Match of the Round
Nedlands v Associates
The Foreshore, Nedlands
Saturday, 21 July – Kick-off: 3.30pm
Last time they met: Nedlands 22 d Associates 13
This week’s match of the round in the Pindan Premier Grade looks set to be a thrilling contest between Nedlands and Associates, as the top two teams in the competition fight it out for the number one position.
As the second half of the season continues, the teams are fairly guaranteed to make it to the finals in positions one and two, though the visiting team still has their eyes on the top spot.
Home-side Nedlands are aiming for their twelfth straight win this week after continuing their undefeated season with a dominating 37-3 win over Rockingham last week, while Associates had a five-point win over Wanneroo (20-15).
The hosts are currently sitting 10 points clear of Associates on the ladder, and while the visitors might have their work cut out for them, both teams are going into this week’s match with good spirits.
Though ravaged with injuries last week, Neddies coach Tony Ball believes that the return of at least five players to his side will inspire confidence within the team.
“Last week we had nine out, but we’ve got five or six back this week and that puts us as close to full-strength as you can get at this time of year,” said Ball.
“We’ve got a lot of players back so we’ll have a good crack at them.”
Ball indicated that the visitors’ work at the break-down is an area that Neddies will concentrate on to ensure they don’t relinquish their undefeated hold over the Pindan Premier Grade competition.
“If we could stop the quick-ball at the break down, that will go a long way to winning the game,” he said.
“With the quick ball, they get it and they tend to move it quickly across the park, so if we can slow them down at the break down, that should give us a good chance.
“Our game plans suit the way we play at the moment so we’ll stick with that, though we’ll defend a bit differently against Soaks than we do with some of the other teams, but nothing too drastic.”
“If we were to lose, it would show up a few of our weaknesses in our game that we’ll go away and work on but we’re going in just looking to win.”
Associates coach Andy Cole believes that the encounter will present the Soaks with a challenge, but that winning the match is not everything at this point in the competition.
“Whether you’re number one or two, I don’t think it matters much to us right now,” he said.
“It’s nice to finish number one, but if you can maintain that second spot, then that’s great.
“In the competition, I think you always know that Nedlands at the Foreshore are going to be a big challenge, and this year they’re leading the pack so it will be even more of a challenge.
With the addition of Emirates Western Force flyhalf Kyle Godwin and no major ins or outs this week, Associates are hoping that their consistency as a playing team will test the home-side.
“I think it will be a good test for us. Nedlands are leading the pack by a bit, and it will be a good experience for the boys,” Cole said.
“Nedlands have had a fair few injuries, as have we, and they’re very organised and structured well.
“Either way it goes, it will be a great match.”
Kalamunda v Cottesloe
Hartfield Park, Forrestfield
Saturday, 21 July – Kick-off: 3.30pm
Last time they met: Cottesloe 25 d Kalamunda 12
Putting a number on the board this weekend will be an improvement for Kalamunda after their embarrassing duck score against Wests Subiaco last week. The 46-0 annihilation was their tenth loss of the season, but a loss by nearest rival Rockingham could see the home-side gain some much needed points and move up on the ladder.
Cottesloe’s easy 42-18 win over Palmyra last week now sees the visitors sitting on equal points with three other teams just outside the top four. While victory over Kalamunda seems likely, the real challenge in the coming weeks will be to gain those precious points to secure a spot in the finals.
Perth Bayswater v Wests Subiaco
Pat O'Hara Reserve, Morley
Saturday, 21 July – Kick-off: 3.30pm
Last time they met: Wests Subiaco 27 d Perth Bayswater 21
Perth Bayswater fell victim to UWA last weekend, with a 13-36 defeat placing them further down the ladder and closer to the wooden spoon. This week’s match against Wests Subiaco is a must-win if the team has any chance of edging out of the bottom three.
After delivering a crippling 46-0 blow to Kalamunda last week, Wests Subiaco have regained some confidence as well as a couple of spots on the ladder, bringing them to third place. A win against Perth Bayswater this week will assist their chances in a top-three survival in the remaining weeks.
Rockingham v UWA
Lark Hill Sporting Complex, Port Kennedy
Saturday, 21 July – Kick-off: 3.30pm
Last time they met: UWA 36 d Rockingham 7
Second-bottom Rockingham has their work cut out against UWA this week, especially after the home-side’s 37-3 loss to top of the table Nedlands last week. The team is in need of another win to prevent them edging closer to last place.
UWA’s 36-13 victory over Perth Bayswater last week saw them return to winning form after a very mixed season. A win for Uni this week would increase their chances of overtaking Wests Subiaco on the ladder, allowing them to secure a spot in the top three ahead of the finals.
Palmyra v Wanneroo
Tompkins Park, Alfred Cove
Saturday, 21 July – Kick-off: 3.30pm
Last time they met: Palmyra 20 d Wanneroo 12
After Palmyra’s shock 42-18 loss to Cottesloe last week, the home-side has found itself questioning how they suffered a loss that would move them from third to sixth place on the ladder. If Palmyra has any chance of securing a spot in the top four in the remaining weeks, a win against Wanneroo this weekend is a must.
Following a narrow loss against Associates last week (15-20), Wanneroo is searching for a win this week which would see them edge closer to their nearest rival in Palmyra. Though sitting in seventh place, there is still finals hope for Wanneroo but they will need to win every game for the remainder of the season.