Local Rivals Battle for Place in the Grand Final

Photo: Brad Greenshields, Coffs Coast Advocate

The stakes get ever higher in Saturday’s Qualifying Semi Final, with both teams desperate to be the first to qualify for the 2017 Grand Final.

Despite being in only their third year of existence, Coffs Breakers have developed a fierce rivalry with Sawtell Toormina Saints which is mainly due to the two clubs close proximity to each other. Breakers have been seen as the little brother in the relationship but that has started to change this season with the Coffs based team having won three of the four clashes during the regular season, including the first victory at Sawtell’s home ground and the biggest winning margin in the last outing between the two sides.

Not only is this match a local derby with a place in the Grand Final on the line, it’s also a replay of last season’s Grand Final. Breakers were devastated with their performance on that day and have drawn much motivation from a desire to not go through those emotions again.

One of the keys to the Breakers success has been having a settled line-up across the season with a limited injury toll meaning coach Nic von Schill has regularly had a full complement to select from. This continues to be the case with swingman Brett Vella the main doubt. Chris Frangos, Darcy Donelly, and Luke Symons have had outstanding seasons and provide much of the drive for the forward line to thrive on.

Sawtell Toormina Saints have looked a shadow of themselves in 2017, both in performance and personnel. A serious injury toll has had the club looking like a hospital casual ward at times but players are gaining full fitness at the right time. Leif Stuart returned from a long term injury lay off three weeks ago and is set to be joined by Brandt Lee and Andy Ellis, whilst Hamish Bird is also back in town after five weeks’ travelling. Sawtell look a much better line-up with these inclusions and start to resemble the team that claimed a third straight premiership last season.

The winner of the Semi Final goes straight through to the season decider and gains a week’s rest where they can sit back and watch the loser play against Port Macquarie Magpies in a do or die Preliminary Final. Breakers had this luxury last season and will have learnt lessons on how best to manage the week’s break to not lose winning momentum ahead of the biggest match of the season.

Breakers have been the form side across the season. Sawtell love the big stage and have a swag of premiership flags to prove it. This match will be a beauty!!!

Qualifying Semi Final schedule –Saturday 19 August at C.ex Coffs International Stadium

Under 18: Coffs Breakers v Grafton Tigers at 11:00am

Reserve Grade: Coffs Breakers v Sawtell Toormina Saints at 12:50pm

Seniors: Coffs Breakers v Sawtell Toormina Saints at 2:20pm