Brighton coach Richard Wasley says he’s looking forward to a “challenging month ahead” with the Tigers set for four consecutive games against their top rivals.
The reigning premiers' run begins Saturday with their Round 9 clash against Southern Suburbs (third) before subsequent fixtures against Old Collegians (fourth), Burnside (second) and Elizabeth (fifth).
Old Colls will be their sole home game in that block with Brighton travelling for the other three fixtures – something Wasley believes is ideal preparation for their title defence in 2023.
“It’s been a disjointed season so far with some teams struggling and the byes but we’re really looking forward to these next few weeks as a squad,” Wasley said.
“Onkaparinga gave us a good physical run before the bye and that game was tougher than the score suggested.
“But we’ve been eyeing off these games for a while now and we’ll be looking to get a few more Ws next to our name and get through unscathed.
Round 9 of Season 2023, with Match of the Round between Elizabeth Rugby Union Football Club and Onkaparinga Rugby Union Club Premier Grade, live streamed through facebook.
Posted by Rugby Union South Australia on Sunday, June 11, 2023
“Our squads are looking pretty settled – Lewis Boyle’s one who’s probably working his way back into the side and I’ve been really impressed with our Reserves pack – so now’s the time to see where we’re at against these top sides.
“Souths have been pretty impressive so far and those losses they’ve had been really close, they could easily have been 7-0 heading into this game.”
Round 9 will also see top four hopefuls clash when Elizabeth host Onkas in the livestreamed fixture from Womma Park while Adelaide University and Woodville host Old Colls and Burnside respectively.
In the women’s competition, second meets third when Woodville host Burnside at Gleneagles Reserve while Uni will look to leapfrog Old Collegians into a top four berth.
Port Adelaide also hit the road to face Barossa with both teams desperately chasing a win.
