The Fortescue Premier Grade enters its twelfth round this Saturday.
With just five rounds left in the competition, there a but a handful of points between clubs, as they all seek a win to bring them closer to the finals.
Southern Lions secured a 36-26 win over Joondalup Brothers at home last weekend. With NAIDOC events running at the club to fundraise for Voice of Hope, the weekend was one of celebration for the side.
Tries for Southern Lions were scored by Reniera Whakataka (2), Jonah Naborisi, Ashley Collard and Saimoni Qaranivalu (2). Conversions for the side were completed by Joel Lamatoa (2) and Saimoni Qaranivalu. For Joondalup, tries were completed by Connor Allen (7’), Ford Hemi (12’), Patrick Tuialii (15’) and Louie David (80’), with three conversions from Keillen Cullen (7’, 12’, 15’).
“A big component from last week was energy in everything we do,” Southern Lions Head Coahc, Gregory Jackson shared.
“We want to continue that this week and keep building off our last 60 minutes from last weekend.”
The Fortescue Premier Grade competition is set to get interesting this week, with the competition splitting into two conference groups. The new structure aims to provide more opportunities for clubs to participate in competitive matches and to progress to the finals series, whilst prioritising player welfare.
For Southern Lions, their position in Conference B puts them closer to finals playoffs, subsequently upping the ante for competition.
“With Conference B being tight on the points, we sit in a finals position at the moment,” Jackson said.
“We will have a target on our back, we need to embrace this and focus on the things we can control.”
In Round 12, Southern Lions are set to take on Wanneroo at Kingsway Sports Complex.
Heading into Round 12, Wanneroo are emerging from a tough battle against Kalamunda, where they came out second-best with a score of 6-16 at home. Wanneroo’s Brodie Mainwaring scored two penalties to secure the side's final score. For Kalamunda, their try was scored by Charlie Fakaongo (79’) with a conversion from Te Aroa Koiatu (80’), as well as three penalties, two from Te Aroa Koiatu (66’, 84’) and one from Evan Jordan (54’).
Despite the potential target, Jackson says his side is strong, and looking to prioritise consistency.
“With a few personnel back, we hope to show some dominance from our pack, to set a good platform for the pace we have in the backs.”
“We’re hoping to ensure we show consistency throughout our game, whilst sticking to our processes.”
Southern Lions will face Wanneroo this Saturday. Set to be streamed live on Stan, kick off will begin at 3:30PM.
Two milestone caps are expected to be made this week for Kalamunda’s Premier Grade, as the side comes up against UWA at home.
The two sides met just two rounds ago at McGillivray Oval, where Kalamunda trumped UWA 10-45. In what has been a stellar few rounds for the side, their win over UWA saw Kalamunda climb two places on the ladder for the 2024 season, marking their comeback after a rough start.
With a win against Wanneroo in their pocket, it is set to be a day of celebration for Norman Tapara and Ryan Black. Norman Tapara is set to join the 100’s club, making his 100th cap for the club, whilst Ryan Black plays his 150th club cap.
Congratulations to both players for their monumental achievement!
Kalamunda will face UWA at Hartfield Reserve this Saturday at 3:30PM.
In the Belt Up Colts, top-of-the-ladder Joondalup Brothers are set to take on Palmyra at Tompkins Park this weekend. Entering their tenth round, Joondalup are coming off a bye week, and a loss the week before.
In a Round 8 upset, second-on-the-ladder Wanneroo pulled off a 34-15 win over Joondalup. A stellar performance from Brodie Mainwaring all but secured Wanneroo’s victory, with his two tries, four conversions and two penalties, in addition to tries from Rueben Baker and Caius Stratton. Tries for Joondalup were scored by Henry Miller (35’), Rhys Richardson (52’) and Reece Pedley (66’).
Palmyra is entering Round 10 after a 0-6 loss against Wanneroo, after a brilliant 7-63 win against Southern Lions in Round 8.
In their Round 8 win, tries for Palmyra were scored by Noah Warlters, Matthias Gault, Alex Hayes (3), Oli Muletta (3), Vincent Robertson, Euan Kyle and one other. Conversions were completed by Saxon Mcnoe, Anthony Sellers and Vincent Robertson (2). For Southern Lions, their try was scored by Wessel Van Dijk and converted by Cyris James Lolohea-Morice.
Palmyra will take on Joondalup Brothers this Saturday at Tompkins Park. The Belt Up Colts match is set to stream live on Rugby Xplorer from 12:30PM.
This week is NAIDOC Week throughout Australia. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024 is 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.' This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
RugbyWA would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we operate, and pay our respects to Elders Past, Present and Future. RugbyWA is located on Noongar land, and has affiliated clubs across Whadjuk, Pinjarup, Wardandi, Bibbulman, Minang, Kaniyang, Wugjari, Amangu and Wangkathaa lands.
RugbyWA's First Nations Resources page offers resources for members of the community, as well as for clubs who wish to build upon their support systems. The page can be accessed through wa.rugby/club-support/reconciliation.
Fortescue Premier Grade Round 12 Fixtures
Kalamunda v. UWA @ Hartfield Reserve, 3:30PM
Perth Bayswater v. Wests Scarborough @ Pat O’Hara Reserve, 3:30PM
Associates v. Nedlands @ Allen Park, 3:30PM
Palmyra v. Cottesloe @ Tompkins Park, 3:30PM
Wanneroo v. Southern Lions @ Kingsway Sports Complex, 3:30PM *Streaming live on Stan
Belt Up Colts Round 10 Fixtures
Wanneroo v. Southern Lions @ Kingsway Sports Complex, 12:30PM
Palmyra v. Joondalup Brothers @ Tompkins Park, 12:30PM *Streaming live on Rugby Xplorer
