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Palmyra (1) v Associates (4) at The Foreshore. Saturday, 12 August. Kick off 3:30PM.
Minor premiers Palmyra face Associates in the first Pindan Premier grade Semi-Final at the Foreshore on Saturday, with the two sides battling it out for a second time in as many weeks after a thrilling fixture last weekend, with Soaks securing fourth place and the RugbyWA Cup with a five point victory. The Swanbourne men proved proved more determined, focused and desperate last weekend with their grit and determination earning them the upset. Associate will again wear the underdog tag this weekend, and with their backs against the wall in their first finals appearance since 2012 they will take the fight to the minor premiers.
Palmyra have been the form side of the competition this season, romping to the minor premiership with a round left to play. The Palmyra have been the title favourites since the opening few rounds of the season and are now just one game away from a crack at the ultimate prize in WA rugby. Last weekend’s slip up against Associates won’t last long in the memories, as their position was already secure going into the game. Future Force Foundation powerhouses Onehunga Havilli and Mees Erasmus have been outstanding this season, while Michael Fotu has been in try scoring form over the final few rounds. Manihera Eden has again had a consistent year with 13 tries, while Dave Neilson has been a general in both attack and defence for the Palms and continues to accumulate points for his team. Star players and key role players make Palmyra a formidable unit it would be hard to tip against them this weekend.
Soaks have flown under the radar throughout season 2017, clinching fourth position in the last round of the season. Lead by hardnosed backrower Dean Taylor-Menzies, Associates have built solidly throughout the season and thoroughly deserve their place in the finals. Future Force Foundation member Brendon Owen has been crucial to the sides finals push, with the full-back amassing 155 points for the season. Youngster Will Godwin has proved a revelation at number 13 in the past month, while Lachy Valentine continues to be a force up front. Associates will take great confidence out of the victory last weekend, they know that their best and more than match it with Palmyra. Finals rugby is a different game, mistakes are punished and opportunities can be few and far between, if Associates can pressure Pally and show the attacking strength they did just a week a ago a grand final berth may be on the cards.
Wests Scarborough (2) v Nedlands (3) at Bennett Park. Sunday, 13 August. Kick off 3:30PM.
Reigning Premiers Wests Scarborough tackle Nedlands in the second Semi-Final at Bennett Park on Sunday, with the two sides harbouring in-different form going into the crunch clash. Wests and Neddies played out a grand final for the ages last season with the Boars triumphing in extra time but this year only one will make it to the big dance. Only a fortnight ago Nedlands went down to strugglers Joondalup, while Wests were beaten narrowly by Pally in the same weekend but after finding form again last week they head into the semi with the wind at their backs. Both sides have remained within the top four throughout the season and as perennial premiership contenders will expecting nothing but victory.
Wests have been consistently strong throughout the year and loom as the major contender to Palmyra for the premiership. Walter Koteka has been vital with his kicking game, nailing 132 points throughout the season, while his brother Kane will add another dimension to the side when he packs down at No.7. Ryan Burge has been as consistent as ever at number nine, with youngster Brody Macaskill making a name for himself in the Premier Grade, the Aranmore Schoolboy looks like an established first grade player going up against some men more than 10 years old than him. The Boars backline may be the most potent in the competition with the likes of Jordan Luke, Brad Lacey and Jarome Leonard Tekanawa while their forward pack’s power led by bulldozing prop Nick McLennan will be pivotal. With back-to-back premierships such a hard feat to accomplish, the Boars, cheered on by their home crowd at the Pig Pen will be hard to stop on Sunday.
Nedlands will want redemption after a grand final loss to Wests last year, with some key inclusions last in the season bolstering the side come finals. James Verity-Amm has been a revelation for Nedlands in 2017, despite only playing 7 matches, the winger has crossed over 12 times this season to strike fear in the heart of his opposition. In his first year as captain, Tevin Ferris has led Neddies with distinction, setting the example in the backrow with strong ball carrying, fierce tackling and a habit of breaking the first tackle and offloading to spark spectacular tries for his men. Nedlands No.10 Terangi Fraser is without a doubt the most pivotal cog in the Nedlands backline machine, his ability to control the flow of Sunday’s semi final, drive Nedlands into dangerous attacking opportunities and give the likes of Verity-Amm and Zac Makavilitogia the chance to do what they do best, score tries.
This will be a tight affair with both sides desperate for a crack in the final.
Wests Scarborough:
1. Nick McLennan, 2. Chris Kidd, 3. Baxter King, 4. Alec Dravitski, 5. Matt O’Brien, 6. Andries DeMeyer, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brody MacCaskill, 9. Ryan Burge, 10. Walter Koteka, 11. Jordan Luke, 12. Louie Toetu, 13. Brad Lacey, 14. Josh Tinomana, 15. Jarome Leonard Tekanawa
Nedlands:
1. Ehipa Thompson, 2. Logan Ede, 3. Kenneth Macaulay, 4. Mike Egan, 5. Drake Robson, 6. Tevin Ferris (C), 7. Shane Hemi, 8. Lorcan Dow, 9. Kauri Cudd, 10. Dylan Loversidge, 11. Tane Manga, 12. Ryan McLeod, 13. Zach Makavilitogia, 14. Neihana Christian, 15. James Verity-Amm
Palmyra:
1. Mees Erasmus, 2. Shane Manu, 3. Hamiora Tioke, 4. Onehunga Havilli, 5. Michael McMillan, 6. Joel Winterbourne, 7. Pau Halafihi, 8. Hayden Croghan, 9. Kieran Duffin, 10. Sam Jurisich, 11. Jackson Neilson, 12. Tutere Waenga, 13. Michael Fotu, 14. Lafaele Vaa, 15. Manihera Eden
Associates:
1. D’Adamo, 2. Clarke, 3. O’Dea, 4. Manukia, 5. Valentine, 6. Hardwick, 7. Gorrie, 8. Taylor-Menzies, 9. Doherty, 10. Ingram T, 11. Warren, 12. Godwin, 13. Ingram R, 14. Colleran, 15. Owen
https://www.rugbywa.asn.au/news/pindan-premier-grade-semi-finals-preview/