Saints seeking scalps against wounded Magpies
Sawtell Toormina Saints are coming off wins in all four grades last week, while previous form team Port Macquarie Magpies were on the receiving end of a results whitewash. The scene is set for four gripping encounters at Richardson Park.
Saints Seniors secured their place in the Finals last week and are now looking to beat a top two team to establish their credentials as contenders. Port struggled with depth last week at home and will be pushed to find strong numbers again on the road and this looks to be the Saints best chance yet of beating one of this season’s big two.
In the Women’s match, the Saints look to be on an upward swing as they start to get players back from their recent injury crisis and are building towards the Finals. The highly fancied Magpies struggled mightily last week and were soundly beaten so will need to turn things around quickly. This could be the closest game of the season since these two teams played out a draw at the same venue in round 1.
Sawtell’s Reserve Grade side claimed only their second win of the season last week and will be keen to make it two on the trot. On paper, Port will be too strong, but this will be a real danger match for the Magpies if their struggles with player availability stretches to a second week.
The Saints are the favourites for the Under 17 flag having been the form team all season. Port sit in third, some distance back, and can all but secure a place in the Finals with a win in this clash. There has been a healthy rivalry between these teams in recent seasons and this is sure to be on display again on Saturday.
R U OK? Round (13) fixtures – Saturday 3 August
Grafton Tigers / Northern Beaches Blues v Coffs Harbour Breakers at Centennial Oval, Woolgoolga (Under 17 at 9:00am, Masters at 10:50am, Reserves at 11:50am, Seniors at 1:20pm, Women at 3:30pm)
Sawtell Toormina Saints v Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park, Sawtell (Under 17 at 10:00am, Women at 11:50am, Reserves at 1:20pm, Seniors at 2:50pm)