This weekend marks the Grand Final in the Lower Divisions.
Division Two has seen some enthralling duels in the finals series with four of the five matches being decided by less than three goals. Balmain has won every sudden death clash after coming from fifth and will this weekend look to culminate their fairytale run with a win over minor premiers, Penrith.
It is no fluke Balmain have reached the Grand Final given their impressive performances, especially when put under pressure against Auburn in the Elimination Final, and Holroyd-Parramatta where they were behind before making a charge in the second half.
They have the necessary ingredients to challenge Penrith. They have a figurehead up forward in Andrew Kyprianou who was second on the goalkicking tally after the regular season. Their midfield came over the top of the highly touted Goannas’. Kyle Underwood has had Premier Division experience this year and adds steel along with Aaron Cottrell.
They have also benefitted from the run and carry of youngsters such as Brad Plug, Luke Freemantle and Jarryd Boyd. All three can also go forward and kick a goal. Boyd, in particular, is a key to their performance on the weekend.
They face their toughest test against a well-drilled Penrith outfit, under the tutelage of Geoff Payne. The Rams came out narrow victors against the Goannas’ in an impressive display of high-pressure football.
They possess strong leadership in David Bradley and a strong spine with Jay Edwards a mobile player in defence. Dale Chivas is still a class player and if let off the chain could win the game off his own boot. Ben Robinson is an enigmatic small forward, while Blake Roberts has impressed this season in the forward half, especially with his contested play.
It will be interesting to see how the Rams handle the occasion as they chase their first Senior flag since 1991. They deserve to start favourites in what should be an enticing contest.
Head-to-Head
Round 5- Balmain 15.14-104 def. Penrith 13.8-86
Round 12- Penrith 14.16-100 def. Balmain 6.4-40
Division Four also sees Penrith represented against Moorebank.
Penrith were, along with Macquarie University, the standout side in the competition after the regular season, while Moorebank have made strong progress after finishing the eighteen rounds in third position.
After being pipped by three points in the Qualifying Final by the Warriors, Moorebank overcame a first-half deficit to defeat UTS, and then turned the tables on Macquarie University.
The Magpies share the load well with Victor Pham a key player who is well supported by Anthony Simpson, Andrew Mahoney and Ryan Forrester.
Penrith have good depth with Christian Triffitt and Nathan Rowley in strong form leading into the clash. The addition of one of the Ram’s exciting Under 18 prospects, Jack Ponton, should give the side extra speed through the middle.
Penrith have won both previous encounters and will be banking on a strong start to thwart their opponents who have strong momentum leading into Grand Final day.
Head-to-Head
Round 1- Penrith 8.4-52 def. Moorebank 7.5-47
Round 11- Penrith 13.12-90 def. Moorebank 2.5-17
Last Modified on 19/10/2011 16:43