Saturday’s Citizen Shield action will have Excelsior travel to Kurow, Old Boys entertaining Maheno and Athletic Marist welcome Valley.
Valley will face another tough test in Athies; the Weston side fell to a frustrating 27-17 loss to Excelsior last Saturday and a were dealt a devastating 48-15 mauling by title holders Old Boys in week one.
Athies have played just once this season, after their fixture with Maheno last weekend was rescheduled for May 1, and notched a thrilling 20-19 win over Blues a fortnight ago.
The week one clash came to a controversial conclusion as Welsh import Rory Harries was given a second opportunity to convert Athies’ last-minute try after referee Nick Webster pulled play back due to Blues players distracting the kicker. The 19-year-old held his nerve and slotted the ball home to open his side’s account for the campaign.
Old Boys will play Maheno after beating Kurow 20-10 in their last outing.
The shield holders will be favourites to maintain their 100% record while Maheno look to post their first win of season after being downed 15-10 by Kurow in week one.
Blues and Kurow will both be intent on bouncing back from defeats last week in the 2pm kick-off.
SATURDAY’S PREMIER GRADE FIXTURES
Kurow vs Excelsior, Kurow, 2pm. Referee: Nick Webster. Asst Referees: Andrew Harding and Greig Moore
Old Boys vs Maheno, WCS 1, 3pm. Referee: Kerry Dwyer. Asst Referees: Wayne Boyle and Blair Malcolm.
Athletic Marist vs Valley, WCS 5, 3pm.
Referee: Christopher O’Malley. Asst Referees: Josh Lewis and Bruce Rowland.
By James Ford
PHOTO: JAMES FORD – Old Boys’ No8 Samisoni Tongotongo was in fine form against Valley.
