Unbeaten University Pirates not letting their guard down heading into final weeks of Darwin A-grade rugby union competition

UNIVERSITY Pirates will look to complete their unbeaten run when they come up against Palmerston in the final round of the Darwin A-grade rugby regular season

University Pirates are showing no signs of slowing down heading into the final weeks of the 2020 competition. Picture: Glenn Campbell

UNIVERSITY Pirates will look to complete their unbeaten run when they come up against Palmerston in the final round of the Darwin A-grade rugby regular season.

However, Pirates’ influential player-coach Robbie Butcher insists his teammates will approach the match as they have any other, after defeating reigning premiers Darwin Dragons 24-5 last Saturday night.

“That win over Dragons was a really positive one for us and was probably one of our best games this season,” Butcher told the NT News.

“It all came down to second efforts as the boys didn’t drop off in defence out wide or in close and that’s confirmation of the kind of footy we know we can play.

“We’ve had awesome depth this year which has contributed to our success but we haven’t spoke about our unbeaten run. Nothing but the grand final matters.”

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The improving Palmerston remains winless so far this year but has applied plenty of scoreboard pressure to its opposition, particularly early on, in recent weeks.

However, Butcher will be looking to his consistent group of forwards, including Daniel Lamble, Wise Sekitoga and captain Ben Parkes, to take the battle head on.

“Palmerston will be interesting. They may stack their B-grade now they’re in finals or will target A-grade and throw the kitchen sink at us playing some no-fear footy so we shall see,” Butcher said.

“For us it’s just trust the process, stick to our structures and take the smart decisions and opportunities when they come our way.

“We’re blessed to have the guys that we have this season and our forwards particularly are now enjoying the fruits of their labour from pre-season.”

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Meanwhile, Casuarina will look to extend its winning run against a South Darwin side which has lost its past two matches. The match-up will decide the team which finishes second for the regular season.