Perth Premier Grade Round 2 Preview
Associates v Wanneroo
Allen Park
Friday, 27 April – Kick-off: 8.15pm
Last time they met: Associates 36 def Wanneroo 27
It was tight between the two sides last season with a 26-all draw in their first encounter and Associates taking the spoils in game two by just nine points.
Associates will look to make the most of their home ground advantage in this Friday night blockbuster and record a second straight win after a convincing 23-12 win over Cottesloe in round one.
Wanneroo too will be full of confidence following a bonus point thrashing of Rockingham (36-12) which has them perched in second place on the ladder.
Palmyra v Cottesloe
Tompkins Park
Friday, 27 April – Kick-off: 8.15pm
Last time they met: Cottesloe 32 def Palmyra 9
Cottesloe took the points in both meetings between the sides last season, the second of which came during their late season burst that saw the Seagulls win nine games on the trot.
Palmyra meanwhile are intent on showing their a different kettle of fish this season and their gutsy first round win away from home against Wests Subiaco has put them on the right path in 2012. Pally now needs to make Tompkins Park a fortress after winning just 56% of their matches at home last season.
Another of the Friday night fixtures in the Pindan Premier Grade promises to be a beauty with plenty of motivation for Palmyra at home while the Gulls will be smarting from their loss to arch rivals Associates.
Rockingham v Nedlands
Lark Hill Sporting Complex
Saturday, 28 April - Kick-off: 2.30pm
Last time they met: Nedlands 41 def Rockingham 16
Rockingham took the spoils in their first encounter last season defeating Nedlands by just a point but Neddies showed they were the dominant side in game two with a convincing 41-16 defeat.
It wasn’t a great start for Rockingham last week after a 36-12 loss to Wanneroo and they’ll be summoning all their strength for a showdown with the competition heavyweights but as evidenced last season anything can happen on game day and a repeat of their shock win last season isn’t out of the question.
Neddies meanwhile claimed retribution for the 2011 Grand Final loss as they overpowered UWA 32-19 in round one and already this early in the season are looking like the team to beat in 2012.
Kalamunda v Wests Subiaco
Hartfield Park
Saturday, 28 April - Kick-off: 2.30pm
Last time they met: Wests Subiaco 47 def Kalamunda 6
While Wests Subiaco would be considered favourites heading into this clash after winning both meetings between these teams in 2011 however the trek to Hartfield isn’t an easy one and they will need to be on their guard against a Kalamunda team stinging from their heavy opening round defeat.
After propping up the table last season the Bulls would have been hoping for a better start to 2012 however a lacklustre 32-3 loss to Perth Bayswater gave them plenty to think about going into this fixture.
Bank on a better showing from Kalamunda in front of their home crowd but it will take their best to beat Wests.
UWA v Perth Bayswater
McGillivray Oval
Saturday, 28 April - Kick-off: 2.30pm
Last time they met: UWA 20 def Perth Bayswater 11
These sides shared a win each in their two clashes last season with Perth Bayswater taking the points in the first game 33-27 and UWA winning 20-11 in game two.
UWA’s premiership honeymoon was short lived as Nedlands brought them back down to earth in the opening round but the resilience of Uni is a trait they pride themselves on and with a second consecutive match at home they will be determined to return to their winning ways.
As they did in 2011 Perth Bayswater has made a blistering start to the season and sits on top the ladder after following their 32-3 bonus point win over Kalamunda. They will however be acutely away how quickly things can change and will be desperate to hold their position after fading last season to finish second from bottom.
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