Joondalup had been a happy hunting ground for Souths 4th grade in previous seasons. Two well matched teams had traded victories in previous seasons and it was Souths that had won at Iluka last year. With the start of the season optimism combined with new faces in both teams, the result would be hard to pick. The first half was an even affair with captain Mark Carmichael marshalling his backline well in both defence and attack. Both sides traded penalties with Caleb Lamatoa providing a long range accuracy not seen in the second team for a long time. The breakthrough came towards the end of the half with Geordie James crashing over. Converted by Lamatoa, the break came with Souths in front 13-6.

Front row changes at half-time heralded a scrappy period just after the break with Joondalup scoring a breakaway try to stay in the hunt. A blasting from player coach Lee Chapman and captain Carmichael saw the start of a ruthless period from Souths. Timmy Finlay was excellent in the line-out, providing great ball for the rejunvenated Han Yeung who started the demolition. Andrew Hunt continued to excel in the loose and carved up opening after opening for this talented back-line. Three tries for Yeung and three for Lamatoa ended the contest in a formidable 15 minute period. A raft of further changes didn’t break Souths stride as the scores continued to increase. With the game won, Souths focus was clear and they kept Joondalup’s late riposte to a whimper. 55-7.