Wombats’ test

AVONDALE Wombats face an Illawarra Rugby Union (IRU) acid test when they host competition leaders Shamrocks at Gerry Capetta Oval on Saturday.

The Ocean Park-based club is unbeaten in 2007 and has scored big wins over fellow IRU heavyweights Kiama and Shoalhaven in recent weeks " but the Avondale unit hold no fear going into Saturday's blockbuster.

Avondale site third on the IRU ladder and have achieved credible results against all three clubs already in 2007.

The Wombats opened the second half of the IRU premiership with big wins over Bowral, Tech Waratahs and Vikings and held archrivals Kiama to a draw.

However, Saturday's match is looming as their biggest test to date.

"Shamrocks have been the form team this year and have racked up some big wins against top opposition in the past few weeks," Avondale coach Darren Bray said.

"We went down to Shamrocks by two points in the first round with Shamrocks scoring on the bell to win the match in one of the best games seen in years.

"After having a draw against Kiama with not much ball in the second half I think if we can get a fair share of possession and get our defence right the way we are playing at the moment we should be fairly competitive against them.

"Both teams have ability to score a lot of points so if the teams are allowed play footy this has the potential to be one of the games of the season."

Kickoff is at 3pm at Dandaloo with second grade at 1.30pm and thirds at 12.20pm.