The top five teams in the Harrigan Plate competition have been determined. However, there’s still plenty to play for in the final round of the regular season.
In Round 13 over the weekend, Corrimal defeated Dapto with a score of 28-18, Wests triumphed over Collegians 24-6, and Thirroul came out on top against Helensburgh 24-16.
The Butchers victory placed them two points clear of the Tigers on the ladder, with a chance to secure an all-important Qualifying Final with a win this weekend.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s final round, co-leaders Avondale Wombats and Wests Devils, both with 19 points, are aiming to gain momentum heading into the finals, as the top team will earn a rest in Week 1.
The Wombats host Helensburgh on Saturday, who are currently tied for fourth place with Corrimal. The Cougars will face the Devils in the final round.
Thirroul, currently in third place, looks set to secure a Qualifying Final against either the Wombats or the Devils, with a win against Collegians, who will be playing their final match of the season. Dapto’s season is over as they have a bye in the final round.
Harrigan Plate Table
Harrigan Shield
In Round 13, Avondale Greyhounds defeated Wests 44-0, Berkeley beat Corrimal 24-4, and Figtree secured a Qualifying Finals berth with a 24-12 win over Norths. Windang forfeited to the Wombats.
Windang, currently in sixth place, will host Corrimal (7th), on Wednesday evening at Boronia Park for their Round 3 catch-up game.
The Sharks need to win to keep their Finals hopes alive with a victory moving them into a tie for fifth place with Berkeley, putting their fate in their own hands ahead of their sudden-death clash with the Eagles on Saturday in the final round.
Conversely, a loss will leave them with a only a slim chance of qualifying for the finals, needing to win their next game and and rely on a better points differential.
In the remaining matches, second-placed Wombats will face Figtree, who is in third place, and the Greyhounds can secure a bye in the first week of finals with a win over Corrimal.
Norths, currently in fourth place and already assured a spot in the finals, will use their match against Wests as a preparation for next week’s elimination bout against either the Eagles or the Sharks.
Harrigan Shield Table
