DEWAR SHIELD
Harlequin has claimed the Dewar Shield Minor Premiership after defeating Endeavour Hills 41-21 at home in the final home and away round of 2013.
Harlequin, who has been dominant for the majority of the 2013, scored seven tries to Endeavor Hills’ three to wrap up the 20 point victory.
Junior Paila, Fred Sa and Lemi Faimo stood out for Endeavour Hills in their final match of the season, with the side finishing eighth on the ladder with two wins and 14 losses for 2013.
Zachary Dixon, Basil Api Ulugia and Dale Stevenson were best on ground for Harlequin, who finished comfortably on top of the ladder with 73 points from 13 wins, one draw and two losses.
Southern Districts have narrowly missed out on a finals position in this week’s Match of the Round after a tough loss to second placed Melbourne at home.
Southern Districts lead Melbourne 17-12 at half time, however were unable to hold on to the lead in a seesawing second half, with Melbourne eventually taking a 27-31 victory over the Pirates. This has left them in 6th position and only one point out of the Dewar Shield Finals.
Highlights from the match can be seen on Rugby Time, 9pm Wednesday night on Channel 31.
Power House locked up their position in the finals after defeating Melbourne University 25-38.
Albert Aiopoletea scored three tries for the visitors, with Shane Kilgour, Tama Sweetman and Nathan Sweetman also scoring for Power House. Makesi Stowers extended their lead with four conversions.
Moli Sooaemalelagi crossed the line twice for Mebourne University with Malaki Enosa and Danny Kingan also scoring for the home side. Forwards Eddie Lusala and Ryan O’Sullivan joined Sooaemalelagi amongst the best for Melbourne University. Shane Kilgour, Bryan Scott and Gab Navuni all impressed for Power House.
In the final match of round 18, Moorabbin hosted Footscray, narrowly going down to the visitors 24-27. The win secures fourth place for Footscray, while Moorabbin have dropped to third position and will now play away to Melbourne in the Semi Finals on September 14.
Footscray will host Power House in this week’s Qualifying Final, with the winner to play Harlequin in the Semi Finals.
SECOND DIVISION
Northern have locked away the Second Division A Grade Minor Premiership with a round to go after defeating Eltham 10-52.
Northern scored eight tries to Eltham’s one in a dominant performance. Eddie Paletoga scored three tries for the visitors with Ilaisa Makoni accurate in front of goal with six conversions. Gert Venter was the sole try scorer for Eltham.
Geelong travelled to Monash University where they have recorded a comprehensive 0-79 victory.
Eltham will have the bye in Round 19, while Geelong will host Melbourne and Northern will host Monash University.
In the B grade Northern defeated Eltham 5-46, Maroondah have retained the Westgate Cup in a big win over Geelong and Melton beat Melbourne.
The Second Division plays a 19 round home and away season, with their finals commencing on September 7.
REGIONAL
Border Army have recorder their third win of the season with a big victory over Ballarat at home, 48-29.
Chris Carlton, Brendan Maley and Bradley Nayler scored two tries each, with Carlton also scoring three conversions. Mat Dewar scored three tries for Ballarat in the loss.
Shepparton have continued their strong form, securing the Minor Premiership after travelling to Warrnambool to record a 0-28 victory.
Bendigo hosted Puckapunyal, defeating the visitors 28-0.
Next week Warrnambool host Puckapunyal, Bendigo travel to Ballarat and Border Army take on Shepparton, with the first round of Regional Finals to begin on September 7.
WOMENS
Power House has hosted Endeavour Hills in Round 14 of the Women’s competition, recording a comprehensive 78-0 victory.
Michelle Witte scored four tries for the home side, with Niki Cook scoring nine conversions. Carolyn Gray and Nina Foaese also stood out for Power House.
Velma George, Awhina Montgomery and Stacey Vernon stood out for Endeavour Hills in the loss.
In the other women’s matches, Northern went down to Melbourne 0-28 at home, and Western Districts defeated the combined Southern Districts Box Hill side 7-14.
Originally posted here