The last finals spot for the New England Rugby Union competition will go up for grabs tomorrow afternoon as Robb College hosts Tamworth Magpies in a do or die match up.
The final round of the competition will be a battle for fourth on the ladder and hopes of their season to continue.
“Robb haven’t had the best season and if they pull of the win it will be their only team they have playing in the semi’s so they will be focusing on throwing everything at it.” said Scott Waterson, New England Rugby Union.
“They are coming off a break with uni holidays, but they are playing at home, so we expect them to come out hard.”
“Tamworth’s lower grades have gone really well so they will be looking to get their first-grade team over the line so the whole club will play semifinal football.”
“The winner will carry on to the semifinals and the loser will have silly Sunday.”
Tamworth Magpies are coming in fit and well ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
“Nothing is going to be left out there as we both play for that fourth spot.” said Damien Henry, Tamworth Magpies Coach.
“Unfortunately, we have had two weeks off since our last game against the Baa Baas, so we’ve had a couple of light runs but we have picked it up this week.”
The Magpies Coach is banking of a full team effort to get the job done, as they continue to build form throughout the season, however, they will also be focusing on ways to shut Robb down.
“The speed they play with, we will want to slow them down and play to our strength and not get run around, as the uni sides try and do.”
Blues Host Barbarians for Major Semifinal rights
Meanwhile, across town, Armidale Blues will host the Barbarians at Moran Oval, in an equally important game for semifinal status.
“The winner of this game will finish second and play in the major semifinal, whereas the loser will finish third and play in the minor semifinal.” said Scott.
“Of course, if you finish in second you get two bites of the cherry which is a big incentive.”
Both games kick off in Armidale at 3:15pm.
This weekend’s 1st Grade Games:
Robb College V Tamworth Magpies @ Bellevue Oval
Armidale Blues V Baa Bass @ Moran Oval
Albies take the bye this weekend, and a comfortable place at the top of the ladder.
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