This weekend’s Magic Round could prove decisive in the race to the top two, with the top four sides clashing in Round 4 of the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup.
Second-placed Wests face the prospect of a fired-up Thirroul (4th) at WIN Stadium this Saturday after the Butchers let in three unanswered tries in their 24-6 loss to ladder-leaders Collegians last week.
“We are disappointed with last week, so we’re looking to improve in all areas, especially our discipline, and trying to build some pressure with the ball,” said Thirroul coach Jarrod Costello.
“We conceded 24 points last week, which is way too many, so that’s been the focus this week and building some combinations and pressure when we get some opportunities.”
Costello is a fan of Magic Round and is hoping his players rise to the occasion.
“It showcases the competition, and even though there are only six teams in it, the standard is really high, so it is good for the competition. Hopefully, the supporters from all six sides get out there and make it a good day.”
Read More>>Six teams, Three Games, One Magic Round
Devil in the detail
Meanwhile, Wests posted their second win of the season with a comprehensive 46-0 win over last-placed Corrimal, bouncing back after a hard-fought 20-all draw with De La Salle the previous week.
After an uncharacteristic slow start to the season by their own standards, including a come-from-behind 28-12 win over Dapto in the opening round, Wests halfback Justin Rodrigues says his side took some comfort from last week’s victory over the Cougars.
“It was pretty disappointing to put in the opening couple of performances after such a long, gruelling pre-season,” Rodrigues said.
“To throw that standard of football up for the first two rounds was pretty poor, so it was a relief for everyone, players and coaching staff, to show that our hard work did pay off. Hopefully, we get better from there.”
Rodriques says the Red Devils are also looking to build some positive experiences at the region’s flagship venue after their heartbreaking loss there in last year’s grand final.
“It’s always a fast track and wider than the fields we typically play on, so it’s a good experience for the players and a good chance for fans to come out and see teams they wouldn’t generally see play against one another.”
In third place, De La Salle’s premiership hopes will be tested against the competition leaders, Collegians, when they collide in the second match on Saturday afternoon. A win for the Shire outfit will shrug off doubts about their title credentials.
In the earlier game, Dapto and the Cougars are searching for their first win of the season. Both teams appeared to have recruited well in the off-season but have yet to bear fruit with their new combinations.
Around the Grounds
Wests also face Thirroul in First Division at Sid Parrish Park. Collegians host Helensburgh in what looks to be an evenly-matched contest while Corrimal will host Dapto at Ziems Park.
Elsewhere, fourth-placed Windang host Berkeley (3rd) in Harrigan Shield. The Sharks are coming off a confidence-boosting win over Avondale last week. The Cougars are at home to Figtree, with Wests/Mt Kembla taking on the Greyhounds.
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Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup , WIN Stadium, Saturday, 20 May
- 12.15pm – Corrimal Cougars v Dapto Canaries
- 2.00pm – Collegians v De La Salle
- 3.45pm – Wests Devils v Thirroul Butchers
Mojo Homes First Division
- 12.00pm – Wests v Thirroul, Sid Parish Park
- 1.30pm – Collegians v Helensburgh, Collegians Sporting Complex
- 3.00pm – Corrimal v Dapto, Ziems Park
Harrigan Shield
- 12.00pm, Corrimal v Figtree, Ziems Park
- 3.00pm – Windang v Berkeley, Boronia Park
- 3.00pm – Mt Kembla v Avondale, Mt Kembla Park
- Bye – Northern Suburbs Bulldogs