The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Preliminary Finals arrive in the Dynamoney Illawarra South Coast merged competition. There are no second chances from here, victory means a place in the grand final, while defeat marks the end of the season.
Illawarra Rugby League clubs Collegians, Helensburgh, Wests, Thirroul, and Corrimal are all fighting for their shot at glory this Saturday.
Under 13s Boys Competition
In the U13s Boys Premier Division, second-placed Collegians will face fourth-placed Nowra. Collegians have earned a second chance after a 20-0 loss to Albion Park Oak Flats in the semi-finals, while Nowra aim to continue their finals run following a 20-12 victory over Shellharbour.
In Second Division, second-placed Helensburgh (main picture) will meet fourth-placed Milton-Ulladulla after Helensburgh’s narrow 16-14 semi-final loss to Wests at Ron Costello Oval. Milton-Ulladulla moved one step closer to the grand final with a convincing 32-14 win over St Georges Basin at Flinders Field.
Under 14s Boys Competition
The U14s Boys Premier Division preliminary final features an all-Illawarra clash, with Wests taking on Thirroul. Wests are seeking redemption after a 20-12 semi-final loss to Shellharbour, while Thirroul are aiming for a grand final berth following a tight 16-12 victory over St Georges Basin.
In Second Division, second-placed Albion Park Oak Flats will host fourth-placed Thirroul. Albion Park Oak Flats are looking to rebound after a 52-2 loss to Milton-Ulladulla, while Thirroul edged into the prelims with a nail-biting 6-4 win over Woonona.
Under 15s Boys Competition
In the U15s Boys Premier Division, an all-Illawarra derby sees Corrimal face Wests in the preliminary final. Third-placed Wests come in after a 20-14 win over Thirroul, while Corrimal look to recover from their first loss of the season, a 24-14 defeat to grand final qualifiers Collegians.
The Second Division preliminary final pits ladder-leaders Warrilla against Illawarra club Helensburgh. Warrilla are taking their second chance at a grand final spot after an 18-10 loss to second-placed Albion Park Oak Flats, while Helensburgh are aiming to extend their four-game winning streak following a strong 20-12 victory over Woonona.
Under 16s Boys Competition
In the U16s Boys Premier Division, Berry takes on Albion Park Oak Flats. Albion Park Oak Flats are riding high after a 22-14 victory over Shellharbour, while Berry stays in the hunt despite a 14-8 loss to top-of-the-table Wests.
In Second Division, the Stingrays face Wests in the preliminary final. The Stingrays are seeking redemption after a narrow 20-18 semi-final defeat to Kiama, while Wests look to maintain momentum following a 14-12 win over Albion Park Oak Flats.
Preliminary Finals, Saturday, 5 September
Parrish Park
14.1 Wests v Thirroul, 930am
13.1 Collegians v Nowra, 1030am
13.2 Helensburgh v Milton Ulladulla, 1130am
15.1 Corrimal v Wests, 1230pm
Ron Costello Oval
14.2 APOF v Thirroul, 930am
15.2 Warila v Helensburgh, 1030am
16.2 Stingrays v Wests, 1130am
16.1 Berry v APOF, 1240pm
Words: Harrison Mellare
Image: Helensburgh JRLFC Facebook