Match of the Round
Nedlands v Wests Scarborough, 3:30pm, Sir Charles Court Reserve, Nedlands
There will be no better match-up to feast your eyes on than this blockbuster as Nedlands lock horns with the ‘Boars’ in this week’s chosen match of the round.
Both of these sides sent shockwaves across the competition last week beating the top two teams as Nedlands caused arguably the biggest upset of the season to clinch a three-point victory over the undefeated Cottesloe while Wests continued their strong surge towards finals with a nail-biting 28-27 win over rivals Associates.
In a seesaw affair with Associates the ‘Boars’ patience in defence paved the way for victory and will be a crucial asset in absorbing the Nedlands attack.
Trying to back-up victory over the top side is never an easy task, but that’s exactly what Nedlands must do if they are to keep their grip on finals.
Associates v Coastal Cavaliers, 3:30pm, Allen Park, Swanbourne
There will be a vibrant atmosphere in Swanbourne this Saturday as Associates host their ‘Islander Day’ celebrations in their final home game of the season.
‘Soaks’ will be regretful of their missed opportunity to take top spot on the ladder following an agonising loss at the ‘Pig Pen’ in which they failed to win the key moments but know that they must dust themselves off as they defend the RugbyWA Cup.
They now look forward to a clash with the Cavaliers who haven’t lost a game since round eight and will be bringing with them a host of stars that include the likes of Matthew Griffiths, Russell Egan and Dudley Cortland who have all contributed heavily to the ‘Cavs’ 2020 campaign.
Adding to their festivities Associates will be donning their customary ‘Islander Day’ jerseys for the game.
Perth Bayswater v Southern Lions, Pat O’Hara Reserve, Morley
Only two rounds remain in 2020, and no doubt both of these teams will be looking to polish off their seasons with a few wins.
Championship division two finals remain out of the question for both sides and that will give them a license to attack and display some flamboyant rugby with nothing left to lose.
In a backline that houses the elusive Jonah Naborisi and Kyle Fell, the Southern Lions aren’t without an attacking prowess and they will be looking to put that into action and steam through with the golden points.
Palmyra v ARKS, 3:30pm, Tompkins Park, Applecross
It set to be a huge weekend for Palmyra who will be out to fetch their seventh win on the trot while they also celebrate their Ladies Day festivities ensuring a sparkling afternoon at the ‘Oasis’.
Having secured the John Taylor Cup for another season the ‘Palms’ are still in a position where they can’t afford to lose if they are to hang on to a top four spot but a win this week could all but nail their place.
Once again in the spotlight Adam Turner and Reece Anapu were impressive in Palmyra’s win over Perth Bayswater and they will be an important ingredient as Palmyra trade blows with ARKS.
It’s been a long season for ARKS, and they came incredibly close to their first win of the year as they played out a dazzling 50-50 draw with Wanneroo.
Curtin University v Wanneroo, 3:30pm, Edinburgh Oval, Bentley
There could be an upset brewing on the horizon as Curtin welcomes Wanneroo to ‘Goatland’.
In what was a try frenzy against ARKS, Wanneroo couldn’t land the final blow as they settled for an astonishing 50-50 draw and they now head to ‘Goatland’ with finals quickly fading in the rear view mirror and face the prospect of a gruelling test against Curtin if they don’t switch on.
The express pace of ‘Goats’ winger Nick Chadwick will be a force to be reckoned with as he blazed it up last week to score a sensational long range try.
Cottesloe v Joondalup, 3:30pm, Harvey Field, Cottesloe
Any doubt that Cottesloe will hide into their shells following their first loss since 2019 must be swept aside as they collide with Joondalup Brothers at the picturesque Harvey Field hoping to hold on to top spot.
Cottesloe’s surprise loss took the competition off guard and has now opened the floodgates for Joondalup to swoop in and claim an upset of their own to keep their finals hopes in view.
With the pressure caving in around them Joondalup must hold firm if they are to have any hope of knocking off Cottesloe who will be charging in for a taste of revenge.
UWA v Kalamunda, 3:30pm, McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont
Coming from nowhere Kalamunda have all of a sudden pushed their name into the limelight in the closing stages of the season after their strong showing against Southern Lions.
Mac Heke was a strong performer in the front row providing a heavy presence up front and was also a valuable addition to Rugby WA’s team of the week for round 11.
They will head to UWA with a surge of confidence behind them that could prove to be a weapon in their efforts to topple the ‘Students’ in their own backyard.
UWA succumbed to a tough loss to Joondalup in what was a must win game for the club and will be feeling the effects as they slipped to eighth on the ladder, all but ending their hopes of a premiership division one finals berth.
Starting XVs
ARKs -TBC
Associates
1. John Sauni, 2. Nicholas Hyde, 3. Paasi Fine, 4. Alexander Beacham, 5. Arthur Manukia, 6. Micheal Hardwick, 7. Al Rovira, 8. Micheal Tafili, 9. Luke Raduva, 10. Harry Webster, 11. Facundo Aguirre, 12. Tevita Sifa, 13. Christian Vainerere, 14. Ross Palframan, 15. Sam Healy
Coastal Cavaliers
1. Michael Tilden, 2. Jamie Reid, 3. Russell Egan (C), 4. Patrick Cherrington, 5. Gerard De Klerk, 6. Mathew Cameron, 7. Christopher Cameron, 8. Dylan Pirihi, 9. Mathew Griffiths (VC), 10. Dudley Cortland, 11. Toby Mead, 12. Zachary Nicolson, 13. James Petherick, 14. Joshua Batchelor 15. Anton Paul
Cottesloe
1. Adam Fullgrabe, 2. Jordan Leremia, 3. Kaisa Reidy, 4. Kieran Stringer, 5. Benjamin Grant, 6. Guy O'Loughlin 7. Alec Fontalvo, 8. Ethan Cayless, 9. Scott Nichol, 10. Caleb Young, 11. Auzzie Tuwhangai, 12. Tobias Hoskins (C), 13. Alistair Haining, 14. Gregory Jackson, 15. Jack McDermott
Curtin Uni
1. Peter Greenaway, 2. Elliot Daniel, 3. Quentin Hay, 4. Austin Connelly, 5. Chris Rayner, 6. Thomas Chadwick (VC), 7. Adam Ansbro, 8. Vauea Sialavai, 9. Heath Anderson, 10. Nikki Suckling, 11. Robbie Fulton (C), 12. Tomoki Ogawa, 13. Lukas Rauth, 14. Alexander Klewinghaus, 15. Nicholas Chadwick
Joondalup Brothers
1. Mathew De Beer, 2. For Hemi (VC), 3. Jean-Pierre Mostert, 4. Maikali Rabaro, 5. Mathew Hooland, 6. Koen White, 7. TBC, 8. Patrick Tuialii, 9. Brendan Vorster, 10. Sheldon Tarawa (C), 11. Jordan Zietsman, 12. Glen Potoi, 13. Justin Zietsman (VC), 14. Porikapa Tukaki, 15. Clay Uyen
Kalamunda
1. Tawhiri Rewha, 2. Benjamin Rumble, 3. Rangikino Paul, 4. Caleb Marr, 5. Henare Houkamau, 6. Jacob Rumble, 7. Linton Horsburgh, 8. William Tuheke-Wade, 9. Jack Weir (C) 10. TBC, 11. TBC, 12. Kitione Nairube , 13. Faamanatu Apineru , 14. Ruawharo Rarere 15. Usaia Ralulu
Nedlands
1. Farron McKoy, 2. Joe Ritchie, 3. Matt Caporn, 4. Drake Robson, 5. Sam Offer, 6. Kenneth MacPherson, 7. Shane Hemi, 8. Aidan Laxton, 9. Mike Botes
10. Nate Roberts, 11. Callum Thomas, 12. Ammon Matuauto, 13. Maia King, 14. Justin Edwards-McKoy, 15. Dylan Loversidge (c)
Palmyra- TBC
Perth Bayswater
1. Max Veech, 2. Ben Buist, 3. Chris Kidd, 4. Brandon Olow, 5. Jacob Buist, 6. Ben Weir, 7. Buddha Smith, 8. Keisuke Yagishita, 9. Liam Wynne, 10. Jamie Kinninmont, 11. Josh Stops, 12. Faamanu Tofilau, 13. Federal Jones, 14. Darcy Grealish, 15. Victor Paul
Southern Lions
1. Victor Yong, 2. Jordan Shelford, 3. Christopher Bain, 4. Alex Hales, 5. Sese Malai Tuifagalele, 6. Dean Kingi, 7. William Burroughs, 8. Brody Eastwood, 9. Mitchell Kingsmill, 10. Kyle Fell (C), 11. Meli Naborisi, 12. Kameli Tackalou Naisiroki, 13. Jonah Naborisi, 14. Bronson Hokai, 15. Joel Lamatoa
UWA - TBC
Wanneroo - TBC
Wests Scarborough - TBC
