RUGBY UNION
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Wollongong Vikings are walking a semi-finals tightrope heading into Saturday's crucial home meeting with unpredictable Bowral.
After almost dropping out of final-four contention with a heavy loss to title holders University three weeks ago, the Blueys responded with back-to-back wins over Campbelltown and Camden.
Campbelltown remain in fourth spot, seven points clear of the fifth-placed Blueys.
But the Harlequins face a slightly more difficult run to the semi-finals, with games against Avondale, Uni, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Uni again.
Following Saturday's duel with the Blacks, Vikings take on the Woonona Shamrocks and Avondale before finishing the regular season with back-to-back games against Kiama.
"We've had a good two weeks against Campbelltown and Camden and put in a couple of really good performances," Blueys coach Sean Barrett said.
"The boys played with patience and backed our structures and defence. We're starting to believe in a few things and getting a few players back helps.
"We have to put in a really good performance and get the result this weekend.
"Obviously we'd love to come away with a bonus point but we just need to win first and foremost.
"If we can defend really well our attack will sort itself out."
The Blueys' form has fluctuated throughout the season but Barrett remains optimistic.
"They had a packed grandstand at Camden last week and a lot of old boys back in town for the club's 40th, but we kind of spoiled the party and to win up there was really pleasing," he said.
"Getting [NSW Country centre] Andrew Barrett back has helped, Michael Ashby has been really good at five-eighth and [back-rower] Dane Nethery has been one of our unsung heroes. He probably doesn't get the plaudits through Illawarra channels but he's been really good for us. I've got a massive club focus and I'm trying to get everyone to play the same style and play for each other."
The Harlequins will have to subdue Avondale No 8 Stevie Fuka in their battle at Gerry Cappetta Oval.
"Stevie's so powerful," Wombats coach James Patrick said.
"He's always breaking the first tackle and his leg drive is so strong, but the finesse he's developing is just taking his game to a different level. He's got that little pass and draws so many players."
University host Shoalhaven, Tech Waratahs meet Kiama at Saunders Oval, while Camden are on the road against Shamrocks.