Club Corner is back once again to discuss the upcoming matches in clubland this weekend.
As the semi-finals emerge across Super Rugby, this weekend premier clubs put forward their credentials as seasons cross the halfway mark. With Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Tasmania and Adelaide all enjoying a bye during the long weekend, Queensland and WA take centre stage for all the club action.
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QUEENSLAND PREMIER GRADE - ROUND EIGHT
Round Seven saw the most compelling round of the Hospital Challenge Cup yet, with UQ scraping home against a resilient Bond Uni, Brothers winning at the death over Easts, and Souths overcoming a resilient Sunnybank. It was a spectacular weekend for GPS too, who dispatched Norths in ruthless fashion.
UQ now enjoy a four point margin at the top of the ladder, but the chasing pack in Brothers and Bond Uni have shown they are more than up to the challenge to tracking them down. This weekend they travel to face Sunnybank, GPS host Souths and Wests get back into the action against Norths.
Match of the Round – Bond University v Brothers
Equal on competition points. Both chasing UQ. This fixture is a critical one for both teams. Bond Uni have shown how dangerous a side they are, no more so than last weekend against UQ. However, with Brothers claiming an away win over UQ, they’ll likely be favourites coming into this match, despite how difficult a hunting ground Bond Uni Oval has been in recent years.
Other Fixtures
Sunnybank v UQ
GPS v Souths
Wests v Norths
Easts - BYE
Rising Player
Brothers flyhalf Tayler Adams executed a critical come from behind victory for Brothers in their win over Easts last week, showcasing a knack for solid game management and a positive afternoon with the boot, not to mention grabbing a try! Given how critical the match will be down at Bond Uni this weekend, Brothers will look to his experience to direct their defence and attack around the park.
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FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND NINE
Fresh off the bye, fans of the Fortescue Premier Grade will chomping at the bit to see teams return for round nine this weekend, especially will the return of multiple Force stars to clubland. With UWA holding a strong lead at the top of the ladder, we are set to a tough run home as finals approach.
This weekend, it’s derbies and grudge matches galore! Perth Bayswater host a dangerous Wanneroo side, Nedlands welcome Wests in one of the great WA rivalries, while Palmyra hosts an unpredictable Southern Lions
Match of the Round – UWA v Cottesloe
It’s the premiers and the contenders this weekend at the Library. The Students have shown over the last few seasons how much of a contender they are, but this weekend they go up against current three time defenders of the title, and with good reason. The Gulls have a knack to finish the season with a wet sail, and there is no better a place to start than on campus this weekend.
Other Fixtures
Palmyra v Southern Lions
Associates v Joondalup
ARKS v Rockingham
Perth Bayswater v Wanneroo
Nedlands v Wests Scarborough
Kalamunda - BYE
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Rising Player
Phoenix Hunt proved himself a real handful in Cottesloe’s win over Associates in round eight, and will need every trick in the book to knock over UWA this weekend. His form in the halves has been strong in pairing with Patrick Elekana, and their combined efforts and on-field form will be a determining factor on the Seagulls going four-on-the-trot this year.
Enjoy your long weekend, and be sure to get out clubland and support your local club.
