CENTRAL COAST RUGBY UNION
PREVIEW
MINOR SEMIFINAL
SATURDAY, 3rd AUGUST, 2024
WOY WOY OVAL
The 2024 Finals Series has finally arrived. In a year where the struggle to make the Finals was intense from the opening rounds, it now comes down to only four teams remaining in the race to the Major Premiership. The Finals sees four Premier 1 teams that are quite evenly matched and it should prove a close Premiership.
The Minor Semi-final is between the 3rd and 4th placed teams, the Razorbacks and Avoca Beach, respectively. This clash is so difficult in which to choose a winner. Both teams have played well this year. These two teams had two tough matches this year but it was Avoca Beach who won both these clashes. However, Finals rugby is a whole new ball game. Both teams know they most win all their matches from now on if they are to stay in the race for the Major Premiership. This situation creates its own pressure so chances have to be taken, and both teams know they must play out the fill 80 minutes. Both teams contain experience and youth, and this combination will hold both teams in good stead. The Razorbacks have a strong forward pack with a very strong back row. Avoca Beach also have a very solid forward pack but will rely very much on their very speedy backline for success. Both teams will be desperate to continue on and to reach the Preliminary Final in two weeks time. This will be intense game of rugby which will go right down to the wire.
The Premier 2 Minor Semi-final is also between the Razorbacks and Avoca Beach. So it is a big day for these two teams in matches which are sudden death. It all makes for an exciting clash on Saturday. These two teams will be evenly matched so this will be another tough and closely contested match. Avoca Beach have won both their clashes this year but both were very tight. Because of that, maybe Avoca Beach may go into this contest with just that bit more confidence, and may claim favouritism for the match. As stated above however, semi-final rugby is very different rugby and seems to bring the best out in all players.
The President’s Cup Minor Semi-final sees Warnervale meeting Kariong. The President’s Cup competition this year has been a close one and has seen rugby played at a pleasing standard. The Minor Semi-final on Saturday between these two teams will reflect this – it will be a good quality match and will be close. These two teams have had a win each this year and both results were very close, so it is obvious this Saturday will see a very even struggle. In fact this match could be the most evenly fought contest of the day.
The Women’s 12’s Minor Semi-final will see Terrigal taking on The Lakes to see who has the right to continue on in the Final Series. Terrigal will be slight favourites in this clash but The Lakes will be most keen to cause an upset. Terrigal have won both their clashes this year so they will take confidence from that. Terrigal are the reigning Premiers and they would very much like to maintain that position this year, but they have much to do to retain that Premiership, beginning this Saturday.
TEAM LINEUPS ON SATURDAY :
Minor Semi Final
Woy Woy Oval 3rd August
11.00 am President’s Cup Warnervale v. Kariong
12.25 pm Women’s 12’s Terrigal v. The Lakes
1.35 pm Premier 2 Avoca Beach v. Razorbacks
3:15 pm Premier 1 Razorbacks v. Avoca Beach