The second match up for the season against Curtin saw Souths navigating unchartered waters. For the first time, they had slipped to 2nd spot after failing to accrue bonus points as Curtin 4ths had. Although their lead was only by a point, Souths second grade wanted daylight between them and the new competition leaders and it all started here.

For Souths, it was a similar story to the week before. Absolute scrummage dominance as opposed to a very mediocre line-out providing ball for a talented and settled backline. What dominance it was though. Within the first 5 minutes, Curtin picked that their makeshift scrum couldn’t contend with the organised Souths pack and resorted to line-outs instead of scrimmaging after Souths lineout infringements. Souths hooker Lee Chapman though made up for his misdemeanours with ball in hand by taking all but one of the Curtin feeds throughout the match. Waitoa Horopapera, in his first start at 8, supplied the attacking potency to put Souths on the front foot. Thundering through the line on numerous occasions, his barnstorming runs allowed the mischievous Carmichael to pull the strings of his backline with flair. It was only a matter of time before Horopaprea opened the scoring. Crashing over after riding numerous tackles, the first points on the board were to Souths. A penalty from Carmichael put Souths 8-0 up. A low point of the half was problems with the usually impeccable discipline with Coach Chapman and Tim Coffey, rejuvenated this year into a true leading member of the pack, lucky not to be sin-binned for silly mistakes.

The second half saw changes in the back row and centres with the message from the coaching staff for more of the same. Multiple Curtin changes couldn’t make a contest of it at scrum time, but did take it to Souths in the backs with young and fresh legs probing a so far resolute defence. A period of free flowing running Rugby from both sides ensued throughout the 2nd half. The next score came Souths way. On at 12, Tylar Monk bounced off his opposite number before off-loading to Marty Searankce. He held up his man perfectly to buy Monk the time to loop, collect and score in the corner. Curtins hard work ended with the score as Souths tried to remain composed and increase the scoring. Soon after, a neat intercept from Ronan Kent saw him run in a further try from 30 metres. The win was secured, the bonus point wasn’t. A further late spell of pressure from Curtin ended the bonus score scheme as they ran in a try on the final whistle. 18-5 to Souths and top spot secured once more.