BRING IT ON: Orange City's Nathan Short takes on the Dubbo Kangaroos in their Blowes Clothing Cup major semi-final. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0901sgrugby4
RUGBY UNION
By MICHELLE COOK
YOU can make predictions about tomorrow's Blowes Clothing Cup first grade grand final but there is one thing you can guarantee - it is going to be tough.
Orange City will host Dubbo Kangaroos in the decider at Pride Park, with the two sides being the most dominant this season.
They already met three times this year, with Orange City coming out on top each time.
Lions coach Steve Hamson doesn't expect either side to bring any surprises tomorrow.
"We expect them to do the same thing they did the last time they played us - they take it through the forwards," Hamson said.
"They get good mileage down the field and it worked for them against Parkes.
"We won't change a thing. It's worked for the last 19 games so we figure it's got one more game in it."
The two sides have fought out some great battles this season.
In round two in Dubbo, the Lions came out on top 17-5, with both teams scoring a try each but Anthony Salmon booting four penalty goals to push the visitors in front.
Round 11 in Orange was a similar story with both teams running in four tries but Mesui Lemoto nailing two conversions and a penalty goal to five the Lions a 27-26 victory.
They met again in the major semi-final and this time Orange City stepped at key moments in the game to win 29-18 and earn the right to host the grand finals.
"They're two quality sides," Hamson said.
"They're both strong across the park and I think it will come down to the team that takes their opportunities and settles into the game the best."
The Lions mentor has said all along the Roos have been his side's toughest opponents.
"They're probably the most complete side we've played," he explained.
"They've got good, strong forwards, a good pair of centres and the wings are like ours. Their forwards are a lot bigger than ours and no doubt that's probably why they play us the way they do."
Orange City will have a slight change in their forward pack with Dan Johnson starting at No.8 and John Colgan moving to the flank.
Angus Brotherton will come off the bench.
Tomorrow's first grade Blowes Clothing Cup grand final will kick-off at 3.15pm at Pride Park.
n ORANGE CITY: 1 Nathan Short, 2 Josh Tremain, 3 John Gander, 4 Mitch Pearce, 5 Chris Barrett, 6 John Colgan, 7 Duncan Young, 8 Dan Johnson, 9 Nick Quinn, 10 Michael Sparks (c), 11 Ollie Stone, 12 Mesui Lemoto, 13 Tatafu Na'aniumotu, 14 Sione Lafo'ou, 15 Sam Powell, 16 Angus Brotherton. Coaches: Stave Hamson and Mick Gray.
n DUBBO KANGAROOS: 1 Peter Graham, 2 Peter Nau, 3 Tim Cullenward, 4 James Elliott, 5 James Skuthorp, 6 Tim Berry (c), 7 Brad Pugh, 8 Sam Martel, 9 Todd Stewart, 10 Ted Bates, 11 Niklas Moore, 12 Fabian Tago, 17 Mark Peteru, 14 Charlie Luteru, 15 Wade Richardson. Reserves: 16 Lyndon Davis, 13 Tim Symonds, 18 James Clark, 19 Junior Manase, 20 Luke Carney, 21 Ned Williams, 23 Mitchell Gersbach. Coaches: Gus McDonald, Abram Duffy.