Round 6 of the Fortescue Premier Grade had a bit of everything – milestone moments, a trophy on the line, and a couple of games that went right down to the wire.
Cottesloe travelled to Kalamunda and came away with a solid 26-7 victory, built on a disciplined performance across the park. Halfback Benazzi Ward was influential for the visitors, controlling the tempo and delivering a strong all-round game. Kalamunda’s afternoon included a bright moment, with Ihaia-Lee Hamizona-Heke celebrating his 50th Premier Grade appearance. The home side found the line once through Burges, converted by Jordan, but ultimately struggled to contain Cottesloe’s attacking threats. Mounsey led the way for Cottesloe with two tries, while Bishop and another late try sealed the result, with Taylor adding three conversions.
It was a fitting celebration for UWA Rugby Club’s 97th birthday, as the team secured a 27-20 victory over Southern Lions in the Round 6 Stan Sport feature match. UWA’s attacking spark came through Merritt, who crossed the line twice, alongside tries from Evans and Pereira. Young added two conversions and a crucial penalty goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Southern Lions stayed in touch all game, scoring three tries, with Rafaele and Thomas getting on the board, but were unable to close the gap in the final stages as UWA held firm.
Associates delivered one of the most commanding performances of the round, defeating Joondalup Brothers 52-15 in emphatic fashion. The match also marked a significant milestone for Joondalup’s Jean-Pierre Mostert, who reached 200 senior games – a tremendous achievement despite the result. On the field, Associates were clinical, with Grant crossing for a hat-trick and Bunce adding two of his own. Further tries from Faoagali, McGinity, and Megson highlighted their attacking depth, while Prior was sharp with the boot, landing six conversions. Joondalup scored tries through Coombs and Miller, with Stephens contributing from the tee, but they were unable to match Associates’ intensity.
Palmyra retained the JT Cup with a narrow 24-21 win over Perth Bayswater in a thrilling contest befitting the occasion. The JT Cup honours the late John Taylor, who made a lasting impact at both clubs, and this year’s clash lived up to its significance with a genuine nail-biter. Palmyra crossed through Alatini, Bailey, Siataga, and Robertson, with McCabe adding two conversions. Bayswater matched them stride for stride, thanks to tries from Pedley, Palmer, and Kini, with Heuer converting all three.
In another nail-biter, Wests Scarborough edged past Nedlands 34-32 in a high-scoring encounter. Nedlands produced plenty of attacking firepower, led by a hat-trick from De Lange, alongside tries from Gosse and Palu. Fitzgerald added two conversions and a penalty goal to keep the scoreboard moving. However, Wests proved just as potent, with tries scored by Cadzow, Baker, Raudon, Wilson, and Moody. Cadzow also added three conversions and a penalty goal, ultimately making the difference in a tight finish.
Round Seven’s Stan Sport feature match will see Perth Bayswater take on Joondalup Brothers, while all other fixtures will be available on Rugby Xplorer.
Men’s Fortescue Premier Grade - Round 6 Results
Kalamunda (7) l. Cottesloe (26)
UWA (27) d. Southern Lions (20)
Associates (52) d. Joondalup Brothers (15)
Palmyra (24) d. Perth Bayswater (21)
Nedlands (32) l. Wests Scarborough (34)
