Round 2 of the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup plays this weekend, following some huge performances in Round 1.
The first round of the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup featured some incredible games between old foes, and new matchups who have never played one another in competition. Strong performances from Premier Grade teams saw some heavy defeats in this first round, with Championship Grade teams facing the difficult challenge of coming against some of the best.
Last season’s Championship Grade Premiers Bunbury Barbarians came up against a strong Associates side, ending with a 78-0 win to Associates at Leschenault Leisure Centre. Cristiano Tizzano was the match’s top try scorer, with Harrison Webster, Nick Johns, Kainoa Lloyf, Ethan Stratton, HD Stemmet, Tim Scheepers and Dominic Jason all coming across the line. Conversions were scored by Keelan Murrel and Scott Tolmie.
Similarly, Rockingham suffered an 85-0 loss to UWA at Lark Hill Sporting Complex, with the Premier Grade side proving too strong in their first match of the season. In a huge performance, Phil Sawalu scored the opening try two minutes in, which was converted by Caleb Young. Key tries throughout the match were scored by Joshua Hill, Jahvis Wallace, Jack Wickham, Conor Hughes and Ronan Leahy. Conversions were completed by Caleb Young and Conor Hughes.
Despite the impressive results of Premier Grade heavyweights, perhaps the most shocking result came from the matchup between Premier Grade sides, Joondalup Brothers and Palmyra. The last time the pair met in 2023, Premiership-winners Palmyra defeated 8th place Joondalup Brothers 50-3.
In a massive upset, Palmyra suffered a 35-0 defeat to Joondalup Brothers at HBF Arena. Palmyra’s Head Coach, Darren Reed, says the group’s intensity was disappointing in their first game of the tournament.
“We fielded a somewhat mixed side with a lot of potential starters not available, but even so, we thought our application was lacking,” he said.
“Sides love beating the defending champs. We need to learn how to react accordingly.”
For Palmyra, they’re taking lessons learnt from their Round 1 appearance, to prepare to take on Mandurah Pirates for the first time at Meadow Springs Sporting Facility this weekend.
Going into Round 2, the team is feeling positive.
“It's been, hopefully, a bit of an internal wake up call for some. But I'm also not hitting the panic button just yet.
“At the end of the day, we want to build into the year. We need to be playing our best rugby in September, not in April. So, I am hoping to see an uplift in the effort areas and in players’ desire to fight for a starting spot come the 2024 Premier Grade season.”
Mandurah Pirates held their own against Cottesloe in Round 1, losing to the Premier Grade side 36-14. Kees Paul-Utiera, Jack McConnell, Joe Ratusoqosoqo, Keaton Kawana, Harry Price and Jamie Drummond all scored tries for Cottesloe, with conversions by Keaton Kawana. Mitchell Mcclelland and Reuben De Stefani scored for Mandurah, with conversions by Andrew-Shane Taitoko.
Going into their battle against the Pirates, Palmyra is keen to meet a new opponent.
“I'm looking forward to the challenge Mandurah will present,” Reed shared.
“I think it's cool to engage with the community clubs. They deserve our respect as much as any Premier Grade opponent.”
Round 2 of the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup kicks off on April 6, 2024.
Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup Round 2 Fixtures
Southern Lions v. Associates @ Southern Lions Field 1*
Nedlands v. Wanneroo @ Sir Charles Court Reserve
Kalamunda v. UWA @ Hartfield Reserve
Rockingham v. Perth Bayswater @ Lark Hill Sporting Complex
Wests Scarborough v. ARKS @ Bennett Park
Kwinana Wolves v. Bunbury Barbarians @ Wellard Oval
Mandurah Pirates v. Palmyra @ Meadow Springs Sporting Facility
Joondalup Brothers v. Cottesloe @ HBF Arena
