Grand Final rematch to be a ripper

Royce Close of the Coffs Breakers tries to be first to the ball in the wet conditions the 2022 Men's Grand Final was played in against Port Macquarie. Photo: Brad Greenshields

ROUND 2 PREVIEW: It’s been almost eight months since Port Macquarie won a nail biting Grand Final against the Coffs Breakers and now they meet again.

The Breakers play host to the Magpies on Saturday with four matches to be played at Fitzroy Oval. Bu nearly all eyes will be on the men’s contest to see if the Breakers can turn the tables.

Port Macquarie will be without Braden Saggers who announced last week that he won’t be playing. A loss the Magpies will no doubt feel keenly considering the speed and ball getting ability Saggers offers.

Both of the women’s and reserve grade matches will see two sides who started their season with a win last week pitted against each other.

Byron Bay’s men were impressive last week and this week the Magpies play their first home game with Sawtell/Toormina travelling up the highway to meet them.

Byron employed a high press last week in the season opener and the ability of Sawtell/Toormina’s defence to hit targets after they effect a turnover will be a key for the Saints.

Both of the women’s teams at the Cavanbah Centre will be out to record their first wins of the season.

Grafton is at home for the first time this season and will be facing Northern Beaches.

ROUND 2 – Saturday, April 29

COFFS BREAKERS v PORT MACQUARIE at Fitzroy Oval, Coffs Harbour

(10.00am – Under 18s, 11.50am – Women, 1.20pm – Reserves, 2.50pm – Men)

GRAFTON v NORTHERN BEACHES at Ellem Oval, Grafton

(12.50pm – Women, 2.20pm – Men)

BYRON BAY MAGPIES v SAWTELL/TOORMINA at Cavanbah Centre, Byron Bay

(1.00pm – Women, 2.30pm – Men)

NAMBUCCA VALLEY v SAWTELL/TOORMINA at E J Biffin Playing Fields, Nambucca Heads

(1.20pm – Reserves)

NEXT WEEK

Round 3 – Saturday, May 6

NORTHERN BEACHES v COFFS BREAKERS at Wiigulga Sports Complex, Woolgoolga

(10.30am – Under 18s, 12.20pm – Women, 1.50pm – Men)

PORT MACQUARIE v SAWTELL/TOORMINA at Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie

(10.00am – Under 18s, 11.50am – Women, 1.20pm – Reserves, 2.50pm – Men)

GRAFTON v BYRON BAY MAGPIES at Ellem Oval, Grafton

(12.50pm – Women, 2.20pm – Men)