An exciting Round 11 has tightened the race to the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup finals, with three crucial matches on the cards for this weekend and some important match-ups in the lower grades.
Last week’s comeback kids De La Salle will host Western Suburbs on the hallowed turf of Henson Park, with the Devils needing a win to stay in the top two after three straight losses.
De La Salle co-coach Trent Anderson says he was proud of how his team fought back in their last start against Thirroul, as they clinched the match 27-26 despite trailing 26-4 at halftime.
“The proudest part for our Club was that we only had six players over 20 in that game. For a young and inexperienced team to show that character and belief to turn around quite a significant deficit at halftime showed a lot of belief and fortitude,” Anderson says.
De La will be boosted by the return of halfback Jack Williams for the match against the Devils, with a big crowd expected on what will be a significant occasion for De La Salle as a Club.
“It’s a day that our Club is certainly looking forward to and has been in the plans for some time.
“It’s something that we approached the competition organisers with at the start of the year, and we’re thankful that they’ve supported us with having that game at Henson Park.”
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Butchers await Cougars
Meanwhile, at Gibson Park, the Butchers will be smarting after last week’s disappointing loss when they face Corrimal, who gave Collegians a scare in the second half last weekend. A Jacob Haeta hat-trick saw them behind by only eight with time still left on the clock, but the reigning premiers hung on to take a 34-26 win.
Collies will look to retain their winning run when they take on the resurgent Dapto Canaries, who have won their last three matches. They will have the current ladder leaders in their sights as they aim for a fairytale top-four berth.
Thirroul is currently just two competition points ahead of the Canaries but has a far superior points differential to give them some breathing space as the race to the finals heats up.
Red-hot Devils and Eagles flying in lower grades
In First Division, Dapto has a similar assignment of trying to break into the top four when they battle Collegians. Helensburgh will be looking for an upset when they take on the red-hot Devils at home, while Corrimal can move into the top four if they can topple Thirroul.
A top-of-the-table clash headlines the Harrigan Shield’s weekend action as the undefeated Berkeley plays Figtree.
The Eagles have 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.
Ziems Park will also host a Southern Corridor Women’s Tackle match on Saturday as the Cougars take on Shellharbour Stingrays before the Harrigan Shield match.
Mount Kembla then travel to take on Milton-Ulladulla on Sunday afternoon to conclude the round for our local senior teams.
Words | Russ Haylock