Round 3 of the Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade will play this Saturday at 12:30PM.
Facing off for the first time since their Grand Final showdown in the 2023 season, Wanneroo Divaz and Kalamunda Kweenz will play this Saturday at Kingsway Sports Complex.
Starting off their season strong, Wanneroo have clinched two wins, defeating Wests Scarborough last Saturday 29-10 at home. Tries for Wanneroo were scored by Shiane Kani, Topaz-Jean Porter, Tamika Jones, Sera Ah-Sam and Majesty Pomare, with two conversions by Lucy Lockhart. For Wests, tries were scored by Megan Liddicoat and Brooklyn Joyce.
“I was really happy with the win,” Wanneroo Head Coach, Des Taurima, shared.
“Wests were a very strong team, with talent across the park. They [Wests] also came off a hard-fought battle against Palmyra the week before, so we knew it was going to be a really tough battle.”
“We were far from perfect, but I was really happy that we found a way to win when things weren't going right, and to me that speaks volumes about the girls working through tough challenges.”
Taurima is proud of his team, and the work they’ve been putting in for the season.
“I have been really proud of our team effort. 'Effort upon Effort' is one of our standards and I feel like each player that has stepped on the field has worked as hard as they can. That's a reflection of their 'Attitude', which is another team standard, which I have been very happy with.”
“The on field result of this is that every player has contributed, and we haven't had to rely on a few individuals to get us the results. If we can continue being strong in these standards, I know that the technical and tactical aspects of the individual and team's performance will continue to move in the right direction.”
This round is set to be another challenge for the Wanneroo side, coming up against last season’s Premiers.
“They [Kalamunda] have always been strong, both in the physical department as well as having great athletic players in the backs. They had a strong win in round one, which would have given them good confidence, and as we know they are the reigning champs.”
“For us to be successful it's going to require us to take another step up to match them... and an even bigger step to beat them. We have made sure our prep this week reflects working on what we are good at and looking at a few things we can be better at to hopefully negate their strengths.”
Heading into the round, Taurima is hoping to see trust and confidence within the team.
“Trust and confidence in ourselves and our teammates, and also the ability to get back into the game when we face adversity. I know these are intangibles, but it will be these things that will ultimately ensure that we play to our potential.”
“I believe in each of my players' ability to do the job this weekend, so if we can tick these boxes then I would be very happy, regardless of the outcome.”
With their Round 2 game against Palmyra delayed until May 30, Kalamunda Kweenz have only had one opportunity to face the competition in the Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade so far. In Round 1, Kalamunda faced Cottesloe Shegulls, coming away with a 27-5 win. Tries for Kalamunda were scored by Jessica Aim, Brooklyn McGovern, Charli Stevenson, Amelia Murray and Braxton Walker, who also scored the conversion. Cottesloe’s try was scored by Numi Tupaea.
There was a feeling of relief, Kalamunda Head Coach, Mac Heke shared, finding the win against the Shegulls.
"Our build up to this game wasn't our best, but our ladies put their best foot forward and came home to snatch a good win against a strong Cottesloe team."
With members of last season's winning squad Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Samantha Wood currently on Wallaroos duties, as well as Rosie McGeehan and Zakiya Kereopa out with injuries, Kalamunda is missing key players going into the rematch against Wanneroo.
"We have lost some depth,” Heke said.
"Knowing we are behind structurally is a strength, and allows us to push harder to gain better results with the team we have."
"Our ladies are building to become better."
"Our biggest challenge moving forward will likely be getting our backs and forwards to mesh well. We have been working a lot on timing and presenting a strong base to work off. When our forwards are utilised to their potential, our backs combination will have a field day."
"We are in no rush to speed this process up as it will develop with more game time and reps under our belt."
Heke is looking to see grit and determination from the Kalamunda side, as they head into Round 3.
"I'm looking to make sure our team is making less mistakes and that they leave the field with a smile."
"We are moving the goalpost to suit our style and how we want our rugby to be seen. Yes, we still accept a winning score as a success, but it's not the be all, end all."
"How we win and do it together, that's the secret sauce."
The kick-off for Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade, Wanneroo v. Kalamunda is set for 12:30PM at Kingsway Sports Complex.
Round 3 of the Community 10’s will play this weekend, with Wanneroo taking on Mandurah Pirates at home, and Southern Lions facing Perth Bayswater at Hartfield Reserve.
Coming off their first ever win against Perth Irish, Mandurah will be looking for a repeat as they face Wanneroo, who are emerging from Round 2 with a 5-35 loss to Southern Lions. Tries for Mandurah were scored by Lahzarus Kiddie-Timu (2), Karen Thompson, Hinehou Savage, Kylee Leota (2) and Neisha-Leigh Tutara-Cecil (2), with conversions by Leota (2) and Tira Heke. Perth Irish saw one try, scored by Roisin Healy.
Kick off in Wanneroo is set for 1:50PM, with Hartfield Reserve playing at 2:45PM.
Fortescue Premier Grade Women Round 3 Fixtures
Wests Warriors v. UWA @ Bennett Park
Wanneroo Divaz v. Kalamunda Kweenz @ Kingsway Sports Complex
Cottesloe Shegulls v., Palmyra @ Harvey Field
Community X’s Round 3 Fixtures
Wanneroo v. Mandurah Pirates @ Kingsway Sports Complex
Southern Lions v. Perth Bayswater @ Hartfield Reserve
Perth Irish - BYE
Rockingham - BYE
