The Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup will enter its Semi-Final stages this weekend.
In the final week before the Premier Grade kicks off, Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup teams will be facing off for their chance to take part in the Cup, Shield, Plate and Bowl finals taking place on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.
Competing for their position in the coveted Cup final, Associates will face Nedlands, and Cottesloe will take on Kalamunda. The winners of these two matches will find themselves at HBF Stadium on June 1, as the curtain raiser for the Western Force v. Brumbies game.
Associates meet Nedlands after defeating Southern Lions 32-19, in Success. Tries were scored by Sott Tolmie, Justin Landman, Nick Johns and Ethan Stratton, with one conversion scored by Western Force’s Ian Prior. From Southern Lions, tries were scored by Craig Atthis, Saimoni Qaranivalu and Brennen Leef, with conversions by Meli Naborisi.
Nedlands are coming off the back of a 36-17 win against Wanneroo at home, with tries scored by Frank Bunce, Matty Lansdown, Vaughn Robson and one other (name withheld), and conversions by Matty Lansdown. From Wanneroo, tries were scored by Jacob Whitaker, Hayden Whitmee-Lloyd, who also took the conversions, in addition to one other (name withheld).
Last time Nedlands faced Associates in the Premier Grade, they suffered a 23-point home game loss to the other side, Associates winning 40-17. Following two brilliant performances in the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup, Nedlands is looking forward to the opportunity to come against an old rival.
“The key to our success lies in prioritising our processes and continuously refining our key focus areas,” Nedlands’ Head Coach, Mike Panoho shared.
“By meticulously honing our strategies, improving teamwork, and fine-tuning our individual skills, we pave the way for an exciting brand of rugby.”
“This is another chance for us to bond as a team, to push our limits as individuals and collectively as a team. Once again, every player gets to embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, knowing that every game is a chance to grow stronger.”
Despite any challenges faced, the team has grown from the preseason opportunity.
“We've been thoroughly impressed by the willingness of clubs to accommodate additional fixtures for Reserve and Colts teams. This inclusivity is crucial as it provides countless players with valuable playing opportunities.”
For the team, the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup has been a welcome change.
“We are firm believers in the positive impact of the Challenge Cup, as it provides us with the chance to explore innovative ideas while fostering a constructive experience for everyone involved.”
The tournament has also provided a vital opportunity to evaluate the team ahead of Round 1 of the Fortescue Premier Grade competition.
“This round will provide us with tangible evidence of our current standing at this stage, though it's still quite early to draw definitive conclusions.”
“Nonetheless, I've been thoroughly impressed by the dedication and commitment shown by everyone at Neddies, and the team's collective effort is commendable.”
Nedlands will play Associates at Allen Park, at 3.30PM.
Cottesloe will face Kalamunda at home, following their win over Joondalup Brothers, 12-34, last weekend. In a strong performance, tries for Cottesloe were scored by Patrick Maka, Ryo Kataoka, Jack McConnell, Michael Walker, Mayson Hill and one other (name withheld). Ryo Kataoka took and scored two conversions in the match. From Joondalup, tries were scored by Richmond Tahaafe and conversions by Sheldon Tarawa.
At Kalamunda’s home, a hard-fought battle saw the team come out on top against UWA, 21-17. With 3 conversions by Braydon Forrest making up the difference to give Kalamunda the win, tries were scored by Evan Jordan, Charlie Fakaongo and Jack Weir. From UWA, tries were scored by Jordie Bungard, Tiam Toufan and Jack Wickham, with one conversion taken by Caleb Young.
In the 2023 Fortescue Premier Grade, Cottesloe came out on top in both meetings between themselves and Kalamunda. However, with both sides giving impressive performances so far in the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup, it will undoubtedly be anyone's game.
For Kalamunda, they are looking forward to coming up against Cottesloe once again.
“It's always a great day out at the Nest this early in the year,” Head Coach, Callum Payne said.
“We are looking forward to testing a few adjustments against a high caliber team like Cottesloe.”
“There's nothing better to help a team gel than competitive rugby, with a couple of returning players, and another few new to the club, the Rendezvous Scarbrough Challenge Cup has provided an excellent environment for that.”
The tournament has been an excellent test for Kalamunda ahead of the Premier Grade season, and this round provides one more.
“The Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup has been a great way to lead into the Competition for 2024. The draw has seen us come up against three of the top six teams from last year. Winning the first two has been a good confidence booster, but we know we're in for a tough test against Cottesloe.”
“Like all clubs at this time of the season, we've had to balance the excitement of getting back on the field with our desire to generate some early season accuracy in our game.”
Kalamunda will be travelling to Harvey Field to take on Cottesloe, with the game kicking off at 3.30PM.
The last round of the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup before the Cup, Shield, Plate and Bowl finals, this round is sure to bring about some incredible performances across the board. Kick off will begin at 3.30PM, with Cottesloe v. Kalamunda being streamed live on Youtube.
Round 1 of the Fortescue Men's Premier Grade kicks off April 20, with Championship Grade beginning the following weekend.
Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup Semi-Final Fixtures
UWA v. Joondalup Brothers @ McGillvray Oval, 3.30PM
Wests Scarborough v. Kwinana Wolves @ Bennett Park, 3.30PM
Associates v. Nedlands @ Allen Park, 3.30PM
Palmyra v. Perth Bayswater @ Tompkins Park, 3.30PM
Mandurah Pirates v. Rockingham @ Meadow Springs Sporting Facility, 3.30PM
Wanneroo v. Southern Lions @ Kingsway Sports Complex, 3.30PM
ARKS v. Bunbury Barbarians @ Harrisdale Pavillion, 3.30PM
Cottesloe v. Kalamunda @ Harvey Field, 3.30PM*
