Sydney Women’s Rugby Union returns this Saturday 25 July, with Chikarovski Cup Round 13 and Div 2 Cup Round 11 both on the fixture list. Results this weekend will shape how the rounds ahead play out in both competitions.
Chikarovski Cup — Round 13 Preview
Two Blues and Manly go into Round 13 locked together at the top of the Chikarovski Cup ladder on 45 points apiece, each having won nine of their first twelve matches. Sydney Uni sit third on 38, Wildfires fourth on 37, Warringah fifth on 35, Souths sixth on 29, Gordon seventh on 24, and Easts remain winless through twelve rounds on 5 points.
Neither leader faces the other this round, which makes the margins even more important. Manly travel to play a Wildfires side just eight points off top spot, while Two Blues meet an Easts team yet to register a win all season — how the two results compare could open, or close, the gap at the top.
Manly v Wildfires — Manly Oval | Sat 25 July
The round’s most consequential fixture for the title race. Manly share top spot on 45 points but face a Wildfires side sitting fourth on 37. A slip-up here would hand Two Blues, who face bottom side Easts, a real chance to move clear at the top on their own.
Two Blues v Easts — Holroyd Sportsground | Sat 25 July
Two Blues are level at the top on 45 points and start as strong favourites against an Easts side without a win through twelve rounds. A win here keeps the pressure squarely on Manly to match them elsewhere in the round.
Gordon v Sydney Uni — Beauchamp Park | Sat 25 July
Gordon host Sydney Uni at Beauchamp Park in a meeting of seventh and third. Sydney Uni arrive well placed to keep pace with the top two, while Gordon will look to bank points that keep them clear of Easts at the bottom of the Chikarovski Cup table.
Warringah v Souths — Pittwater Rugby Park | Sat 25 July
The closest match-up on paper this round, with just six points splitting fifth-placed Warringah and sixth-placed Souths. Warringah will have the home advantage at Pittwater Rugby Park, but Souths have been competitive this season and will make it a genuine contest.
View all Sydney Women’s Rugby Chikarovski Cup fixtures & results.
Div 2 Cup — Round 11 Preview
The Div 2 Cup title race is as close as it has been all season heading into Round 11. Wildfires 2 lead on 42 points, Randwick sit second also on 42, and Campbelltown are third just a point behind on 41. West Harbour are fourth on 37, Two Blues 2 fifth on 23, Norths Sirens sixth on 22, Manly 2 seventh on 17, and Gordon 2 eighth on 10. Chifley Chiefs and Easts 2 have the bye this round.
With the top three separated by a single point and none of them playing each other this weekend, Round 11 has the potential to reshuffle the standings without settling anything outright.
Manly 2 v Wildfires 2 — Keirle Park | Sat 25 July
Wildfires 2 lead the Div 2 Cup on 42 points and travel to face a Manly 2 side seventh on the table. Wildfires 2 will start firm favourites, with a win needed to keep the pressure on Randwick and Campbelltown.
Campbelltown v Two Blues 2 — Campbelltown Showground | Sat 25 July
Campbelltown, just a point off top spot, host Two Blues 2 who are fifth on the table. Campbelltown will want maximum points to keep pace with the two sides above them on the Div 2 Cup ladder, while Two Blues 2 will be looking to pick up points and push into the top four.
Gordon 2 v West Harbour — Beauchamp Park | Sat 25 July
West Harbour head to Beauchamp Park to face a Gordon 2 side that has struggled for wins this season. Fourth-placed West Harbour will be looking to stay in touch with the top three on the Div 2 Cup ladder.
Randwick v Norths Sirens — Coogee Oval | Sat 25 July
Randwick host Norths Sirens at Coogee Oval knowing anything less than a win could see them slip in the table given how tight the top three are. Norths Sirens are sixth on 22 points with two draws already this season and will be competitive visitors.