Match of the Round
UWA v Associates, 3:30pm, McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont
In a rivalry that spans back over half a century, these two sides will once again come to blows in a bid to claim bragging rights in this week’s chosen Match of the Round. After a tough weekend away to Palmyra the ‘Students’ need a solid win to rejuvenate their season but know that Associates will be a hard nut to crack. On the other end of the spectrum Associates have come away from round seven with an abundance of confidence having ended Joondalup’s unbeaten run while reclaiming the Rugby WA Cup. Rugby WA senior academy member Alexander Masibaka was a shining light at the back of the scrum for ‘Soaks’ hounding the Joondalup defence and gaining valuable metres.
This hit-out will be a special one for skipper Harry Scoble who will run out for his 100th premier grade cap in a UWA jersey, the strong running hooker has been one of the most well known players in WA rugby coming through the Future Force system and into the Western Force. It'll be exciting to see how he performs on such a special occasion
Joondalup Brothers v Palmyra, 3:30pm, HBF Arena, Joondalup
As the pointy end of the season fast approaches, this game could have major implications on the shape of the premier grade ladder as Palmyra eagerly pursue a seat in the top four on the rankings. Despite their unbeaten run coming to an end over the weekend, Joondalup Brothers remain a potent threat in the competition sitting in third place and will be fully equipped to tackle the incoming beast of Palmyra with the towering presence of Maikali Rabaro proving to be a vital asset to the ‘Brothers’ forward pack.
Kalamunda v ARKS, 3:30pm, Hartfield Reserve, Forrestfield
Kalamunda will look to go back to back against ARKS at the ‘Bull Pen’ following an improved performance against Curtin. Kalamunda’s forwards have offered a reliable benchmark to attack from and continue to cause chaos for opposition scrums and with a wave of young colts flowing through the ranks the future looks promising. Hiding a mammoth forward pack of their own, ARKS will be anxious to avenge their loss against West’s Scarborough and will need to break out of the blocks early if they are to capitalise on the Kalamunda physicality.
Wanneroo v Perth Bayswater, 3:30pm, Kingsway Sports Complex, Madeley
Halfback Liam Wynne claimed hero status in round seven as he kicked a clutch penalty goal in the dying minutes to give Perth Bayswater a famous victory over Nedlands in front of an ecstatic home crowd at Pat O’Hara Reserve. Perth Bayswater are continuing to build on what has been a much improved 2020 season and will be hoping to cause Wanneroo a few headaches this weekend. Grason Makara was once again a headline act for Wanneroo on Saturday as he tore up the Southern Lions defence to cross for a contender for try of the year and will be a key component for the ‘Roo Dogs’ backline who will be looking to unlock the Perth Bayswater defence.
Cottesloe v Southern Lions, 3:30pm, Harvey Field, Cottesloe
Many onlookers wouldn’t give the Southern Lions a chance when they realise, they are playing the dazzling Cottesloe this weekend, but like diamonds, the Lions perform best under pressure and proved this last year when they beat Cottesloe in their own backyard. With a relatively young side at their disposal the ‘Lions’ will have a mountain to climb if they are to cause another upset over Cottesloe and can’t afford to put a foot wrong. Cottesloe remain the only undefeated side after seven rounds and sit clear at the top of the standings and have garnered a reputation of punishing teams who are caught napping.
Nedlands v Curtin University, 3:30pm, Sir Charles Court Reserve, Foreshore
Another milestone will be achieved at the Nedlands club this Saturday as front-rower Damian Pacecca runs out for his 250th club game. Following a strong start to the season, Nedlands currently find themselves in a knot after a gut-wrenching loss at the hands of Perth Bayswater. They will look to mop up their mess against Curtin and maintain their spot in the top four while also hoping to roll some momentum heading into the final stages of the season. With Nedlands walking wounded, the climate is ripe for an upset as the ‘Goats’ continue to hunt their next scalp of the competition.
Alongside Pacecca's amazing achievement Nedlands also will be running on Mark Davies for his 100th premier grade appearances in a blue jersey plus head coach Sam Rarasea looking to debut young local talent within his side starting hooker Tim Parsons for the first time in the Premier Grade. With some many milestones and achievements for 'Neddies' this week their is no doubt they are going to bring to heat to Curtin Uni.
Coastal Cavaliers v Wests Scarborough, 3:30pm, Meadow Springs Sporting Facility, Meadow Springs
On the road again Wests Scarborough are heading down to Meadow Springs and with their season hanging by a thread, they require a big win to stake their claim for finals. With a backline that includes the chemistry of Walter Koteka and Louie David, the ‘Boars’ have the capacity to sting any defence and will be hopeful to put that weapon to use against the Cavaliers. Reeling from their loss to Cottesloe the Cavaliers haven’t executed a victory in 2020 but will fancy their chances this Saturday with the home ground advantage at their back.
Starting XVs
ARKs - TBC
Associates - TBC
Coastal Cavaliers
1. Stuart Davie, 2. Jamie Reid, 3. Russell Egan, 4. Solomone Likio, 5. Liam Van Der Heyden, 6. Gerard De Klerk, 7. Dylan Pirihi, 8. Samuel Murray-Abraham, 9. Andrew-Shane Taitoko, 10. Raymond Reti, 11. Kaea Hohaia, 12. Zachary Nicolson, 13. Luke Petherick, 14. Toby Mead 15. Bodie Etheredge
Cottesloe
1. Adam Fullgrabe 2. Mikey Walker 3. Reginald Churchward 4. Kieran Stringer 5. Ben Grant 6. Hugh Huppatz 7. Ethan Cayliss 8. Tobias Hoskins © 9. Scott Nichol 10. Caleb Young 11. Che Stacey 12. Greg Jackson 13. Ali Haining 14. Simione Verata 15. Jack McDermott
Curtin Uni
1. Nathan Hewett, 2. Elliot Daniel, 3. Quentin Hay, 4. Thompson Cross, 5. Chris Rayner, 6. Aaron Kupfer, 7. Sebastian Thogersen, 8. Vauea Sialavai, 9. Thomas Chadwick (VC), 10. Nikki Suckling, 11. Alexander Klewinghaus, 12. Tomoki Ogawa, 13. Robert Fulton (C) 14 Brandon Davis, 15. Nicholas Chadwick
Joondalup Brothers
1.Victor Harris, 2. Ford Hemi, 3. Jean-Pierre Mostert, 4. Mathew Holland, 5. Maikali Rabaroa, 6. Samuel Long, 7. Ryan King, 8. Patrick Tuialii, 9. Brendan Vorster, 10. Sheldon Tarawa (C), 11. Jordan Zietsman, 12. Glen Potoi, 13. Jordan Zietsman (VC), 14. Porikapa Tukaki, 15. Clay Uyen
Kalamunda
1. Tawhiri Rewha, 2. Benjamin Rumble, 3. Mac Heke, 4. Adam Ansbro, 5. Henare Houkamau, 6. Jacob Rumble, 7. Linton Horsburgh, 8. William Tuheke-Wade, 9. Jack Weir (C) 10. Ruawharo Rarere, 11. Usaia Ralulu, 12. Kitione Nairube, 13. Faamanatu Apineru 14. Evan Jordan 15. Blake Hignett-Stephens
Nedlands
1. Mark Davies, 2. Tim Parsons, 3. Damien Pacceca, 4. Drake Robson, 5. Mike Egan 6. Joseph Skipper, 7. Kenneth MacPherson, 8. Aidan Laxton , 9. Hershelle Classen, 10. Dylan Loversidge (c), 11. Tane Manga, 12. Ammon Matuauto, 13. Benjamin Carr, 14. Heremaia Kendall, 15. Callum Thomas
Palmyra
1. Ethan Poi, 2. Sioeli Vaituulala, 3. Piersen Kennington, 4. Hendrik De Wet, 5. Hayden Croghan, 6. Jackson Pugh, 7. Max Bailey, 8. Dylan Cunningham (C), 9. Hayden Whitmee-Lloyd, 10. Fionn Mccabe, 11. Adam Marshall, 12. Leighton Short, 13. Panashe Kamhara, 14. Chris Miller, 15. Manihera Eden
Perth Bayswater
1. Dante Tatafu, 2. Ben Buist, 3. Chris Kidd, 4. Keisuke Yagishita, 5. Jacob Buist (cc), 6. Meihana Mason, 7. Craig Smith, 8. Faamanu Tofilau, 9. Liam Wynne, 10. Jamie Kinnimont, 11. Josh Stops, 12. Kolia Konelio, 13. Jordan Luke, 14. James Lambert, 15. Santana Payne
Southern Lions
1. Dean Kingi (C), 2. Jordan Shelford, 3. Christopher Bain, 4. Alex Hales, 5. Sese Malai Tuifagalele, 6. Tashir Newsome-Smith, 7. William Burroughs, 8. Brody Eastwood, 9. Mitchell Kingsmill, 10. Sheldon Willan, 11. Joe Ratusoqosoqo, 12. Saimone Rauga, 13. Bronson Hokai, 14. Meli Naborisi, 15. Joel Lamatoa
UWA - TBC
Wanneroo
1. Andre Roux, 2. Scott Cornell, 3. TJ Vunivalu, 4. Luke Callan, 5. Brad Campbell, 6. Cade Begg 7. Andrew King (C), 8. Mark Cornell (VC), 9. Jared Deacon, 10. Robert Stortz, 11. Dylan Smith, 12. Jordan Gratton, 13. Pama Fou, 14. William Pendergast, 15. Grason Makara
Wests Scarborough - TBC
