Armidale’s home of Rugby Bellevue Rugby Ground at UNE will play host to an exciting weekend of finals football this Saturday and Sunday when the New England Rugby Union semifinal series kicks off.
In Saturday’s first grade major semifinal minor premiers Robb College will be looking to skip straight through to the big game when they take on Armidale Blues in the main game at 3:00pm. Both teams are fresh off victories last weekend, Robb comprehensively accounting for Tamworth and Blues winners in a tight one over Albies at the death.
Robb College have been in red hot form over the back end of the season, with the experience of Patrick Keene providing the guidance to allow speedsters Archie Cudmore and Ryan Neill to shine. Armidale’s evergreen Pete Cummings crossed the stripe in the 80th minute last week to give his side the win, and the forward battle will again be vital as to the winner.
Sunday’s first grade minor semi pits Walcha up against the hot-and-cold St Albert’s College side hoping to keep their season alive. While Walcha have been too strong in both matches this season, they definitely will not underestimate the students who have won back-to-back premierships and know their way through the big games.
For Walcha, Sam Lomax and Gus McConville have been the beneficiaries out wide of some slick backline play, while if Albies are to come away with the win they’ll need big performances from abrasive skipper Sam Greer, the skillful Hamish Brown, and Joe Kennedy out wide.
In other matches, the Tamworth and Glen Innes Women’s 10’s sides will battle it out for a place in the Grand Final on Saturday. Tamworth have been the big improvers this season and will be looking to capitalise on a successful year to date, while the Glen girls have been here before and know what it takes to get the job done.
On Sunday, the traditional rivals Albies and Robb Women’s sides will meet, with one team to ow out. Robb were comprehensive victor last time these two met but the Albies girls have plenty backing up from last years premiership winning side and will be looking to keep their dreams alive.
The Bellevue ground is in immaculate condition and with warm and dry conditions, there should be points a plenty to be scored.
Major Semi Final – Saturday 24th August Bellevue Oval UNE Armidale
3pm 1st grade Robb College v Armidale Blues
1.45 pm Women’s 10’s Tamworth v Glen Innes
12.10pm 2nd grade Armidale Blues v Walcha
10.40am 3rd grade Tamworth v Armidale Blues
Minor Semi Finals – Sunday 25th August Bellevue Oval UNE Armidale
3pm 1st grade Walcha v St Albert’s College
1.45 pm Women’s 10’s St Alberts v Robb College
12.10pm 2nd grade St Alberts v Tamworth
10.40am 3rd grade Robb College v St Alberts College
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