Cabramatta Two Blues (5) Vs Auburn Warriors (8)
Lidcombe Oval, Saturday, September 6
Kick-off: 1.30pm
Referee: Jeff Hartup
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Triple H FM (Link available via www.triplehfm.com.au/hhh)
Summary: The Auburn Warriors head into the finals off the back of losing three of their last four, which ended up costing them any chance of a top four finish. The Two Blues on the other hand have peaked at the right time of the year having won their last three matches, all against top eight opponents. A big win over the Tigers last weekend will see Cabra full of confidence and the inclusion of several big name performers like Andrew Pearn and Josh Davis will see Cabra hard to beat. Auburn will be relying on the likes of Matt Utai, Arthur Little and Luke Ferry to lead the way if they are to advance to the second week of the finals. Luke Lavender bagged a hat trick for Cabra last week and along with the likes of Shannon Gallant and Chris Taripo will need to be watched closely by the Warriors defence. Auburn have knocked over Cabra in both of their meetings this season, but the Two Blues are arguably playing some of their best footy of the year.
Prediction: The Warriors are a good chance but Cabra look to have come good at the right time. Two Blues by 7.
Mounties (2) Vs Asquith Magpies (3)
Lidcombe Oval, Saturday, September 6
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Drew Oultram
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Triple H FM (Link available via www.triplehfm.com.au/hhh)
Summary: Another mouthwatering final awaits us here as Mounties tackle Asquith at Lidcombe Oval. In the final wash-up, just one competition point separated these two sides at the end of the regular season. Mounties finished up with the better attack and Asquith the stouter defence. During their two meetings this year, Asquith sneaked home by seven points in round four and then nothing could separate the two sides in round 15 when they played out a 28 all draw. Mounties head into this one having won three of their last four outings while Asquith have remained unbeaten since round 17. Mounties have a star-studded backline with a workman like pack while Asquith have been the quiet achievers of 2014, often only winning by slender margins, but still getting the job done all the same. Look for opposing halves in Joey Bond (Mounties) and Aaron Groom (Asquith) to lead the charge for their respective sides.
Prediction: There will be nothing in it, perhaps Mounties in a nail-biter. Mounties by 2.
Wentworthville Magpies (1) Vs The Entrance Tigers (4)
Ringrose Park, Saturday, September 6
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Scot Murray
Summary: The Wentworthville Magpies will be looking to get their finals campaign off to the perfect start this weekend as they attempt to claim back-to-back Ron Massey Cup titles. Wentworthville bounced back from their shock 25-4 loss a fortnight ago to score an emphatic 42-10 victory over the Windsor Wolves last weekend and will be primed to produce their best against the Tigers. Finishing the season as the best attacking and defensive side in the competition, the strength of the Magpies is obvious and having a player in form like Keehan Diamond (who scored a hat-trick last weekend) starting from the bench is testament to this. The Entrance will be thankful for their good start to the year after winning only two of their previous five games leading into the finals. The Tigers were thumped 42-18 by Cabramatta last weekend and can ill afford to repeat that performance against Wentworthville. The Tigers have plenty of experience in their side and will look to the likes of Jake Fitzpatrick and Ryan O’Hara to lead the way. Alan Mulia Malau is an excitement machine and will test the Magpies defence at every given opportunity.
Prediction: With a home crowd behind them, we’re expecting Wenty to produce on the day and be too strong for the Tigers. Magpies by 10.
Guildford Owls (6) Vs Western Suburbs Magpies (7)
McCredie Park, Sunday, September 7
Kick-off: 3.30pm
Referee: Damian Briscoe
Summary: It’s do or die for the Owls and Magpies this weekend as they go head-to-head in an elimination final at McCredie Park. Western Suburbs have won three of their last five matches heading into the finals and were extremely competitive in their two losses during that period. The Magpies accounted for Burwood 48-26 last weekend with Jerome Mose bagging a double in a strong display. Look for his fellow backs Trent Jennings, Sam Aiga and Tala Mapasone to test the Owls defence. Guildford will be looking to bounce back against Wests after going down to Asquith last weekend. The Owls finished just one point clear of Wests on the competition ladder and were 44-22 victors the last time the teams met back in Round 14. Shane Hunt, Jason Gray and Vincent Fonoti have formed a dangerous back three over the last few weeks and will look to challenge the Magpies defence.
Prediction: A do-or-die clash ensures that anything can happen, but we’re leaning towards Guildford… but only just. Owls by 4.
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Click here to see what the final Ron Massey Cup ladder looked like
