Unbeaten Vipers overcome hurdles

The results suggest Southern Suburbs Vipers have made a smooth start to their title defence.

With seven convincing wins from as many outings, the 2014 premiers are on the fast-track to yet another finals series.

But despite what seems like a perfect beginning, things haven't been all plain sailing for the Premier League's leading side. They've had to contend with some horror injuries to key squad members in the early rounds.

Goal defence Tarynn Sims was ruled out for the season when she detached her hamstring from the bone at work, while Renee Hayn severed a finger which required surgery to be re-attached.

It hasn't slowed the Vipers but coach Heath Sangster admits his side will welcome a two-week break over the next fortnight.

Southern Suburbs have the bye before the June long weekend break.

"We have got one of the injuries out for good but Renee's first game back will be after the break, so it is good timing," Sangster said.

"The girls always look forward to the mid-season break. It is an opportunity to have some team bonding, we won't have a game but it will keep the consistency as a team."

Vipers won both games in the last double-header weekend.

They easily dispatched of Dapto Storm 55-24 before following up the win on Sunday with a 60-29 triumph over Corrimal Baimed.

"The way the girls have stepped up has been impressive," Sangster said.

"I have always said since the team has been formed, which was a few years back now, they have stuck together as a team.

"There is no-one who individualises the game. They are quite happy to take a tag, fill in a spot and play to the best of their ability."

Vipers are four points clear of Wests at the top of the competition and meet they Titans when they next play on June 13.

"We haven't played Wests yet but play them in two weeks time. We expect that too be a good hit-out," Sangster said.

"They have been consistent so far. I think they lost their first one and that's about it. It is good to see some of the newer teams who have come through are stepping up. SMJ definitely can't be counted out. They have had a few players out and realistically I think the first time they had their whole team back was this weekend and they smashed it on Sunday."

In other matches last weekend, Corrimal RSL defeated Woonona WBRSL 39-34, Wests beat SMJ 46-34 and Brindles trumped Shellharbour Sporties 47-26.

Round 8

Saturday, Berkeley Stadium

Corrimal RSL Cadets vs Dapto Storm, 1.30pm

Brindles vs SMJ, 1.30pm

Corrimal Baimed vs Wests Titans, 3pm

Shell Sporties v WNC WBRSL, 3pm