Match of the Round
Southern Lions v Palmyra, 3:30pm, Success Regional Sporting Complex, Success
This week’s Match of the Round sees Palmyra look to retain their spot in the top four of the rankings after a prodigious win over Kalamunda last weekend. They will travel to Success to tackle the Southern Lions who will be waiting impatiently to spoil the ‘Palms’ solid run of wins. RugbyWA Senior Academy member Reece Anapu has been Palmyra’s weapon of choice at halfback and has been a powerful link between the forwards and backs and was an obvious choice in RugbyWA’s team of the week for round nine. With only one point separating Palmyra from the fifth placed Joondalup, Palmyra can’t afford a slip up this weekend.
Coastal Cavaliers v ARKS, 3:30pm, Meadow Springs Sporting Facility, Meadow Springs
Claiming their first win of the season against Perth Bayswater, the Cavaliers are riding high heading into this clash as they look to keep the ball rolling in front of an ecstatic home crowd. ARKS will have their hands full on Saturday as they face the growing confidence of the Cavaliers but will also need to contain the chemistry of Cavaliers centre pairing James Petherick and Zachary (Mullet) Nicolson who’s prolific injection of pace serves as a solid platform in attack. While it has been a strenuous season for both sides, they will both be clawing at each other to avoid the bottom of the table.
Kalamunda v Wanneroo, 3:30pm, Hartfield Reserve, Forrestfield
With the arms race for the top four well and truly underway, it would be foolish to count out Wanneroo who have the top four in their sights after being crowned ‘Kings of the North’ in a big win over Joondalup last week and have now won three games in a row. Standing in their way is the power and might of Kalamunda who’s ferocity in the forwards will be a handy acquisition in shutting down the blistering attack of the Wanneroo backline. One youngster to keep an eye on is Kalamunda number eight Jackson Bond who has been announced as Colt of the Month for August and is quickly becoming a household name at the Kalamunda club with his hard hitting defence and physical presence with ball in hand.
Cottesloe v Perth Bayswater, 3:30pm, Harvey Field, Cottesloe
Ryan Westaway and his Cottesloe troops remain the firm favourites for the premier grade title in 2020 after yet another thumping win on Saturday. With their ability to strike at any moment of the game it’s becoming increasingly unclear how they can be dismantled and with names such as Reginald Churchward and Ben Grant at their disposal they are well barricaded at the top of table. Perth Bayswater will have the daunting task of trying to take down the ‘Gulls’ in their own backyard and will have to be firing on all fronts if they are to be anything but a road bump for the top side.
UWA v Nedlands, 3:30pm, McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont
In terms of the race for the top four, there will be no more crucial game than this one as the late season tension continues at the ‘Library’. UWA have the wind at their back following a big win in Harrisdale and will be looking to showcase their high octane attack against the potent set piece of Nedlands. Nedlands have been renowned for their strong starts to games this season and they will need to break out of the blocks early to avoid being bogged down by the patient defence of UWA who stock the likes of Ben Taylor and Conor Hughes in their ranks.
Curtin University v Associates, 3:30pm, Edinburgh Oval, Bentley
Despite one loss this season Associates have produced some breathtaking rugby and were again running riot against Nedlands at the ‘Boneyard’ last weekend. ‘Soaks’ find themselves with considerable breathing space heading into the remaining rounds of the season sitting in second place but will need to turn up the heat as they pay a visit to the majestic ‘Goat Land’. No.8 Alex Masibaka has continued to raise eyebrows with his tremendous form for Associates and along with his sublime range of skills has a powerful running game which has been a nightmare for opposition sides this year. However, Associates cannot afford to get complacent as Curtin continues to earn their stripes and build momentum in the premier grade.
Joondalup v West’s Scarborough, 3:30pm, HBF Arena, Joondalup
West’s Scarborough have snuck under the radar into third place after a string of strong performances. Like most seasons, West’s are firing home into finals but they will face the ultimate test against a Joondalup side who have proven to be a class outfit in the big games this season. Packing a stable scrum and mobility up front, the West’s forward pack will be a key component for them as they face an intrinsic Joondalup attack. Up front for the ‘Boars’ Dylan Hutchins has been a sting in attack while Porikapa Tukaki was impressive for the ‘Brothers’ in their loss to Wanneroo.
Team lists coming soon...
