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By RugbyWA Media
Contributors: Josh Zimmerman
Minor premier and last season's champions, Nedlands, will be out to book a second grand final appearance in as many years when it takes on 2011 surprise packets University at Hartfield Park on Saturday.
Nedlands finished 21 points clear of second place University in a stellar regular season that saw it go undefeated at home and only drop three games away from the Foreshore.
University, who last year finished eighth and has not played in a final since the late 1980's, surprised many on its way to recording eleven wins for the year and has already run Neddies close twice this season.
In their round 2 match up at McGillivray Oval a composed University appeared well in control of the game and led for much of the first half before a lapse in concentration allowed Neddies to score a try just before the break that brought them back in to the game, the Royal Blues eventual 24 – 17 winners.
The second time these sides met in round 11 at the Foreshore, University missed two late drop goals that would have given them the win allowing Neddies to breathe a huge sigh of relief after escaping 36 – 34.
Nedlands Coach Tony Ball believes that despite not playing in a final for two decades University are still a dangerous playoff opponent and will be keen to advance directly through to the big game.
“Any team that you play against in the finals you're weary of,” Ball said.
“They wouldn't be there if they hadn't been playing well plus this is their first final for 20 odd years so they'll definitely be up for it.
“That said, if we can shut them down in their forwards and stop them from having the space to move the ball wide we'll go a long way to beating them.”
In its most recent outing Nedlands allowed Wests Subiaco to jump out to a 23 point lead at half time before clawing its way back in to the game to eventually win 33 – 31.
“Wests came out strongly and just wanted it more in that first half but we brought on a couple boys at half time who brought a bit more power to the game and we managed to wear them down and in the end it was a good win to us,” said Ball.
“My guys have been looking forward to this match against Uni for the last couple of weeks so that's probably contributed to the recent poor first half showings.”
Much the same as Nedlands, University knew where they’d finish some time ago regardless of results in their final few matches and subsequently has dropped the ball in the past fortnight with two consecutive defeats.
While a number of players sat out last weekend’s game to ensure they got over niggling injuries, Univeristy Coach Steve McFarland has his side back at full strength and is confident they can take their chances against a powerful Nedlands outfit.
“I supposed we're in the position that we knew a couple of weeks ago that this fixture was happening so we're certainly looking forward to it, it'll be a good experience for the boys so and we can't wait for that match,” he said.
“In every game you play no matter the opposition, they'll present you with opportunities and you have to make sure you make those opportunities count when they're presented.
“Particularly in finals rugby, opportunities sometimes can be few and far between, when they come your way you've got to make sure you take them.”
The match will be played at Hartfield Park (Kalamunda) on Saturday, 20 August – kick off 4.00pm.
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