A much-anticipated heavyweight clash this week with Collegians (4th) hosting ladder leaders De La Salle in the Harrigan Premiership ‘Match of the Round.’ While it is their first meeting this year, after their Round 3 fixture was washed out, they met four times last year, sharing the honours.
De La got the better of their opponents on two out of three occasions during the regular season before Collies got ultimate bragging rights with a 24-6 win in their all-important semi-final clash to advance to the big dance. Thirroul eventually knocked out the Shire boys the following week.
Both teams come into the clash in winning form. Collegians recorded hard-fought wins over Thirroul and Dapto, while De La knocked over Wests in their last outing after easily accounting for Corrimal.
In the other matches, the sixth-placed Cougars will be looking to upset Wests (3rd) in front of their vocal supporters at Ziems Park after the Devils got the points 30-6 in Round 3.
Thirroul (2nd) will be hoping to bounce back with a win over fifth-placed Dapto at home on Sunday after last week’s disappointing eight-point away loss to Collies.
That’s no guarantee, however, after the two sides scored three tries apiece in their thrilling 16-all draw in Round 3. The Canaries trailed 10-0 at the break and 16-6 deep into the second stanza before mounting a late comeback, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to level the score.
The Lower Grades
Defending Premiers and ladder leaders, Wests, will face competition newcomers Avondale Wombats (2nd) for the first time this season. Both teams will be out to protect their undefeated record in the Harrigan Plate.
In the other matches on Saturday, Helensburgh hosts Collies, and Corrimal is at home to Berkeley. Thirroul will host Dapto at Thomas Gibson Park on Sunday.
In the Harrigan Shield, competition leaders Figtree will meet third-placed Windang at Boronia Park on Saturday afternoon in the Second Division Match of the Round.
The Crushers have won six on the trot, but after the Wombats almost grabbed the ‘W’ last week, they will be more than wary of the Sharks.
The Cougars are at home to Berkeley, and the Wombats and Wests will clash at Dandaloo Oval.
In Sunday’s fixture, Norths hosts Avondale Greyhounds at Jim Allen Oval.
Round 9 Fixtures>> Harrigan Plate
Round 9 Fixtures>> Harrigan Shield
Main picture | Evergreen Collies forward Blake Phillips taking on the De La Salle defence during Magic Round last season.
