Epic battle looms between Redmen and Marlins.
SCU Marlins are either choc-full of confidence or thought it was not in their best interests organising a catch-up game from their round eight clash with Port Pirates, which in hindsight, would have potentially given them a home minor semi-final.
Marlins are currently in third place on the Mid North Coast first grade ladder, just two points ahead of the Redmen.
A victory against Pirates would have made it impossible for Grafton to host the minor semi, however to their credit, Marlins have put everything on the line when they clash with Grafton this Saturday at the Hay Street Rugby Fields in the final round of the competition.
Marlins’ president Chris Rowthorne explained his club’s reasoning behind the decision:
“We discussed it (playing the catch-up game) earlier in the season and decided against it,” Rowthorne said.
“I suppose we are backing ourselves to come away with the win. It’s not easy playing two games in a week particularly with the finals approaching.
“It’s going to be a fantastic game and either way one side will be hosting next week’s minor semi-final”
Marlins have been the dark horses of the competition of late winning their last five games including two big scalps, Hastings Vikings and Coffs Harbour Snappers.
Rowthorne admitted his side are hitting their straps at the right end of the season.
“We are starting to gel as a side and our combinations have provided more stability within the team,” he said.
“Our defence has also improved. I know you guys are not easy to beat at home and have been playing consistent footy throughout the season.
“On their day, any one of the top four sides is capable of winning the premiership. But In saying that, Hastings at full strength, are probably the team everyone is worried about.”
For the Redmen the cavalry has arrived with a host of players returning from injury including forwards Jacob Black, Tyler Wratten-Hancock and Loiesio Lavea.
First grade coach Gary Powell said on Wednesday that he expects his side to be close to full strength.
“We have pretty much the same side which played against Kempsey last week which is a rarity for us as we seem to be changing the side every round,” Powell said.
“We have a few players back which will also give us a very strong bench. Blackie got through training last night even though his hamstring was still a bit tight, and Tyler managed to get through a full training session which included plenty of contact.
“Sio is also back after serving suspension and he will add plenty of grunt up front.”
SCU and Grafton have met twice this season with Marlins winning both games by the smallest of margins, however both games were on Marlins’ home soil.
Nico