Coolangatta Knights v Helensvale Hornets
The match of the round will showcase the Powrgard Second Division grand final, which will see the Coolangatta Knights take on the Helensvale Hornets at Glennon Park. This match will be livestreamed here. At the top of the competition for the majority of the year, the Coolangatta Knights are the favourites, but the Knights have shown consistency throughout the year and have had a week’s rest after going straight through to the finals. James Marcus, Joel Hart and Daniel Cowan will be players to watch for the Hornets. After falling short in the semi-finals against the Knights, the Hornets have gained confidence from last weekend’s 16-12 win against the Parkwood Sharks. The Hornets will be aiming to stay grounded and maintain composure. Coaches Adam Flier and Zane Cloherty said “the boys know the job is not done and we need to keep our heads down.” By sticking to their game plan and playing basic football, the Hornets will attempt to stay level-headed in the lead up to the game. Matt Steley, Ben Lee and Craig Jeffries will be ones for the Knights to keep an eye on.
Southport Tigers v Runaway Bay Seagulls
The Southport Tigers and Runaway Bay Seagulls will go head-to-head this weekend for the Bycroft Shield. The Tigers will be out for revenge as they lost during their last encounter with the Seagulls. The Tigers will see some players return like Regan Muir-Ogle. Co-coach Michael Esdale hopes the team can continue to strive as they are starting perform to the standard they want. Unsure what to expect as the Seagulls defeated the Tugun Seahawks in last weekend’s clash, the Tigers know their potential especially at home. Troy Leo scored four tries and Justin McKenna was a stand out in last weekend’s match. The Seagulls will see the return of a couple players, however captain Conner Toia has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Seagulls will see Gene Ropoama and Matt Gandy take on the captaincy for the remainder of the season. Showing resilience, maturity and composure, coach Clinton Toopi is pleased with the team’s progress and attitude. Toopi said “we have really worked on our mental application and are trying to focus on the little one percenters.” The whole team contributed individually and will need to stay focused these next couple weeks.
Tweed Head Seagulls v Ormeau Shearers
The Tweed Heads Seagulls are nursing a couple injuries after the weekend, including the major loss of captain Josh Harvey with a broken jaw. He will be out for the rest of the season. Will Johnson will take his place as. Despite losing a key player, the Seagulls still came out with a 26-22 win over the Burleigh Bears. “Burleigh played really well and challenged our defence, which was one of the things we have worked on this week,” coach Clint Barends said. The Seagulls are preparing for a tough couple weeks ahead as the finals are fast approaching and they will need to deal with the sudden changes. James Wood, Steve Gillett and Bryce Denman will be ones for Ormeau to keep an eye on this weekend. The end of the season has come at no better time for the Shearers as injury proves to be a challenge for the team. Gaining support for the Reserve Grade and Under 19s, the Shearers have seen many changes and will hope to regroup for next year’s season.
Bilambil Jets v Burleigh Bears
Burleigh fell just short on the weekend 26-22 against the Tweed Head Seagulls who are leading the competition. The Bears will see numerous changes to the squad with Harry Hughes ruled out for the rest of the season and players Jarrod Tua and James Dunley return from injury. Coach Matt Foster said “the boys had a great attitude and I wasn’t disappointed with their performance.” The Bears will be focusing on their game, attacking plays and exit sets in the lead up to the finals. Chris Law, Kelly Tate and Dylan Pelo stand out and will be players for Bilambil to watch. On another high after the win against the Ormeau Shearers 38-20 last weekend, the Bilambil Jets will be looking to end their overall season on a positive. Jamie Wulff and Mitch Spackman stand out and will be players to look out for this weekend. To give the Bears a challenge and run for their money will have the Jets end on a high note and potential for a stronger season next year.
Tugun Seahawks v Currumbin Eagles (FOREFIT)
Due to lack of player numbers through injury, the Currumbin Eagles are unable to field a team this weekend against the Tugun Seahawks. An opportunity for the Seahawks to have a rest weekend may prove to be beneficial as the finals series starts next weekend on August 21.
Good luck to all teams this weekend!
Round 17 Games
Saturday, August 13
Southport v Runaway Bat at Owen Park, 5.30pm
Coolangatta v Helensvale at Glennon Park, 6.30pm
Sunday, August 14
Tweed Heads v Ormeau at Piggabeen Oval, 12.15pm
Bilambil v Burleigh at Bilambil Sports, 2pm
Tugun v Currumbin (FOREFIT)
