With just the two catch-up games played in the lower grades over the June Long Weekend, Angelina Raula reviews the season so far as we approach the halfway point.
The Lower Grade Wrap, brought to you by Steelers
Harrigan Plate: Close Race Unfolding
Two postponed Round 2 matches were played over the June long weekend, with Dapto defeating the Wombats 30-26 and Wests outlasting Collies 28-26, after the Devils raced out to a 22-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Collies hit back with two tries before the break to reduce the margin to 22-10. They continued that momentum in the second half with three unanswered tries to lead 26-22 on the hour mark.
However, it was Devils hooker Ryan Barbuto who had the last say, sneaking out from dummy half for the final four-pointer of the match. Mitchell Porter converted the try, finishing with a perfect record of four from four with the boot, to seal the win.
[Watch] Devils hooker Ryan Barbuto darts out from dummy half to score the match-winner.
Wests lead the charge in Harrigan Plate with three wins and a draw. Helensburgh, Thirroul, and Corrimal (main picture) are three points adrift from the ladder leaders, followed by Avondale Wombats and Dapto on five competition points. Collegians are yet to register a victory despite several close contests.
Thirroul’s Aaymon Fitzgibbon leads the try-scoring race with four tries, showcasing his attacking instincts and finishing skills.
Close behind him are several players tied on three tries, including Brendan Bayliss (Wombats), Jesse Cobb (Tigers), Mitch Porter (Wests), and James Ralphs (Wombats). Matthew Anger (Tigers) and Porter head the pointscoring tally with 28.
Round 7 Fixtures
Harrigan Shield: Avondale Greyhounds Remain Undefeated
Avondale Greyhounds are the only unbeaten team after four rounds, scoring 103 points and conceding just two tries in three matches. A forfeit from Figtree in Round 3 added two more competition points to their tally. Their neighbours, the Wombats, are next on six points along with Northern Suburbs and Figtree who are also in the mix with three wins each; the Bulldogs only loss was against the ladder-leading Greyhounds in their last start, proving the 2022 Premiers look to be a threat again based on their early season form.
Windang Sharks and Wests Lowries each have one win under their belts, with the Sharks getting the better of Wests in their Round 5 clash.
The Lowries sole victory came in Round 2 over Corrimal, who, along with Berkeley, are still searching for their first wins of the season.
The Wombats Lehi Patiola leads the try-scoring tally with five tries, proving a threat out wide. Teammate William Murchie and Greyhounds’ Dylan Riggs follow close behind with three apiece. Figtree’s Christopher Browne and Matt Hobbs have chipped in with two tries to help keep the Crushers in the hunt.
Riggs is the leading pointscorer with 30, followed by Browne on 26. The Wombats Jake Isedale and Patiole are next on 24.
Round 6 Fixtures
Words | Angelina Raula