Collegians hope to keep their winning record intact when they take on Dapto in Round 12 of the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup on Saturday. The defending premiers have won six on the trot, their last loss was against Wests in Round 5.
While Collies defeated Dapto 22-14 in Round 2 and 52-22 in Round 7, Blake Wallace’s men look to have turned the corner more recently, winning their last three against Wests, Thirroul, and Corrimal. A win for Dapto is crucial to continue their challenge for a spot in the Finals.
A top two spot is up for grabs when De La Salle and Wests meet at famous Henson Park this Saturday.
Wests will be looking to halt their recent slide, having lost three on the trot, but face a confident De La, who came back from a 26-4 deficit to take the points over Thirroul last week.
The Butchers will be looking to avoid their third loss in a row when they face up to the improving Corrimal. The Butchers did give them a touch-up in Round 7, racking up 50 unanswered points. However, based on recent performances, the Cougars can’t be too far away from their first win of the season.
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Close race in First Division
In First Division, every game is crucial from here on in, with all six teams still in contention for a finals berth.
Wests (1) travel north to meet Helensburgh (3) at Rex Jackson Oval. A win to the Tigers would affirm their finals potential; however, the Devils have the wood on them, winning both previous encounters this season.
Dapto (5) is at home to second-placed Collies and will be looking for redemption following last week’s 30-4 loss to the Devils. After beating Collies 22-12 at home in Round 2, Collies returned serve with a 34-2 win in Round 7.
However, two draws and a loss from their last three games see them vulnerable to a Canaries outfit desperate for the win.
Corrimal have been the big improvers of late, drawing with Collies last week and defeating Helensburgh, Dapto, and Wests. The Cougars are the only team to have beaten the competition leaders this season.
The Cougars take on Thirroul, who, although last, still have a mathematical chance of making the finals. The Butchers handed the Cougars their last loss, 32-12, in their Round 7 clash.
Berkeley on top in Shield
It’s a top-of-the-table clash in Harrigan Shield action, with the undefeated Berkeley hosting Figtree, who boasts an impressive for and against record, amassing 302 points for and a miserly 48 against.
Berkeley defeated Figtree 30-12 in Round 5 in their only meeting this season. It was the Crushers’ last loss, having won their previous five on the trot. The Crushers’ only other loss came in Round One against Avondale. The Greyhounds, currently third, are away to Corrimal, and Windang has the bye.
Unfortunately, Mt Kembla has forfeited to Norths and subsequently withdrawn from the competition due to a mounting injury toll and player unavailable. The draw continues as is for the remaining three weeks of the season. Teams scheduled to play the Lowries will receive two competition points.
