Preview – 5th Grade Semi Final v Gordon Tunks Park Sat & Sun 10:30am

This is the big one to win a place in the 2016-17 Grand Final! There is no second chance this week-end. We simply HAVE TO WIN! A draw is no good to us. Fortunately the forecast is for showers only so there is a big chance of getting some play. We need the BIG WET to go somewhere else! The Sahara Desert would be nice.

This is the big one to win a place in the 2016-17 Grand Final! There is no second chance this week-end. We simply HAVE TO WIN! A draw is no good

 to us. Fortunately the forecast is for showers only so there is a big chance of getting some play. We need the BIG WET to go somewhere else! The Sahara Desert would be nice.

After last week’s washout the top four sides play off for the right to fight out the premiership. As we finished fourth we get to play the minor premiers Gordon at Tunks Park. This will be the 11th semi-final we have contested in our 16 seasons. We have progressed to the Grand Final on five of those occasions winning twice. It’s a remarkable record. The last time we were there was in 2008-09 when Campbelltown-Camden beat us at Coogee Oval 7-152 to 151.

We did not play Gordon this season. That’s one of the problems when there are 15 rounds and 20 clubs. However, based on results there appears little between the teams. Gordon won 9, drew 3 and lost 3 for 63 points. We also won 9 but lost 6 for 59 points. Prior to last week’s washout we were the form team with 4 straight wins. Gordon won 2 of their last 4 with one drawn and a loss. This should be a pretty even match although the momentum is with us. After all, we have nothing to lose and they have plenty!

Over the years the results also confirm there is little between the two teams. There have been 16 matches with 8 wins apiece. In the last 10, we have a narrow majority of 6 to 4 although over the last 4 seasons it is 2 wins each. We won last year at Kensington 184 to 105 with Jack Standing having a good double with 2-16 with the ball and 32 with the bat. Jack is lining up again this week-end.

Selectors have named a very talented squad which is: Nigil Singh (capt.), Savio Gracias Flor, Vishwas Saini, Dylan Powell, Chris Hart, Matt Hilder, Jack Standing, Ben Montedoro, Kel Mullins, Sam Boyns, Mac Waugh, Alex Deller, Mitchell O’Loughlin.

Follow the boy’s progress on the week-end on the club’s facebook page. Go the Randy Petes!

Lyall Gardner