The Grand Finals of the Thiess Services Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League competition will be held this Sunday at ResCo Park with the Criterion Hotel Singleton Greyhounds to play the Greta Branxton Colts in all grades. All teams that finished in second position on the table were defeated last Sunday by Greta Branxton.
Match day sponsor is NPH Mine Services.
The Bradken First Grade side will take on a Greta Branxton side that defeated Scone 14-6 last Sunday. Previous encounters during the season saw Singleton victors in the three competition games although Greta Branxton inflicted the first defeat on Singleton at ResCo in the preseason final.
Singleton Coach Mark Newman is chasing the chance to emulate the late Pat Kelly in 1973-74 by winning back to back grand finals. Last season Singleton defeated Aberdeen in the decider at the Showground.
Newman is hoping that his forwards will once again lay the foundation for a win. Big forwards Luke Holz, Michael Millgate and Chris Martin will be relied upon for early dominance around the ruck. If the Greyhounds can get a 50/50 share of possession they will look to create opportunities for their backs to score the points required for a victory.
Jonathon Fraser, playing in his 100th First Grade game, may be a vital ingredient with his play from dummy half. Russell Richards, Luke Gardner and captain Clinton Tull have formed a deadly combination on the left hand side for Singleton and they will be a handful for the Greta Branxton defence if Singleton get plenty of ball.
The side is Tommy Ernst, Jamie Garland, Luke Gardner, Daniel Kisi, Al Harris, Russell Richards, Jake Smith, Michael Millgate, Jack Fraser, Luke Holz, Brad Schultz, Chris Martin, Clinton Tull, Scott Matthews, Ty Merrick, Steve Warburton, Brad Cooper and Pat Ling.
The Moore & Baxter Reserve Grade side have been impressive in their recent encounters culminating with the major semi win over Merriwa. Last season Coach Leigh Langdon sat out the decider to play in First Grade only to see his team defeated by Aberdeen.
This time Langdon will be the key for his teams chances. If his forwards can get on top early Langdon’s combination with Brendon Landers should ensure the speedy backline see enough ball to secure the win. Troy Amidy and Jason Moore provide the experience needed to mix with the youthful exuberance of Zac Solman and John Boyle in the pack.
Fullback Daniel Robbins has returned from an early season injury in strong form and he adds pace from the back. The player that could be the match breaker for Singleton is big forward Christian Kirby. He can be a devastating ball runner if given room to move.
The Reserve Grade side is Daniel Robbins, Rohan Dennis, Geoff Simpson, John Holland, Michael Bellamy, Brendon Landers, Leigh Langdon, Jason Moore, Luke Campbell, John Boyle, Zac Solman, Matt Jones, Troy Amidy, Heath Moore, Christian Kirby, Ben Thompson, Cliff Newling, Tarus Maskey, Steve Dunston.
The Singleton Tyre Centre Under 18’s will open the day against the Colts. Greta Branxton defeated Singleton in May and that should be enough to ensure that Gary Gardner’s Pups are in the right frame of mind come kick off.
Gardner hopes his front row pair of Jake Law and Ben Thorley along with Marty Carroll in the second row take his team forward. Captain Kurt Neely will be responsible for directing his team around the paddock.
Jacob Miller has forced his way into the starting squad with some strong performances and Jason Austin has been one of Gardner’s better players all year.
The Under 18’s side is Ethan Adler, Tyla Price, Mark Baxter, Jesse Bush, Tom Cox, Jake Hardy, Kurt Neely, Jake Law, Corey Duncan, Ben Thorley, Jacob Miller, Marty Carroll, Jason Austin, Mitch Bayley, Nathan George, Eliot Langdon, Kirk Badior, Troy Bennett, James Perry, Lindsay Valance, Nick Irwin, Blair Abrams.
The SURLFC Presentation night has been organised for Saturday, October 11. Tickets are $40 and can be picked up from the club canteen.
A working bee will be held this Saturday morning before the grand final to get ResCo in shape. Anyone interested in lending a helping hand would be greatly appreciated, 8:30am is starting time and bring a whipper snipper if you can.
A big crowd is expected for Sunday with plenty of police and security at the ground to ensure crowd behaviour is acceptable.
Gates open at 9am with the Under 18’s match starting at 10:30am, Reserve Grade kicking off at 12.15pm. The First Grade clash scheduled to kick off at 2.15pm.
Go the Greyhounds!
Sunday Makes it 100
OF those running onto the field on Sunday, it will be Jack Fraser who will bring a wealth of experience.
Fraser is playing his 100th first grade match and takes the field on Sunday in the position of dummy half.
It will be his fourth grand final, winning last year but losing the other two.
He plans on being on the winning team come Sunday’s grand final.
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