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The best of the KWIK Premier Grade competition came together for the first time as the Perth XV on Saturday afternoon and notched a hard fought 41-21 victory over a young RugbyWA Academy selection side at UWA Sports Park.
Wanneroo representative Oli Viney was impressive on the wing, crossing the line with four of the XV’s seven tries.
Perth XV opened proceedings with an early try to Joe Egan whilst Jared Cropper and Marlin Walker also crossed to accompany Viney on the scoreboard. The winning margin could have been greater had Dave Cloete, last season’s PG Hamphire Award winner, converted all seven attempts at goal.
The Perth XV played a forward orientated style making some strong pushes into attack through their pick and drive however the Academy were able to shut down many backline moves with some well organised defence.
After being dominated for the first 60 minutes, the Academy’s fitness level began to show dividends as they managed to break through and cross twice late in the game to close the gap slightly.
Emirates Western Force players Dane Haylett-Petty and Joelin Rapana took their place in the academy side with Ben Hales, Bruce Smith-Wright, Heremia TE Aute, Conrad Gillingham, JP Praduad and Ted Postal also enjoying the hitout.
Also in action on Saturday were the state’s top Under 20’s grade who tackled WA Country.
It turned out to be a one sided affair with the 20’s too youthful and skillful for Country outfit who had only come together following last weekend’s Country Carnival in Katanning.
It was a dominant display by the State 20’s team running in an impressive twelve tries to nil defeating the WA Country side 76-0.
Lock Nick Haining was outstanding and played like an extra backrower as he picked up a hat trick of tries along with second row partner Mark Kidson scoring a double.
Backs Stephan Grobler and Eric Vasuvakalau crossed twice each and were joined by Troy Skiba, Dane Jobe, and Ryno Fourie as try scorers. Jobe topped off a successful afternoon with the boot by converting eight from 12.
The Perth XV and State Under 20s players will continue in their club rugby for the remainder of the season as the final selection process continues.
The selected squads will then represent Western Australia on a tour to South Australia in October to take on teams from Victoria, South Australia and ACT.
http://rugbywa.com.au/news/article,58484.html
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Originally Posted by Hansie
