DEWAR SHIELD
Southern Districts have kept their finals hopes alive this week after a big win over Box Hill in Round 17 of the Dewar Shield.
The Pirates scored 12 tries to nil in the victory, with Sakaria Noa scoring three tries for the visitors. Rebel Jason Woodward also played a prolific role in the scoring, with a try and seven conversions to his name.
A positive for Box Hill were the games of Heiny Miller and Ged Logan, who both stood out for the home side. Leotuolo Tuala, Jarrod Dowie and Rawiri Garmonsway were best on ground for Southern Districts.
The win puts the Pirates into fifth position and back into finals contention, with Power House dropping out of the top 5 after losing to third placed Melbourne 26-19.
Melbourne outmuscled Power House in a tight contest scoring 4 tries to Power House’s 3. Jack Tompkins, Mark McIlroy and Kasitoni Apuluaa stood out for Power House in the loss, while Dan Corcoran, Simione Eliesa and Craig Charters were impressive for Melbourne.
Power House will face Melbourne University in the final round of the home and away season, and will be desperate for a big win in order to climb back into the top 5.
Melbourne University however proved this week that they are no easy defeat pushing Footscray to the edge, with the Dogs just scraping a 28-27 victory at home.
Moli Sooaemalelagi, Isaemaeli Time and Brendan Westney were best on ground for Melbourne University, while Calvin Ah Wong, Keisuke Yamada and Tim Diack all played critical roles for Footscray in the win.
This week’s Match of the Round was a top of the table clash between ladder leaders Harlequin and second placed Moorabbin. Moorabbin lead Harlequin 7-12 at half time, however Harlequin scored the first two tries of the second half to jump out to a 19-12 lead.
A last gasp effort from the Rams saw them score a try on the full time siren, with a successful conversion from Neli Sasulu tying up the match, resulting in a 19 all draw.
Highlights from the Match of the Round can be seen on Rugby Time, this Wednesday at 9pm on Channel 31, with hosts David Campbell and Stirling Mortlock.
SECOND DIVISION
Melbourne have recorded a comprehensive victory over Monash University in Round 17 of the Second Division A grade.
Monash were able to hold Melbourne back in the first half, trailing 12-0 at half time, however Melbourne opened the flood gates in the second half to record a 48-0 victory.
Also in the A grade, Eltham hosted Geelong, with the visitors taking a 13-20 victory. Brent Milczuk was best on ground for Eltham, while fly-half Simon Cosh impressed for Geelong in the win.
In the B grade, Northern defeated Melton 42-12, Melbourne recorder a narrow 25-21 victory over Maroondah and Eltham were victorious over Geelong with a 19-8 win.
REGIONAL
Shepparton have continued their strong form in the Regional division, this week recording a 59-0 victory over second placed Bendigo.
A positive for Bendigo were the performances of Brendan Rayson and Chris Slattery who both stood out in the loss, while Tui Tunumafono and Filipo Tuapepe were best on ground for the Bulls.
The other Round 17 Regional matches were held at Puckapunyal, with Warrnambool taking on Border Army in the first match, before Puckapunyal went to head to head with Ballarat.
Border Army were too strong for Warrnambool, recording a 28-0 victory, and despite a strong effort, Puckapunyal were unable to defeat Ballarat, with the visitors taking the match 18-31.
WOMEN’S
Melbourne’s Women’s side has maintained their undefeated form in the 2013 season, this week defeating Endeavour Hills 0-45.
Endeavour Hills went into the game with only 14 players, and were no match for ladder leaders Melbourne, who scored seven tries to nil. Stacey Kilmister once again played a damaging role for Melbourne with four tries, while Tammy Jacoby was pivotal in Melbourne’s scoring with five conversions and a try.
Power House was too strong for the combined Box Hill/Southern Districts side, recording a 0-43 victory.
Shaquille Faiva, Jacinta Natua and Veronica Taumoefolau stood out for the Southern Fillies. Tamara Jackson, Rachel Banoura and Lauren Hoare were best on ground for Power House in the Victory.
Northern hosted Western Districts however were unable to record their fourth victory of the season, going down to the visitors 20-53.
Originally posted here: http://vicrugby.com.au/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=NewsItem&NewsID=38257