PRELIM FINAL PREVIEW
SENIOR’S
Merimbula v Pambula (Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, Narooma) 2:35pm
DEVELOPMENT
Pambula v Merimbula (Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, Narooma) 1:15pm
WOMEN’S
Eden v Pambula (Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, Narooma) 11:55am
UNDER 16’s
Merimbula v Narooma (Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, Narooma) 10:35am
UNDER 13’s
Bermagui v Merimbula (Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, Narooma) 9:15am
UNDER 11’s
Merimbula v BM Giants (Bill Smyth Memorial Oval, Narooma) 8:15am
Prelim Final Preview
Seniors
Merimbula v Pambula
The leagues most fierce rivalry will decide who goes through to next weekends grand final against Tathra/Bega at Berrambool Sports Complex. The game will be played at a neutral venue in Narooma and should see a very even contest between the two clubs. Merimbula lead the season series 2-1 with the Diggers leaving it until the 4th quarter in the last contest for Merimbula to claim the 4 points. The Diggers will be strengthened this weekend with a return of a number of key players who missed last weekend although will be without forward Dylan Jordan due to a shoulder injury. The undermanned Diggers were highly competitive last weekend against Tathra/Bega and will take a lot of confidence into this weekends contest. The Panthers got out to a fast start last weekend against Narooma and were able to hold off the Lions to progress through the finals as they search for a third consecutive premiership. This matchup is set to go the full length like the past 3 matches this season. Player to Watch: Scott Proctor, 2016’s senior best and fairest has cemented himself as one of the top players with his second league best and fairest joining some of the leagues best in D. Little and S. Larkin. Prediction: Merimbula by 10 Points.
Development
Pambula v Merimbula
The development grade has so far been extremely unpredictable so far in 2016 with a number of close games and upsets throughout the year. This weekend sees Pambula take on Merimbula in what should be an extremely tough contest between to rivals. Last weekend the Panthers got off to a slow start in their top two contest with Tathra/Bega and although the Panthers were competitive for much of the second half they could not chip away at Tathra/Bega’s lead. With some experienced players leading the young brigade of Panthers, Pambula have a good balance in their squad. Last weekend Merimbula ran out 30 point winners with solid performances from Kristopher Collins and Corey Trease. Player to Watch– Corey Tucker, Pambula. Prediction: Pambula by 20 Points.
Women’s
Eden v Pambula
This weekend will see a cracking contest in the women’s grade with Eden set to take on Pambula with both clubs coming off good performances last weekend. The Whalers have been the second best side all year and will be looking to claim a place in next weekends inaugural women’s grand final. A strong second half last weekend for the Whalers saw the side chip away at Tathra/Bega’s lead and will see the side take plenty of confidence into its match-up this weekend. The Panthers were convincing winners last weekend having their strongest side in for the year and will be confident of doing the same this weekend. Player to Watch: Madi Whatman, Women’s runner up B&F Whatman was best on ground last weekend and will be hopeful that she is the difference between the two sides on the weekend. Will be tough to beat in the middle. Prediction: Eden by 8 Points.
Under 16’s
Merimbula v Narooma
The Diggers were rocked last weekend when one of their star players in Jack Howker was injured early in the contest against the Panthers with the side unable to recover from a slow start after the innocuous incident. The Diggers will be looking to put last weekend behind them and show that they finished as minor premiers for a reason. The Lions were to good for the Breakers in last weekends contest and will be looking to continue their hot run. With key players Jai Reed and Jackson Taylor back the lions will be confident of making it three grand finals in three years. Player to Watch: Jedd Martyn, The Merimbula bottom age player has been great in 2016 not only picking up plenty of the ball but impacting the scoreboard. Prediction: Merimbula by 10 Points.
Under 13’s
Bermagui v Merimbula
The Breakers suffered their first loss of the season last weekend and they will not want to head out of the finals in straight sets. Last weekends match was extremely even with both the Lions and Breakers dominating in stretches although the Breakers came out on the wrong end. The Diggers have been highly competitive against the top sides in 2016 with the side improving week to week. Coach Doug Martyn will be hoping that this weekend is the week that the side puts on its best display of the season to advance. Player to Watch: Jem Ryan, Merimbula’s mr versatile able to play all over the ground to great effect. Prediction: Bermagui.
Under 11’s
Merimbula v BM Giants
Last weekend, unfortunately the Diggers were unable to take the fight to the breakers in the major semi final and will be looking for a bounce back game this weekend against a Giants side who look to be coming good at the right time of the season. The Giants were impressive winners against Pambula last weekend with Tasman Simons bagging 3 goals. Both sides had one win against each other during the regular season with the winner of the weekends match to have bragging rights leading into 2017. Player to Watch: Beau Bennett, Led the league Best & Fairest for 3/4’s of the season for a reason. A modest star in the making. Prediction: Giants.
Last Modified on 07/10/2016 14:14