We could be in for a Finals dress rehearsal this Saturday in the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup with Wests (1) taking on Thirroul (4) and Collegians (2) battling with De La Salle (3). Corrimal is up against Dapto in the remaining game of Round 9.
Gibson Park will be the venue for this week’s Match of the Round, with ladder-leaders Wests making the journey north to take on the fourth-placed Butchers. Thirroul led at half-time before being run down by Collegians last week, while Wests started slowly but finished strong to defeat Corrimal.
Devils five-eighth Hamish McLaurin (pictured right) says while the team hasn’t been firing on all cyclinders in recent weeks, they’ve still been pleased to stay in the winner’s circle and retain their unbeaten record.
“Our form holds us in good stead going forward, but that’s not the end goal,” Hamish says.
“We’ve just got to focus on the big picture and where we want to be in seven weeks. We’re still winning games which is a good thing, and by the time semi-finals come around, we’ll be ready to roar.”
Cougars and Canaries desperate for win
Meanwhile, at Dapto Showground, the Canaries and the Cougars will be desperate for a win when they meet on Saturday.
Kristian Williams (pictured left) has been a consistent performer for Corrimal this season, plying his trade in the back row in his second season with the Club.
“We’re definitely making some positive progress. Unfortunately, we aren’t getting the wins we want, but we are improving as a team and individuals every week, and that’s all you can ask,” Kristian says.
Moving from Perth to Wollongong at the start of last season, Kristian says he has been embraced by the Cougars and has enjoyed having fellow West Australian Gethin Thomas alongside him this season.
“It’s been awesome to have Gethin. I’ve sort of had him under my wing a bit. We’re over here to grow as individuals, but we’re also here to commit to Corrimal and to keep helping week in and week out.”
Read More>> Gethin’s Path To The Cougars
Battle for second heats up
De La Salle can leapfrog Collegians and move into second should they take the two points when they meet at Captain Cook Oval on Saturday. The Shire-based outfit defeated the minor premiers in the Magic Round earlier this year and will be looking to repeat the dose this weekend.
In First Division, Helensburgh will celebrate their Old Boys Day and Steve McCallum’s 250th match when they play Collegians this Saturday, while Thirroul play Wests and Dapto take on Corrimal in corresponding fixtures to the Mojo Homes competition.
Read More>> Tigers Tower of strength to play 250th game
Meanwhile, in Harrigan Shield, Berkeley plays Mount Kembla, Figtree goes up against Windang, and Avondale host Northern Suburbs.
There will also be matches held locally in the Southern Corridor Women’s Competition, with Corrimal hosting Warilla Lake-South and Mount Kembla traveling to Shellharbour to take on the Stingrays. The games will be crucial with five rounds remaining, as the Cougars look to hold their spot in the top four and the Lowries look to open their account.
Words | Russ Haylock