Showdown will decide who takes step closer to grand final
BURDEKIN and North Ward will lock horns to decide which team continues its run towards what could be a fairytale grand final appearance.
The sides clash in tomorrow’s Townsville and District Rugby Union ( TDRU) knockout minor semi- final at Mike Carney Toyota Park, following today’s major semi between minor premiers Brothers and two- time defending champions Teachers West.
The Canetoads and Old Boys are hitting peak form at the right time, with Burdekin smashing Ross River 83- 7 in last week’s last round of the regular season, while North Ward pushed Teachers in a 17- 16 loss.
Tomorrow’s opponents share a 2- 2 win- loss record, with Burdekin winning the first pair before North Ward finished with hard- earned results towards the end of the season.
Burdekin coach Brendan Bunyan, whose team reached last year’s decider, said his team was still yet to reach full service despite sealing its finals’ spot with three rounds to spare.
“The Ross River game was a bit of an odd one because they were out of the running for finals, and they brought a team down even though they were underdone,” Bunyan said.
“But we stuck to our structures and we were able to score a few points in front of our supporters.
“It was a good way to finish the regular part of the year, but finals is a lot different to regular footy.
“The pressure is a lot higher and we’ll be trying to keep a good focus on Sunday.
“I still don’t believe we have played our best footy, even though we’re getting there, so hopefully we’ve left our best for the end of the year.”
North Ward have lost second rower Zac Ollington to a broken collarbone he suffered during last week’s loss to Teachers but they will welcome Andrew Flett back from outside commitments.
Old Boys captain Dan Withers said his team was in no mood to see their season come to an early end.
“We’re like a team that gets better the longer the season goes on,” he said.
“We finished fourth on the ladder but we’re keen to have a crack at the premiership, and that game against Teachers West was like finals footy.
“It was a great game to have because Burdekin will be primed and they basically have the same side that played in last year’s grand final.
“We’ll have to be at our best on Sunday.”
Brothers left it late to win the minor premiership ahead of Teachers, but regular season form will count for little when the pacesetters play for a direct path to the grand final. Brothers beat Teachers 53- 14 when the teams last met in July, allowing Brothers to make crucial ground before sealing the minor premiership with a pair of big wins.