BULLS LAST CHARGE AT FINALS?
Fifth-placed Kalamunda are poised to break back into the top four if they can account for premiers Cottesloe at Harvey Field in Saturday’s RugbyWA club competition match of the round, sponsored by KWIK Transport and Crane Hire.
Kalamunda are just two points adrift of fourth-placed Palmyra, although they looked anything but finalist material a few weeks ago, struggling to beat eighth-placed University and then losing a vital game against sixth-placed Wanneroo at Kingsway 20-10.
The loss had Bulls coach Paul King tearing out what little remains of his hair.
“We couldn’t have bought a try,” King said.
“It's about the second or third week in a row where we just dropped everything. We're creating opportunities but the ball gets turned over or we just drop it cold.”
That all changed with last week’s emphatic 37-17 win over Palmyra at Hartfield.
“We made a few changes, and it seemed to fall into place for us,” King said.
“The boys were hurting as much as I was after the Wanneroo game, and they responded. They really took it to heart.
“We gave a couple of guys a chance and they grabbed it with both hands.
“Our forwards went well and set a good platform and we capitalised on that.
“The boys eliminated most of the errors and that was a major factor.
It’s not a hard game, rugby. Cut out the mistakes and you’ve got a pretty good chance.”
All that stands in Kalamunda’s path to the finals now is reigning premiers Cottesloe, who are having problems of their own.
The Seagulls lost to Soaks in round seven, drew with Palmyra in round nine and squeaked home by one point 18-17 against University two weeks ago. The Seagulls' defence has leaked worryingly large scores against some of the competition's lower sides and that could be a problem against a talented attacking side like Kalamunda.
Cottesloe did account for second-placed Nedlands last week 26-19 at Sir Charles Court Reserve, but Neddies have been below standard for some weeks also and the result may lull the Seagulls into a false sense of security against a fired-up Bulls team.
King hopes to field a full strength team despite a bout of flu decimating the ranks at Tuesday night training.
“Cottesloe this week, they’re a different kettle of fish,” King said.
“They are top of the table and they deserve to be there.”
When Kalamunda and Cottesloe met in round six at Hartfield, the Seagulls won by a close 16-12.
“Last time we played them we scored two tries to one and their kicker, Dave Cloete, was the difference on the day,” King said.
“We’ve been working hard the last few weeks not to give away penalties in kicking range.”
By Rick Boyd | RugbyWA
