Shoalhaven Heads pushed Manyana all the way to gain a 1-all draw, while Illaroo managed a 3-all draw with Bomaderry after playing half the match with only 10 players. 

Shoalhaven United put in a surprise performance with a 4-1 win over Huskisson and Culburra defeated Basin 9-1.

Match of the round: Culburra v Shoalhaven United

THE match of the round will be between last year’s grand finalists Culburra and Shoalhaven United. 

Culburra showed what they could do with an ominous performance against Basin last week. 

While Basin kept pace with them in the first half, the Cougars ran riot in the second to score a comprehensive win. 

This was achieved without star strikers Corey Ryan and Jack Miller and they will only get stronger when these guys return. 

Culburra coach Tony Gauci is happy with the team’s start to the year and will be looking for continued good performances from Keiran Witt, Steve Gray, Dale Blundell, Aaron Mason and Blair Sutherland.

Despite the loss of several of last year’s line up United put in a good performance against a strong Huskisson side. 

United coach Trevor Skingle will know this week’s match will be a step up and he will need his side to be at their best for a full 90 minutes. 

Shane Button finally got his chance up front after several years of telling coach Skingle that is where he should be. 

He certainly made the most of his opportunity with a hat-trick. 

Skingle will also want Billy Wallington, Shaun Aldous, Brett Ringland and Matt Lewis to be at their best. 

While Culburra are likely to have at least nine of last year’s grand final side in their starting line-up the United side will probably only have four. 

Culburra are deserved favourites for the competition and should be able to take maximum points from this match.