The final round of the Dewar Shield season is complete, and based on our calculations, we have our four finalists.
Harlequins, undefeated all season, sit on top of the ladder and earn a home final this weekend. They will host Melbourne, in a rematch of the 2016 Grand Final.
Box Hill, who finished third, will host the other semi final. They will host Footscray, who completed a remarkable season and clinched the fourth spot in the finals on the last round.
The Bulldogs won their seventh game on the trot to sprint into the finals and boot out the Students, who lost three out their last for games, included the round 16 clash with the Team of the West.
Footscray entered the last round three points shy of Melbourne University and a win at Endeavour Hills wasn’t enough to secure the spot in the finals. The team made all what was needed, winning 37 – 22 and scoring 6 tries to secure the maximum 5 points needed. Than all the attention shifted to Ashwood Reserve, where Melbourne University was playing against the all conquering Harlequins.
In extremely windy conditions, the Students played the first half with the breeze and used it to their best advantage, leading 15-10. at half-time
However, in the second half the home team pushed on the accelerator and with the wind blowing on their backs, ‘Quins were able to turn around the game and finish it 27-22. Credit to the Students that threw the proverbial kitchen sink at ‘Quins, finishing the game camped in the opposite 22. However, they were unable to score that much-needed try.
The battle for the second spot on the ladder has been won by the defending champions, Melbourne. The Unicorns secured a double chance in the finals beating Power House 59 – 14, thus preventing Box Hill from moving up the ladder. The Broncos were also victorious, downing 48 – 12 Southern Districts.
Next Saturday Harlequins will host Melbourne in the first Semi-Final, with the winner advancing to the grand final. Box Hill will host Footscray in the second semi-final; the winner advance to the preliminary final, the loser gets to watch from the stands the next week.
The Results
Box Hill- Southern Districts 48 – 12
Endeavour Hills – Footscray 22 – 37
Harlequin – Melbourne University 27 – 22
Power House – Melbourne 14 – 59
The Ladder (unofficial)
Harlequin 82
Melbourne 66
Box Hill 64
Footscray 55
Melbourne University 53
Moorabbin 45
Endeavour Hills 40
Power House 36
Southern Districts 5
