Palmyra v Rockingham Preview

[fulvio sammut]

Next Saturday's first grade game against Rockingham should be a much tighter encounter than the two teams' respective positions on the tables would have you expect.

Rockingham have a lot going for them this week.They have a home ground advantage, are coming off a very close 6 points to 8 loss to a resurgent Perth last game, have recently recruited two French stars, and will enjoy the benefit of the return of two of their state forwards who were not available to them against Perth.To this can be added the extra effort they can expect from ex Palmyra centre Eddie Pilellie in his first game against his former club, and of course Rockingham's notoriously vocal and partisan home crowd.

Palmyra are yet to return to full strength after a mid season run of injuries (no excuses, all clubs have them) and their form recently has been indifferent against Perth and Nedlands.

On the positive side, Ratu may be available for his first full game for the club, subject to medical clearance from the Force doctors later this week, and the old combination of Jerry Viriki and Tommy Ratahai on the flanks with James Stannard at flyhalf should increase both attacking and defending possibilities. An expected return to form after niggling injuries by winger Nems Momo should also make things interesting.

Neither club is likely to have any Force players available, although several players from both clubs are in the Academy.

As far as activities around the Palmyra club are concerned, last week saw the Fijian National side train at Tompkins Park in preparation for their Test match against Australia. Today saw a State under 19 selection trial being played under lights, and next Saturday afternoon and evening will see a State Poker League Championship Tournament being played in the clubrooms.

Colts and 6ths will be playing at Bunbury and 3rds and 5ths will be at Mandurah. Whoever sets these fixtures either has a great sense of humour or a great deal of malevolence!

And a week after RugbyWA were advised of the incorrect results being posted in the 6th grade game Palmyra v Joondalup (Palmyra won 21 to 20) the scores and tables have still not been adjusted. What's going on, Joondalup, you got some influence there?