Collegians defeated Thirroul 28-22 in a nailbiter at Collegians Sporting Complex on Saturday, scoring five tries to the Butchers’ four to remain atop the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup with two rounds remaining. With scores level at 22-22 and seconds remaining, Collies skipper Blake Phillips set up the winning try beating several defenders before offloading to replacement Hayden Budd to score.
The defending premiers travel to the Shire next week for a top-of-the-table clash with second-placed De La Salle, who ended Dapto’s four-match winning streak with a comprehensive 34-10 win at Dapto Showground. Andrew Faddy and Tre Fotu scored doubles for the visitors, in the seven tries to two victory.
Wests scored seven unanswered tries in their 38-0 win over Corrimal and will now host the Butchers in the penultimate round. The winless Cougars are at home to Dapto. They hope to further dent the Canaries’ top four chances, who trail the Butchers by two competition points.
Tigers in the hunt
Back at Collegians Sporting Complex, the score was reversed in First Division, with the Butchers upsetting Collegians 18-12. Helensburgh kept their top two chances alive, defeating Dapto 22-10 for their third win on the trot.
The Tigers host second-placed Collies next week to further advance their claims for a top-two finish. The two sides look evenly matched, with the Tigers getting the bragging rights with a 24-20 win in Round 9 after Collies won their first clash this season 36-22.
Cougars consolidate
In the Southern Corridor Women’s tackle competition, Corrimal defeated Mt Kembla Lowries 60-0 consolidating second place on the ladder with one round remaining. In the upcoming final round, the Lowries host Nowra-Bomaderry in their last game of the season. In contrast, Corrimal hosts Jamberoo as they get set to play finals footy.
In the Under 18’s, Collegians defeated the Cougars 18-10. In next week’s final round, the Cougars take on Cronulla Caringbah, while Collegians have a bye before their finals campaign.