In Round 2 of the Harrigan Cup, Thirroul overcame adversity to claim a gutsy win over Corrimal in a fiery Battle of the Beaches, Wests held firm to deny a fast-finishing Dapto in a thriller at Dapto Showground, while Collegians underlined their premiership credentials with a commanding performance against competition newcomers Sutherland-Loftus.
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Butchers Hold Firm in Fiery Battle of the Beaches
Thirroul have claimed early-season bragging rights in a bruising Round 2 instalment of the Battle of the Beaches, grinding out a 12–4 victory over Corrimal despite playing the final 20 minutes with 12 men.
In a contest dominated by the middle, it was the outside backs who struck first. Corrimal opened the scoring in the 6th minute, with winger Joe Duggan soaring above the pack to haul in a pinpoint Kamren Cryer cross-field kick and give the Cougars a 4–0 lead.
The Butchers responded through their right edge midway through the first half, with Dane Courtney finishing off a slick backline movement after a superb final pass from Brent Naden. Logan Clinch added the extras to edge Thirroul in front 6–4, a slender lead they would take into the sheds.
The second half only lifted in intensity, with tensions boiling over as both sides wrestled for control. Corrimal skipper Ben Murdoch-Masila was sent to the sin bin in the 52nd minute, handing Thirroul a temporary advantage.
The Butchers looked certain to extend their lead soon after when centre Luke Maddaford produced another trademark swan dive in the corner, only for the effort to be ruled out for a forward pass.
Moments later, the momentum swung again. Ammon Cairney was sent from the field following a high shot that resulted in a HIA stoppage, reducing Thirroul to 12 men for the remainder of the match.
But with just a minute remaining on the Cougars’ sin bin, Brent Naden again proved the difference, slicing infield before producing a classy offload to Maddaford, who crossed for the decisive try. Clinch’s conversion pushed the margin out to 12–4.
Corrimal threw plenty at Thirroul in the closing stages but were unable to turn field position into points, as the undermanned Butchers dug deep in defence to shut the game down.
Devils Survive Late Scare in Dapto Arm Wrestle
Wests have held off a fast-finishing Dapto outfit in a gripping Round 2 clash at Dapto Showground, surviving a late surge to claim an 18–14 victory.
The Devils wasted no time asserting themselves, with Tepai Moeroa crashing over in just the 3rd minute to give the visitors an early 6–0 advantage. It set the tone for a physical, grind-it-out contest, with both forward packs locking horns in a classic arm wrestle.
Dapto struck back just before halftime to narrow the margin to 6–4 and keep themselves well within reach heading into the sheds.
The second half appeared to swing firmly in Wests’ favour, as Lachlan Hurst and Justin Rodrigues both crossed to extend the lead to 16–6. When Dane Chisholm slotted a penalty goal in the 67th minute, the Devils looked to have the result under control.
But the Canaries had other ideas.
Jack Gibbons ignited the comeback with a try in the 73rd minute before John Bonham crossed just three minutes later to bring Dapto within striking distance at 18–14. With momentum surging and the home crowd rising, the final minutes were played at a frenetic pace.
Despite the late onslaught, Wests held their nerve in defence to close out the match and secure a hard-fought win.
Collegians Flex Early Authority Over Pirates
Collegians have sent a strong early-season message with a commanding 29–6 victory over competition newcomers Sutherland-Loftus at Collegians Sporting Complex.
The hosts laid the foundation in a dominant first half, racing in four tries, including two treis to Zach Herring and a Blair Grant field goal, for a 19–0 lead, putting the Pirates on the back foot from the outset.
Collies maintained the momentum in the second half with tries to Cooper Barnes and skipper Blake Phillips in an impressive all-round performance.
Despite Sutherland-Loftus showing glimpses of promise, including a consolation try to Morgan Harper, they were unable to match it with Collegians, who reinforced their status as a genuine contender early in the season.
Lower Grade Results
Harrigan Plate
Collegians 32 Helensburgh 12
Wests 48 Dapto 12
Thirroul 32 Corrimal 14
Harrigan Shield
Windang Sharks 16 Mt Kembla Lowries 0
Avondale Wombats 30 Avondale Greyhounds 22
Norths Bulldogs 16 Corrimal 10
Berkeley Eagles 24 Figtree Crushers 16
Photo credits | Denis Ivaneza