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Round two of the Bankwest Cup last Saturday afternoon drew together plenty of enticing match-ups but it wasn’t just tricky opposition that players had to contend with as hot and humid weather greeted competitors at Pat O'Hara Reserve in Morley.
The draining weather though didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the players as everyone looked to give their new season campaign a kick in the right direction.
A solid crowd saw Nedlands and UWA kick off a great evening of rugby, Neddies, last season’s KWIK Premier Grade champions, were strong early, however the Students showed tremendous patience and better fitness to wear down their more fancied rivals.
It was a physical contest with each side working hard on the ball, however UWA were able to find some holes on the fringes of Neddies defence to win the game 19 – 12.
Game two saw last year’s KWIK Premier Grade runners-up Cottesloe take on Wanneroo and both sides showed they will be strong contenders this year with several line breaks being made through their respective back lines. In the end it was the Roo Dogs physicality saw them get the better of Cott and progress to the next stage of the Bankwest Cup tournament with a 21 – 12 victory.
The third match of the evening proved extremely entertaining with the flamboyant Kalamunda refusing to allow the heat stifle their flare. The Bulls used the full width of the field to launch wave after wave of attack which initially troubled Associates. However, like the well drilled that they are, Soaks were able to adjust their defence accordingly and ultimately won the battle of the breakdown to run out deserving winners 24 – 17.
In the final game hosts Perth-Bayswater displayed an outstanding desire in defence against the much improved Curtin. The Goats midfield showed plenty of speed and attacked off a solid platform that was laid by their strong carrying backrow, however the Baysie boys refused to let their line be crossed. Curtin were gallant in defeat but Perth-Bayswater finished strongly to record a 24 – 0 win.
With a dozen Emirates Western Force players lining up for their respective local clubs Head Coach Richard Graham was on hand and was particularly impressed with the standard displayed across the board so early in the season.
“It is important that all the Emirates Western Force staff and players contribute to club rugby. There was a wonderful feeling amongst the crowd and all our players and staff thoroughly enjoyed the evening,” Graham said.
“Ultimately we have all come from club rugby, and the grass roots of our game and the people involved in our clubs are an essential part of the fabric of rugby in Western Australia.
“For the Emirates Western Force contracted players it was an opportunity to get some good match practise into them over the Super Rugby bye weekend and we were able to achieve a lot out of the day,” said Graham.
The Bankwest Cup continues next week with a Grand Final berth up for grabs. Perth-Bayswater will kindly host the fixtures again which will see Wanneroo and UWA do battle in the first semi followed by Perth-Bayswater up against Associates.
Bankwest Cup – Semi-Finals
Friday, 4 March at Pat O'Hara Reserve in Morley
6.45pm – Wanneroo v UWA
8.15pm – Perth-Bayswater v Associates
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Originally Posted by Hansie
