Round 12 of the Men's Fortescue Premier Grade competition saw clubs across Western Australia recognise NAIDOC Round, with cultural celebrations held across the weekend and more community events, Indigenous jerseys and ceremonies still to come during NAIDOC Week.
On the field, there was no shortage of action, with a one-point thriller between Cottesloe and Palmyra, a dominant attacking display from UWA and important wins for Southern Lions, Kalamunda and Nedlands.
Southern Lions took out a 29-19 victory over Wests Scarborough. Hardwick and Rafaele crossed for the Lions, while another two tries and four successful kicks from Turagava helped the home side secure the win. Wests stayed in the contest through tries to Cakaubalavu, Baker and another teammate, with two conversions keeping the visitors within striking distance.
Kalamunda celebrated its NAIDOC Round fixture in style with a 47-21 win over Joondalup Brothers. Rawiri led the way with two tries, while Welsh, Kamizona-Heke, Hollinshead, Houkamau and another teammate also crossed. Jordan converted six tries in an impressive kicking display. Joondalup Brothers responded through tries to Nell, Walker and Gilbert, with Tarawa converting all three.
Nedlands produced another strong attacking performance to defeat Wanneroo 50-21. Louwrens scored twice, while Robson, Cakobau, De Lange, Koteka and Knox all crossed the line. Innes added six conversions and a penalty goal to cap off an excellent afternoon with the boot. Wanneroo remained competitive through tries to Davis, Reilly and Asi, with Mainwaring adding the conversion.
UWA recorded the biggest win of the round with a 78-14 victory over Associates. McEntee-Walters and Pereira both claimed hat-tricks, Davies added two tries, while Dapaah, Bronlund, Merritt and Mitchell also got on the scoresheet. Young converted nine tries in a dominant display. Associates fought hard throughout, with Meecham and a penalty try accounting for their points, while Tolmie added the conversion.
The closest contest of the weekend came at Harvey Field, where Cottesloe edged Palmyra 36-35 in a thrilling finish. Bishop was outstanding with four tries for Cottesloe, while Mounsey also crossed and Taylor added four conversions. Palmyra pushed the ladder leaders all the way through a double to Mahaki and further tries from Morgan, Leilua and Nepia. Morgan also added two conversions and two penalty goals, but the visitors were left just one point short after a match that could have gone either way.
The results leave Cottesloe unbeaten at the top of the standings as the conference now splits into Conference A and B.
Catch UWA v Cottesloe live on Stan this weekend. All other games on Rugby Xplorer.
Men’s Fortescue Premier Grade Round 12 Results
Southern Lions (29) d. Wests Scarborough (19)
Kalamunda (47) d. Joondalup Brothers (21)
Wanneroo (21) l. Nedlands (50)
Associates (14) l. UWA (78)
Cottesloe (36) d. Palmyra (35)
