Pirates fill vacancy left by PBC

BOND Pirates are set to step into the vacancy created by Palm Beach Currumbin’s first grade exit to ensure a Gold Coast District Rugby Union country round match goes ahead at Beaudesert.

The Alleygators were due to play Surfers Paradise this Saturday before withdrawing from the top tier on the eve of Round 1 last week, throwing the fixture into chaos.

Only two games were played in the opening round, leaving both Helensvale and Surfers sidelined.

The GCDRU board convened on Monday night, with a meeting with club presidents last night planned to gain their endorsement of a revised draw.

Regardless, country round will proceed as planned with Helensvale and Gold Coast Eagles playing at Tamborine Mountain and Griffith University Colleges taking on Nerang at Yarrabilba; Pirates will give up their bye to face Surfers at Beaudesert.

That last outcome is critical, given Surfers would otherwise have not played their first competition match until April 27, after next weekend’s break for Easter.

Palm Beach Currumbin are expected to play in the Pirates’ second grade slot, with the Miami-based club’s reserves shuffling down to thirds.