Stan Sport)
Warringah v Sydney University
Eastern Suburbs v West Harbour
Norths v Souths
Eastwood v Manly
Two Blues v Gordon
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Rising Player
We’re gonna shout out two players this week, because, frankly, they complement one another. The Pirates halves pairing of Don Spice and Hunter Hannaford had a great start to the season in their win over the Two Blues, serving as the key anchor to guide the sides home. They will have a big challenge this weekend coming against a Beasties side containing some rising Waratahs, but it’s the team performance that counts, and these two look to be the ideal combo to supercharge this Wests side.
Enjoy your club rugby this long weekend, wherever you are!
