Pindan Premier Grade Preview - Week 14

 

As the race for the Pindan Premier Grade finals heating up, Associates will look to continue their impressive run against UWA in the match of the round.

 

Soaks have not dropped a match in seven outings, with their 29-27 loss to Palmyra the only glitch on an otherwise three-month unbeaten streak.

 

The impressive late season form sees Associates (51 points) applying the pressure to the table-topping Nedlands (54 points), after their unbeaten run came crashing down with consecutive losses in the past two weeks.

 

This week’s hosts have won their past four matches are home and continue to be boosted by the return of flanker Angus Cottrell and flyhalf Kyle Godwin from their Super Rugby duties.

 

In contrast, UWA have a mixed three-win, three-loss record on the road in 2012 but are well in the mix for a top four finish. The students (41 points) sit in third place at present with Cottesloe (41 points), Palmyra (40 points) and Wests Subiaco (37 points) breathing down their necks.

 

The UWA line-up continues to be littered with Bankwest Academy representatives, including hooker Harry Scoble, lock Corey Thomas and flanker Richard Hardwick, while Christian Joubert has proven dangerous from the back in recent weeks.

 

 

 

Palmyra returns home to face Rockingham full of confidence after inflicting Nedlands with their second loss of the season.

 

Palmyra sits just outside the top four and will be seeking a big home win to boost their percentage with five regular season matches remaining.

 

Former Chiefs front-rower Joe Savage has led the way in the Paly engine room, along with last year’s PG Hampshire Medallist Anare Koliavu, while flyhalf Sam Jurisich continues to be the linchpin in the backline.

 

In contrast, the season has not been kind to Rockingham, who continues to feel the effects of a wretched run with injuries.

 

An upset home win over Wanneroo three weeks has been the highlight of an otherwise bleak month of rugby for the visitors.

 

 

Nedlands will be keen to put their past fortnight behind them and return to the winners’ list against Kalamunda on Saturday.

 

After stringing 11 wins together, Neddies have dropped their last two despite leading both of them at half time.

 

With fullback Cam Crowley in rare try-scoring form and inside centre Ryan Mcleoud continuing to get his side across the gain line, Nedlands will be chasing a win to maintain their competition lead over the in-form Associates.

 

Kalamunda may not have boasted the most memorable of seasons but they will attempt to have their own say on the make-up of the finals over the final five rounds.

 

While they remain anchored to the bottom of the table, scrumhalf Tubula Niumataiwalu and premiership player David Kara have been consistently strong for the Bulls.

 

 

While it appears that both sides may have missed the finals boat for 2012, Wanneroo will be hoping that a win over Perth Bayswater (plus other favourable results) will help them sneak into the top four.

 

The Roo Dogs had a resounding 68-19 win over Kalamunda last week and will be hoping to continue that point-scoring form against Perth.

 

Wanneroo have been well served by Emirates Western Force prop Tetera Faulkner and man mountain Masauosalo Tutaia, while the inclusion of Force centre Will Tupou also nprovides some starch in the midfield.

 

While the finals are out of reach for Perth Bayswater, they continue to be well served by scrumhalf-cum-flyhalf Ethan Carlisle, hard-running centre Brendon Anderson and front-rower Laione Mulikihaamea.

 

 

Following last weekend’s 41-29 loss to UWA, Wests Subiaco faces a virtual do-or-die match against Cottesloe for remaining in touch with the top four.

 

Wests sit four points adrift of fourth place and must play three of the competition’s top four sides in the final rounds of the competition.

 

Despite this, they remain armed with the firepower to turn it around, including workhorse No.8 Pierre Roberts and elusive centre Chance Bunce.

 

However, the task doesn’t get any easier for Wests Subiaco with Cottesloe set to welcome back Emirates Western Force representatives Richard Brown and Brett Sheehan this weekend.

 

Cottesloe have bounced back from their Round 10 loss to Associates by recording in excess of 30 points in their past three matches with winger Eric Vasukicakau cashing in on the attacking rugby, seemingly scoring tries at will.