Old rivals Box Hill and Harlequins will clash for the Bruce Bailey Blazer in Round 4 of the Dewar Shield.
After slow starts, both teams will be desperate to ignite their seasons and record their second win of the year.
Box Hill slipped to fifth place after another close loss to Power House in Round 3 but will be inspired at home to retain the Bruce Bailey Blazer this week.
While Harlequins will be buoyed by the potential return of captain Angus Arundel for his first match of 2021, in what would be a major boost for the side after a 7-13 defeat to Endeavour Hills last week.
We caught up with both sides before their Round 4 clash to hear their thoughts on their sides preparations and what they believe the opposition will bring game day.
Box Hill First XV Captain Jack Wooton
How did your pre-season preparations come along?
The pre-season was good. We were coming back from Covid, obviously, so we eased into it and into the contact. That has probably been the biggest issue, that our bodies haven’t been conditioned. So, we’ve had a lot of injuries because of that. The boys now seem fit and are looking good.
What have you loved most about the return of rugby this year?
Just being back down here at Box Hill. It’s a great place to be with a great family culture. You can’t beat that.
Box Hill is sitting in fifth place with one win and two close losses. How do you feel your side has performed so far this season?
It hasn’t been the ideal start to the season. But we believe the potential is there. I’m really excited to see what we can do. We haven’t shown Melbourne what Box Hill Rugby stands for this year, so we are excited to show that this week against the Harlequins.
As captain, can you take away the positive that the side has been competitive in every match?
We’ve shown that we are here to fight and here to play. Box Hill Rugby is never going to give up.
What did you take away from the Round 3 loss to Power House?
It showed that it doesn’t matter what the score line is; we are going to be there until the 80th minute. We’ve got the talent, so we are definitely aiming to be contenders this year.
Did the club use the 2019 Grand Final defeat as driving motivation during the year off?
Our motivation was that a lot of people wrote us off as a one and done team. We’re here to prove that that isn’t us this year. We’re here to stay, we’re here to compete and we’re going to be in that top four.
What players have impressed you this season?
As always Box Hill, is known for its flying Fijians. So, we’ve got Delai Moto at nine and Nailati Ukalele on the wing. We’ve had some import talent this season with Brian Wandera from Kenya and Rhys Griffiths from Canberra. It’s always exciting to have new players down.
What do you think the Harlequins will bring to the match-up?
The Quins, like us, haven’t had the ideal start to the season either. It’s going to be a tough game as both teams will be wanting that win. The Bruce Bailey Blazer is on the line. We won it back off them last year so that’s going to be our motivation this year.
Harlequins Fist XV Captain Angus Arundel
How did your pre-season preparations come along?
It was enjoyable. Everyone enjoyed getting back to the club culture, back to seeing their friends again. It’s been a weekly routine that the guys have been missing for the last year. It went really well, and everyone was excited to be back playing rugby.
How did your team perform in the trial matches?
I have personally been injured so have been unable to be out there so far this season. I can’t wait to get back. In the team we have some new faces; there is some guys who have been around the club for a while that are starting to get an opportunity which is just great to see. They’ve come through all the grades and are starting to get the rewards. We are always happy to see guys come to the club, have a crack and eventually start to play first grade.
What players do you expect to fire for your team?
This year it would have to be a person who has become a club stalwart and will have a great crack this year; Thomas Callil. I’m looking forward to seeing him out on the field this weekend.
What are your sides goals for the year?
Our expectations always have to be to win the competition and if they’re not it would be questionable. We are going to do what we can within the limitations we have to make sure we can achieve that.
What do you love most about the return of rugby this year?
I don’t want to be cliché, but rugby in itself. Saturday getting to the game, seeing the guys, the after-match function and hanging out. Just the relationships you build over the season, the experiences you have to reflect on over the year. All of these reasons are why we play rugby.
The Alltel Dewar Shield Match of the Round will be held at RHL Sparks Reserve, K/O 3:15pm. Tune into Rugby Victoria’s Facebook page from 3pm to catch the live stream of the match as well as the Rugby Xplorer app live and on-demand.
