WHITES WARY OF WOUNDED PREMIERS
After a ground closures, postponements, and the rise in COVID restrictions and implications, the Whites are looking forward to getting back into the action when they host defending Premiers Royals in 6 grades this Saturday. All games are expected to be tightly fought as the previous clashes earlier this year have proven with the Whites sneaking home in the main game through a late Ben Gordon try. Royals will be itching for this game as they currently sit on ‘0’ wins for the year but have been in each contest and have been far from disgraced and literally 1 win could turn the season around for them the competition is that tight. Royals had the benefit of playing Vikings last weekend where again they were just pipped 18-13 by the ladder leaders and looked the better side for much of the game.
The Whites last outing was a gutsy and spirited victory over the high-flying Gungahlin Eagles so last weeks postponement came at the just the wrong time. (Please note the Wests game will now be played on July 17 – the day set aside as a competition ‘bye’ weekend). Whilst the official teams lists have not been revealed at the time of writing, it would be hard to change a winning outfit and depending on injuries, then Coach Sam French will be, barring any injuries, planning on going with the same side from the Eagles victory with the only notable omission being Australian Under 20s representative Zeph Tuinona who is now up in Queensland preparing for 2 matches against the New Zealand Under 20s.
French’s charges have been improving each week and building to more consistent performances and he will be hoping for similar effort this week knowing how desperate Royals will be under the guidance of former Whites coach Wayne Southwell, who as is known as a multi premiership winning coach at Queanbeyan and Royals.
In the lower grades, Whites won all, but Colts at Nicholls and all sides will be looking to also build on those performances. All competitions across the ACT are currently all very tight and so wins and losses as we reach the halfway mark are crucial.
Game times are listed below :
Women’s Premiership – 4.45pm
1st Grade – 3.05pm
2nd Grade – 1.40pm
Colts – 12.15pm
3rd Grade – 12.15pm
4th Grade – 10.55am
Please note that with the current Public Health Orders in place supporters are asked to remember the following :
Masks are to be worn when approaching the canteen and for any people working in the canteen and the dressing sheds.
Check in using the QR Code sites that will be located around the ground.
‘The Whitehouse’ will not be in operation for any functions over the course of the day, however, will be open to coaching staff and television broadcasters only.
Full canteen facilities will be in operation.
Masks are not required whilst you are standing watching the game.
Hand sanitiser will be placed at various locations around the ground.
Be mindful of social distancing.
Unfortunately, with the current situation, no after match function will be held which is disappointing given the long and storied history the 2 clubs share and with 6 games, it would have been a grand evening to celebrate the days action and catching up with old foes. Hopefully things will improve sooner rather than later but, in the meantime, stay tuned to the various social platforms to get your information.
