As the June print edition went to press earlier this week, Thirroul Butchers were looking to lift their fortunes in a home game against Dapto after losing three of their first four games in the Illawarra rugby league top grade.
After a round-two win over Corrimal, the blue-and-whites faltered, going down 24-6 to Collies and 20-16 to Wests in the final game of the league’s Magic Round at WIN Stadium. Thirroul is fourth place on the Mojo Homes ladder.
Despite the modest returns, two players have had something to celebrate: goalkicker Joshua Martin has posted 16 points, while Wayne Bremner has scored three tries to be on 12.
In first division, Helensburgh occupy third spot after securing two wins from their first four encounters. The Tigers were due to face Corrimal at Rex Jackson Oval in late May, having beaten Dapto 34-4 in mid-May before going down 36-22 to Collies in round four.
The best Tigers’ result so far was a 34-4 win over Dapto in round three on the Canaries’ home turf.
Helensburgh’s juniors have a new committee and president in Tim Lloyd.
“New committee means new ideas – they have already created a different culture at the club,” club president Kendall Ryan said.
Thirroul and Corrimal have yet to post wins after four rounds of first division matches, and both clubs have had fruitless starts to their under 18s seasons despite going close on several occasions.
In women’s rugby league, Corrimal were due to face ladder leaders Stingrays in late May after a mixed start to their season in the open tackle division.
Jennifer Latu has posted two tries in the competition as the Cougars hold down fifth place after four rounds. The club’s best result was a 34-14 away to Warilla Lake South before the players were left kicking their heels with a forfeit against Nowra Bomaderry.
In under 18s open tackle, Corrimal’s results have included a 10-10 draw with Cronulla Caringbah and an earlier 22-0 loss to Collegians.
In women’s open tag, Thirroul occupy fourth spot on the ladder, with Woonona Bulli fifth, Helensburgh sixth and Corrimal seventh.
The Butchers will host a luncheon at Panorama House on June 11 as part of the club’s 110th year celebrations (enquiries mitchgbate@hotmail.com).