The Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade is set to enter Round 13 this weekend.
With finals just around the corner, it's a battle for the top as teams look to usurp Wanneroo Divaz from their position and clinch the Minor Premiership.
Wanneroo Divaz are set to take on Kalamunda Kweenz this weekend at Hartfield Reserve, with the sides meeting for the first time since their tight Round 8 battle, which saw Wanneroo take the victory by one point.
Last weekend, the Divaz saw a 14-55 victory over Cottesloe Shegulls at Harvey Field, with Wanneroo once again dominating the competition. Tries for Wanneroo were scored by Huia Swannell (2), Topaz-Jean Porter, Nami Dickson, Paihau Pomare, Sopihe Hart and Majesty Pomare, who scored a hattrick. Five conversions for the side were completed by Lucy Lockhart. For Palmyra, tries were scored by Zoe Elliott and Jessica Foster, who also completed two conversions.
“My hat goes off to Cottesloe, who played down in numbers on Saturday, but they brought their trademark intensity and grit to every single minute of the game,” Wanneroo Head Coach, Des Taurima, said. “It felt like we were playing against 20 ladies at times, even though they had less than the full complement of players. That just shows how passionate, focused and determined they are.”
“Our girls had to fight hard for the win. Cottesloe really showed us that there were things that we need to be better at, if we really want to be serious about being the best we can be. We hope to improve in those areas this weekend.”
Coming into Round 13 against potentially their greatest competitors, Kalamunda, Taurima shared he thinks the team is in a good place.
"We’ve made some positional changes with players and had players returning from long-term injuries. These things may be a little disruptive, but I have been happy with how the girls have reacted and responded to these changes.”
“Our attack is in a good place. And although we have made some positional changes, I feel those changes will start to pay dividends in the weeks to come. I have faith that the girls will keep improving with each training and game.”
These positional challenges will be their biggest challenge, Taurima said, with players returning to the squad from injury and settling back into the competition.
“... We’ve made some positional changes with several players over the last few weeks. Giving them their space to learn the job role and time in the saddle to gain experience is going to be challenging.”
“We’ve also had two players in Huia Swannell and Nami Dickson returning from long-term injuries. I’m really stoked to see them back on the field and am happy for them. Their challenge is to just build that game confidence and match fitness over the coming weeks.”
“But the biggest challenge this week is playing the Kweenz at their home. It is so hard to win a game against them at any time, but it's ten times harder when trying to do it in their house.”
“We lost the corresponding games last season, and we know Saturday evening is going to be just as tough, if not tougher. We respect them immensely and know that their traditional strengths of a mighty pack and strong, skilled backs, are pretty deadly. We’ve said all week that this game will be our toughest challenge to date, and we will be treating our prep this week accordingly.”
But with a strong side and players returning from injury, there is no doubt Wanneroo Divaz will put on a powerful performance, despite the challenges ahead. For Taurima, he hopes to see his side work hard and put in the effort, knowing they are capable of the competition.
“Just Effort upon Effort. Having the right Attitude. Being Tough in a tough sport. And enjoying the day, the game, and the experience, no matter the result. If our team can tick most of those boxes, then I’ll be a happy coach,” he said.
For Kalamunda, last week’s 5-56 win over UWA puts them hot on the tail of Wanneroo, with just one-point separating the sides on the ladder. In their game against UWA, tries for Kalamunda Kweenz were scored by Mariah Bell (2), Te Rau Pasene-Grenell, Amelia Murray, Journey Kereopa (2), Atawhai Walden, Misi Sina Fiu, Nari Little and Destiny Maui. Conversions for the side were completed by Journey Kereopa, Mariah Bell and Libya Teepa. For UWA, a try was scored by Tashi Eliott-Lockhart.
Wanneroo Divaz will take on Kalamunda Kweens this weekend at Hartfield Reserve at 4:50PM.
Wests Warriors will face Cottesloe Shegulls this weekend, with both sides coming off losses in Round 12.
Wests faced Palmyra at Tompkins Park last weekend, with the home side defeating the Warriors 46-12. Tries for Wests were scored by Valuese Tiakia, who also completed a conversion, and Brookyln Joyce. For Palmyra, tries were scored by Isis Thompson (11’), Kendra Fell (20’, 51’), Awhina Heke (35’, 39’) and Sera Ravatudei, who scored a hattrick (38’, 49’, 67’). Three conversions were completed by Kendra Fell (21’, 35’, 38’).
Wests dominated Cottesloe the last time the two sides met in Round 11, finishing the match 53-7. Sitting fourth on the ladder, Wests will be looking for a repeat of this win to boost their points and give them a solid shot as they move into finals.
For their Round 12 competitors, Palmyra will come up against UWA in Round 13 at Tompkins Park.
Kick off for both matches is set for 2:00PM.
Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade Round 13 Fixtures
Wests Warriors v. Cottesloe Shegulls @ Bennett Park, 2:00PM
Palmyra v. UWA @ Tompkins Park, 2:00PM
Kalamunda Kweenz v. Wanneroo Divaz @ Hartfield Reserve, 4:50PM
