The remaining Grand Final berths are on the line in the Lower Divisions with four Preliminary Final matches to be played at Gipps Road Oval on Saturday.
Division Two
Sydney University vs St George Dragons- 3.15pm
St George has won through two cut-throat finals to reach the Preliminary Final stage, and have extra motivation to succeed given it is playing-coach Gavin Raper’s 200th senior club match.
The Dragons have easily won both their two finals matches by over forty points. Their second-half performance against Nor-West was particularly impressive, where they scored six goals and conceded none in the process. Daniel Annor has been the Dragons’ best player this finals series and will demand attention. Daniel Lim and Richard Talbot, as well as the main target up forward in Jonathan Shineberg are also players to watch.
Sydney University, after finishing minor premiers, missed their chance to book a straight passage to the Grand Final, falling short by two goals to UNSW/ES. They will be desperate themselves not to go out in straight sets against an ever-improving unit. Jason Cheah has continually been one of Sydney University’s best and was so again last weekend. Callum Kennedy and Scott Snodgrass will also be important for the Students.
Division Three
UTS vs Saints a.f.c – 1.10pm
Saints have followed the same trajectory as the Dragons in winning both their cut-throat Elimination matches. After falling over the line against Southern Power, they overcame inaccuracy in front of goals to down Sydney University by 21 points. Brett Somerville’s return from injury added more potency to the forward line last weekend, and will again work in tandem with Michael Dunlea. Scott Feigan and Michael Garstin have been consistent this finals series.
UTS had plenty riding on their clash with Blacktown given it was John Colbert’s 200th senior match. Despite holding the lead into the final quarter, the Magic would punish UTS’ earlier inaccuracy (3.11 at three-quarter time) to prevail by eight points. They will start fair favourites given their standing, with Nicholas Allardice and David Coffey important to the end result.
Division Four
UTS vs Penrith – 11.05am
These two sides have recent history with UTS prevailing by 22 points in their Qualifying Final clash a fortnight ago. Not much separated the two sides for most of the contest despite UTS generating the lion’s share of scoring opportunities. UTS could not muster a win against Gosford to book a place in the Grand Final but will again start as favourites. Brett Knight and Lachlan Williams have been among UTS’ best performers this finals series.
Penrith will gain confidence from their strong second half against UNSW/ES where they scored ten goals to four to turn a deficit into a six goal win. They will again have strong support as they are now the last remaining club side in the finals with their Division One senior side bowing out last week. Brayden Wilson and Mark Woodford will again be important for the Rams.
Division Five
Camden vs UTS – 9.00am
UTS head into the Preliminary Final with form and confidence under their belt. After defeating Moorebank in the Elimination Final by 17 points, they thrashed Saints a.f.c by 84 points to give them a chance of reaching the Grand Final. Ryan Armstrong has kicked five goals in each of his last two games. Jonathan Bocking has also been a reliable ally up forward. John McCormack is also a strong attacking player.
Camden after defeating Saints albeit by a smaller margin in the Qualifying Final, were always behind against Sydney University. They will need to pick themselves back off the canvas and if they can replicate their form from the regular season will be favoured to book a rematch with Sydney University next weekend. Wade Passfield has easily been their best player in the finals series.
Last Modified on 04/09/2012 15:41
