With the Premiership decided, it is to the finals contenders that interest rests this weekend, and there no shortage of that.
Following the complete washout of Round Nineteen a few weeks ago, these matches will now take place across this weekend with an early starter up at Pluim Park on Friday night.
Central Coast will take to the field for the final time in FNSW competitions after their decision to withdraw from 2012 so there is sure to be a large crowd in attendance to see off the Coasties in style. Despite knowing of their withdrawal after this season, the Coast have put up plenty of fight in their remaining matches and this Friday should see a similar strong effort. The match has a lot riding on it too, especially for Granville Rage who need a win to qualify for the final five. Three points will do it for the Rage, anything less will see Granville having to rely on Sunday’s results being in their favour. This match will kick off at 8pm, the Under 20s fixture will not take place following Granville’s forfeit of that game.
The remaining five matches all kick off at 3pm on Sunday. St George v Northern Tigers is one of the more crucial clashes with a loss for either side possibly proving critical. The Saints are in a slightly better position, only needing a draw to qualify for the finals while the Tigers could survive with a draw depending on the Rage and Spirit results. The visitors will need to manage without Luke Reading and Max Glanville who were sent off last weekend but the Tigers squad is strong and, last weekend apart, their defence has stood firm.
Spirit FC brought themselves back into contention with that hammering of Tigers last weekend. All had seemed lost but they are well into the running now. A win over the already qualified West Sydney Berries is what they need while a favour from the Central Coast won’t go astray either. Spirit need some goals but if they can score four against the Tigers at Mills, they can do it against anyone. The Berries may be down after losing the Premiership, but with their own finals qualification safe, it might be just right for Spirit.
Macarthur Rams travel to Dulwich Hill. The Rams are all but safe courtesy of their superior goal difference but where within the five they finish is the question. It could be second or it could be fifth. The double chance is vital for the finals and so a win at Arlington Oval is a necessity. But Dully will be keen to finish the season with a good result, especially following their loss last Sunday. It would be particularly sweet for Dully’s Paul Carter who would love to get the victory over his former club.
The two remaining matches have no real bearing on the table. Blacktown Spartans will enjoy their match against Hills Brumbies at Francis Park as they soak up the glow of the Premiership. It will be a welcome respite for the Spartans who have had some critical games recently as they clawed their way to the top. But Hills will put up plenty of fight in this one as they end their season. A win to finish up with is the plan.
Fraser Park meet Sydney University at home. Apart from pride, there is nothing riding on this game except perhaps the chance to plan early for next season and give some playing time to some youngsters. Uni should finish in eighth spot while Fraser Park can draw level on points if they take this victory. It may be a chance to enjoy some football without the tension.
There will be plenty of that around this weekend, beginning on Friday night, a game which is sure to have many of the finals contenders watching out for the result with much interest.
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