The race for the Harrigan Cup finals tightened on the weekend with Wests, Corrimal and Collegians all recording important victories in Round 7.
Wests overcame an early 12-point deficit to defeat Dapto 19-12 at Parrish Park, while Corrimal stunned competition leaders Thirroul 32-12 at Ziems Park.
On Sunday, Collegians produced a comeback of their own to defeat Sutherland-Loftus 30-22 in the Shire.
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Wests Devils 19 def Dapto Canaries 12
Wests produced another trademark second-half surge to overcome Dapto 19-12 in front of their home supporters at Parrish Park.
The Canaries dominated the opening exchanges with Tom Freebairn heavily involved. The competition’s only captain coach helped create Dapto’s opening try before crossing himself as the visitors raced to a 12-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Devils responded before halftime through winger George Jennings and centre Colby Pellow, both crossing for unconverted tries to reduce the margin to 12-8 at the break.
Momentum swung firmly in Wests’ favour after the interval.
Pellow grabbed his second try of the afternoon to edge the Devils in front before Justin Rodrigues produced one of the moments of the match. The No.9 chased through his own kick before the ball was batted back into his hands close to the line for Wests’ fourth try.
With Dapto pressing late, halfback Dane Chisholm calmly slotted a field goal in the 73rd minute to extend the lead to seven points.
The Canaries remained in the contest until the final moments, but a late try to five-eighth Troy Pieper proved little more than consolation as Wests secured a hard-fought 19-12 victory.
Corrimal Cougars 32 def Thirroul Butchers 12
Corrimal reignited their finals hopes with a statement 32-12 victory over ladder leaders Thirroul at Ziems Park.
After suffering a narrow defeat to the Butchers earlier in the season, the Cougars turned the tables in emphatic fashion, running in six tries to two.
The result squares the 2026 “Battle of the Beaches” series at one win apiece and hands Thirroul just their second defeat of the season.
The victory lifts Corrimal back into the top four and provides another reminder of how tight the Harrigan Cup competition remains heading into the second half of the year.
Collegians 30 def Sutherland-Loftus 22
Collegians overcame a sluggish start to claim a valuable 30-22 victory over Sutherland-Loftus on Sunday.
The Pirates stunned the visitors early, racing to a 12-0 advantage and threatening to record their maiden win of the season.
However, Collegians gradually worked their way into the contest and produced a strong finishing effort to reel in the deficit and eventually run away with the match.
The win keeps Collies firmly in the hunt near the top of the ladder, while Sutherland-Loftus were left to rue another missed opportunity after an encouraging opening period.
With just four points separating the top five sides, Round 7 has further tightened the battle for Harrigan Cup finals positions heading into the back half of the season.
Lower Grades
Harrigan Plate
Collegians 30 Helensburgh 24
Thirroul 12 Corrimal 10
Wests defeated Dapto (forfeit)
Harrigan Shield
Mt Kembla 24 Avondale Wombats 18
Figtree 44 Corrimal 4
Berkeley 26 Windang 14
Norths 34 Avondale Greyhounds 10
Photo credits: Denis Ivaneza