0
The KWIK Premier Grade’s two stingiest defences meet this weekend when table topping Nedlands travel to Tompkins Park to take on third placed Palmyra on Saturday.
Both sides have conceded just 97 points so far this season and defense will figure prominently in both coaches thinking this weekend.
“The old saying goes that defense wins games and that’s definitely something I believe in,” said Nedlands Coach Tony Ball.
“Both ourselves and Paly have had the same number of points scored against us this season so I think it will be a low scoring game and whoever can break through and make the most of their opportunities on attack should win.”
So far this year Nedlands have done just that and the reigning Premiers have scored a competition leading 274 points to go along with their sterling defense.
Palmyra have scored just 124 in comparison but can take heart from the fact that Rockingham needed only 19 to beat the Royal Blues two weeks ago and in doing so hand them their first defeat of the season.
“We had a bad day in the office against Rockingam,” Ball said.
“We had four yellow cards and a penalty try awarded against us. The boys just didn’t read the referee and ended up getting frustrated and we lost it in the end.
“That game aside I’m very happy with how the season’s gone so far. We’ve had a of couple injuries the last two weeks but the replacements have stepped up and performed well which shows that we’ve got some depth in the squad which is important and good to see.
“The match against Palmyra is going to be tough. It’s a big day at the club and I’m sure they’d love to knock us over in front of all their supporters and the families that will be there this weekend.”
Saturday sees Palmyra hosting their annual family day and festival of rugby and the club’s 1991 Premiership winning team will be in attendance, although the extra motivation is hardly required according to Paly Coach John Taylor.
“You shouldn’t need any extra incentive for a match against Nedlands,” said Taylor.
“They’ve made the semi-finals for something like the last 28 years so obviously they know what they’re about and have a good culture at the club.
“I admire them and the way they just keep going about their business and getting the results. A game against Neddies is always a good barometer of where you are at as a side and it will be interesting to see how we go.”
A win on the weekend would strengthen Palmyra’s position in the top four and put some distance between them and the large mid-table pack but Taylor insists it is much too early to be thinking about finals.
“I’m not overly concerned with ladder position at this stage,” he said.
“I believe that if the process works the end results fall into place. The process seems to be working but there are still eleven rounds to go and the competition this year is really close with everybody knocking off everybody so it’s not something I’ve really thought about to be honest.”
TEAMS (Provisional)
Palmyra
1 J. Savage,
2 F. Smith
3 H. Tioki
4 P. O’ Connor
5 A. Daly
6 A. Koliavu
7 N. Oakley
8 K. Leary
9 D. McClaren
10 R. Hutton
11 M. King
12 H. Marr
13 V. Booiman
14 W. Cameron- Dow
15 J. Alston
Reserves:
16 N. Fatuali’I
17 S. Bowley
18 J. Ball
Nedlands
1 Marlen Walker (c)
2 Mason Pomare
3 Kane Greer
4 Callum Sauer
5 Luke Doherty
6 Ollie Baaisac
7 Tane Edwards
8 Ritchie Naylor
9 Nathan Roberts
10 Mike Botes
11 Warren Black
12 Justin Webster
13 Juan Pretorius
14 Cam Crowley
15 Bryce Penny
Reserves:
16 Toketa Tonga
17 Barry dry
18 Dan Bailey
19 Rob Carter
20 Jaydyn Scorrige
21 Edz Turinui
22 Matt Venter
RugbyWA