John I Dent Cup Preview: Round 11
Saturday, 18 June, 2011
Kick-off times:
First Grade: 3.05pm, Reserve Grade: 1.40pm, Colts: 12.15pm
Match of the Round:
Tuggeranong (3) v Wests (1), Viking Park, Wanniassa
Tuggeranong enjoy home ground advantage for a second week following a much improved and impressive
performance against Gungahlin last weekend. Trailing narrowly in a tight contest at half time, a clearly
determined Vikings outfit exploded in the second half, scoring five tries on the way to a 39-15 victory. The
back row of Josh Hitchens, James Turner and Jesse Parahi were outstanding, and secured plenty of ball for
their backline to score some great tries, including three to winger Jake Knight. It was certainly the form and
focused performance that Coach Dan McKellar was looking for after their disappointing loss in Round 9 to
Royals. More of the same will be required this week if they are a chance of inflicting the first loss on the
competition front runners. Irishman Darragh Fanning gets his first start on the wing in the only change to the
Tuggeranong side for this big clash. The match will also be helping raise much needed funds and awareness
for the Celebral Palsy Alliance, with the special jerseys to be worn by the Vikings side to be auctioned at the
conclusion of the match.
Competition leaders Wests kept their unbeaten record intact on the weekend, proving too good for
Queanbeyan 57-35 in another high scoring encounter between these two sides at Jamison Oval. In probably
their best performance for a couple of weeks, the Lions lifted the tempo and showed once again why they
are the team to beat this season. Matt Ryan, Pat Lowe and Aaron McInnes had stand out games in the pack,
and Adrian Turner had another excellent game in the centres rewarded with two tries. Alex Harrod comes
into the side on the flank in the only change to the forward pack for this clash, and Pama Fou returns on the
wing. The last time these sides met in Round 2 resulted in an exciting 32-31 win for the Lions, and another
great clash is expected at Viking Park on Saturday.
Gungahlin (2) v Uni-Norths (5), Nicholls Oval, Nicholls
Gungahlin will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Tuggeranong last weekend. After a
solid opening, the Eagles struggled to contain a hungry Vikings side in the second half and will need to lift
their intensity this week if they wish to maintain their top two position on the ladder. The last time these two
sides met in Round 5 saw Gungahlin win a hard fought encounter 24-15, and Coach Owen Finegan will be
looking for a repeat performance. There are a number of changes to the Eagles side this week with Derek
Leefe returning at prop, Will Naafu comes into the second row and Xavier Duffy onto the blind side flank.
Anthony Dawes returns to half back, making way for David King at fly half.
The Owls come into this match after a disappointing 20-12 loss last week, their third in succession. Their
task does not get any easier this weekend to avoid an alarming slide down the ladder against an equally
determined Eagles side. Dev Hugo at inside centre is the only change to Adam Fahey’s side for this
important clash.
Royals (6) v Queanbeyan (4), Phillip Oval, Phillip
Royals come into this big clash at home fresh off the bye and in good form, having defeated Tuggeranong
22-20 and a narrow 27-21 loss to Gungahlin in their last two matches. After a tough start to the season the
royal blues have shown once at full strength they can mix it with the best in the competition. They will be
confident of knocking off the defending Premiers coming off a loss last weekend and with some injury
concerns. Kyron Pitta into the second row and Jake McMahon onto the wing are the only changes to the
Royals side for this match.
Queanbeyan suffered their second defeat this season to the ladder leaders last weekend in a high scoring
encounter. Despite some good play out wide which resulted in some great tries, the Whites struggled to
contain the Lions danger men. Coach Wayne Southwell will be looking for a strong defensive effort by his
side this week in order to avoid a second loss on the trot. The last time these two sides met saw the Whites
run out comfortable 37-19 winners in Round 3, however Royals have clearly improved since then so a close
and hard fought encounter is expected at Phillip Oval.