Momentum is key with two rounds to go

It could be a case of third time lucky for Sawtell Toormina Saints as they aim to seal top spot on the ladder ahead of the Finals when they travel south to take on the Port Macquarie Magpies.

The Saints will be looking to bounce back from last week’s loss in the local derby and return to winning form ahead of the start of the Finals Series on 18 August. They have already beaten the Magpies in Port twice this season and will be liking their chances as long as they get a strong team to travel.

Port’s last two matches of the regular season are at home, starting with the Saints. They need to win both of these to build confidence that they can get the results against Sawtell and Coffs Harbour Breakers that will be needed during the Finals if Port are to lift the Premiership Cup.

The last match between these two teams was also at Wayne Richards Park which resulted in a 22 point win to the Saints. Scores were close throughout and it was really only small areas that Sawtell had the wood on the Pies which will be filling Port’s troops with hope that they can get the job done.

Port and Sawtell’s Women’s teams have played two of the matches of the season, and both of these were down south. In round 6 it was a two point victory for Port, Sawtell’s only loss of the season, and in round 11 these two teams played out a gripping draw.

The scene is set for another enthralling encounter between the two teams who are starting to build a true rivalry.

Sawtell are guaranteed to finish top of the ladder, and Port can’t be budged from second, so this match has no significance from that perspective. However, with these two poised to face off in the first week of the Finals there will be no quarter given as each looks for the advantage that could be key to their Finals aspirations.

Last week’s victory extended the Coffs Harbour Breakers winning run to five matches in a row and they head towards the end of season matches as the form team of the competition. After a shaky start to their title defence the reigning Premiers’ odds of going back to back have shortened during the winning run and, with a home match against Grafton Tigers looming, they will be confident of notching another victory.

The Tigers put together a positive month of performances during June/July and weren’t far off claiming an elusive win, however enthusiasm and energy seem to have waned as Finals became a mathematical impossibility.

It will be a big ask for the Tigers to get up to be a threat to Breakers in this match and it is expected that a number of Under 17 players will feature prominently in the match day line-up.

Round 14 fixtures – Saturday 4 August

Port Macquarie Magpies v Sawtell Toormina Saints at Wayne Richards park, Port Macquarie (Under 17  at 10:00am, Women at 11:50am, Reserves at 1:20pm, Seniors at 2:50pm)

Coffs Harbour Breakers v Grafton Tigers at Fitzroy Oval/The Old Camp, Coffs Harbour (Under 17 at 12:30pm, Seniors at 2:20pm)

For full fixture details, click here.