Mandurah were welcomed to the Success Sporting Complex for the first time by Souths with the second string having a score to settle. Only two losses this season for Lee Chapman’s side with one of those coming against this opposition down at Mandurah earlier in the season.

Souths were unchanged from last Saturdays victory over Curtin with intensity being the keyword for the day. Mandurah kicked-off and Souths pack went to work. Making huge inroads up fields, a good week’s training came to the fore as a shell-shocked Mandurah pack scrambled and scrambled, unsure how to match their opposite numbers. A broken record at scrum time, as the front row made the first Mandurah scrum theirs and off went Waitoa. Breaking the line on too many occasions, it was no surprise he was the first to cross. A carbon copy of the first try almost saw Souths camped in the Mandurah with opportunities galore. It was Captain Carmichael who sealed the move with a fine try. Major Advantage Lions only ten minutes in. As most opposition had done in previous weeks, Mandurah clawed their way back into the match and enjoyed some decent possession culminating in a well taken penalty. Half time came with Souths 12-3 up.

Due to excellent numbers at training, mass changes ensued at half time. The message was to keep up the rhythm and intensity of the 1st half. The was dealt a blow with a bizarre uncontested scrum argument early in the second half with Mandurah ruling they had no props spare out of the two grades they had brought and couldn’t compete. Rule interpretations from all sides were brought and the game eventually continued with Mandurah still able to field a full side. A good if controversial tactic on Mandurah’s behalf didn’t stop Souths from dominating the second half too. Changes in Mandurah back line gave them some hope but as the lineout started to click, Souths pack again set platform after platform for Carmichaels backs. A slight period of indiscipline followed with too many penalties going the Pirates way. It was left to a bit of magic from Geordie James and Captain Carmichael to increase the score. A strong direct run from the 10 drew in three defenders who then fed James whose bullocking run saw him just come short. A quick gather from Peter Jackson saw him fall even shorter before a neat overlap was exploited to allow Ronan Kent to score in the corner. Mandurah were now on the hop and as Souths increased their possession, more neat passing and running eventually gave James the chance to seal the game. Over he crashed, securing the bonus point. 22-3 to Souths