The Harrigan Premiership top four is starting to take shape, with last year’s minor premier, De La Salle, sitting atop the competition ladder after Round 8 played out in challenging conditions over the weekend. Behind them on the ladder are Thirroul, then Collegians and Wests.
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Still with a game in hand, the ladder leaders recorded their second win over the Devils this season with a 24-14 victory at Noel Mulligan Oval after the match was shifted from an unplayable Parrish Park.
The Devils shot to a handy 10-0 lead after 20 minutes through tries to Tautau Moga and Joey Dickson, the Shire boys striking back in the 33rd minute to trail 10-6 at the break.
De La hit the front early in the second half with a converted try before Wests regained the ascendancy 14-12 with a try of their own. Two unanswered tries in the last 15 minutes saw the visitors home in a see-sawing affair. Despite the conditions, De La five-eighth Eli Levido had a perfect day with the boot landing 4 conversions from 4 attempts.
In the ‘Match of the Round, ‘Collegians winger Jay Watling crossed for a brace to help his side to a 10-6 lead over Thirroul at the break.
Last year’s grand finalists traded tries in the second half, giving Collies a 14-12 lead with 20 minutes remaining before the hosts secured the win with a converted try to Damon New right on full-time.
[Watch] Collegians halfback Damon New crosses for a four-pointer in the 79th minute to seal the win.
Despite the loss, the Butchers remain outright second, while the Collegians sit tied for third with the Devils and have a game in hand.
After an upset loss to Corrimal in Round 1, Dapto returned the favour, beating the Cougars 24-16 at Dapto Showground.
The Lower Grades
In the Harrigan Plate reserve grade competition, first-placed Wests defeated Berkeley 36-6, while the Avondale Wombats, with an undefeated record, received a scare, outlasting Helensburgh 28-16 after leading 28-0 at halftime.
Thirroul defeated Collegians 22-2, and Corrimal scored 32 unanswered points over Dapto.
In Harrigan Shield action, Figtree Crushers remain undefeated after their sixth win on the trot with a hard-fought come-from-behind 28-22 victory over the Wombats after trailing 14-6 at halftime.
Avondale Greyhounds kept their winning record intact, scoring 42 points to 6 against third-placed Windang. The Eagles round out the top four after defeating Wests 10-6, while Northern Suburbs and Corrimal played out a 20-all draw.
