At the end of the regular season, most fans backed minor premiers Mounties to storm their way into their third-consecutive Ron Massey Cup Grand Final.
The good news is that the most consistent team has made it to the big day but not without any hiccups. After suffering an upset loss to Windsor in the first week of the Finals Series, Mounties went on to win their next two elimination finals to set up a grand final showdown against the Asquith Magpies.
Mounties will be looking to improve on their horrible Grand Final record. They have made it to the big dance on three of the last four occasions but have failed to lift the trophy.
If history is anything to go by, this weekend’s clash is sure to be a close and tight fixture that will go right down to the wire. In both meetings this season Mounties defeated Asquith by narrow margins.
Mounties coach Chris Hutchison knows his team is the form side of the competition but doesn’t want to overthink his chances.
“We’re confident but we know we are playing a very strong Asquith team,” Hutchison said. “They’re a great side. They’ve bonded well, they’re coached well so we will need to play really well to beat them.”
After a grinding win over a valiant Wenty side, Mounties will be looking to improve and clean up some areas of their game.
“We defended well but we weren’t as good with the footy as we could have been,” Hutchison said. “We’re happy that we’re there and hope we can play better this week.
“We are going to improve our execution and work on our defence as well. Asquith have got a great side so hopefully we can be good enough.”
On the other side of the ledger is an energetic Asquith side. The Magpies followed the same path as Mounties on the road to the Grand Final, losing their first match and then winning their next two knock-out finals.
Asquith will be heading into this game as underdogs, something that doesn’t bother Asquith’s coach Simon Clarke.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Clarke said. “Nobody really expected us to be in the Grand Final. There’s no pressure on us, so we can just go out there and keep doing what we have been doing.
“We’ve got a lot of experience in our side. The boys thrive on the experience and play for each other.”
Be prepared for another thrilling close encounter.
The Ron Massey Cup Grand Final kicks off at 1.40pm this Sunday at Pirtek Stadium, and will also be streamed live on nswrl.com.au. Click here for the live stream.
The NSWRL Grand Final day, held at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday, September 27, is the biggest day on the VB NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield calendars and the only live rugby league in Sydney that weekend – and adult tickets are just $10, with kids under 12 free! With face painting, live music and a carnival-like atmosphere, it’s the perfect day out for young and old.Get your tickets here.
