CARRINGTON Park will be the stage for one of Group 10 premier league’s biggest clashes this year as Bathurst St Pat’s and Bathurst Panthers meet on Sunday for the competition’s qualifying final.
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Only one team can progress on to next weekend’s major semi-final against minor premiers Orange CYMS and both teams will fight tooth and nail for the right to do so in one of the most anticipated Bathurst derbies in recent times.
The winner earns the right to play CYMS at Wade Park for a chance to progress to the grand final.
“I was having a chat to some old boys who couldn’t remember a first grade Bathurst derby in finals before. It’s great to see both sides doing well in the competition,” St Pat’s coach Kurt Hancock said.
“They’ve beaten us twice this year but we’re a different team now. I think Panthers will be better off for their match last week after having a few weeks off.”
Panthers have the bragging rights this season, winning the ANZAC round 30-22 and backing that up with a 20-14 victory last month.
Hancock’s team is out to prove the phrase ‘third time lucky’ true.
“This is a good test for us because Panthers believe they’ve got the recipe for success against us,” he said.
“With Claude and Jeremy Gordon, Blake Lawson on the edge and their strong middle men, they’ve been great for them all year. They’re a very well balanced side.
“It’s hard to take a lot away from their loss against Mudgee last round .. and they always play their best footy against us.
“Our guys are in good spirits for this game, even if they’re a bit sore and sorry after a physical game against CYMS. We really need to step up though. There’s still a lot of stuff to work on but if we keep improving week to week then we can be there at the end.”
Pat’s will be without Brady Cheshire for an indefinite period of time after the forward sustained rib cartilage damage in last round’s 20-18 win over minor premiers CYMS.
It’s not all bad news on the player front for Pat’s as they welcome back the rested Benjamin John and Shannon Peters to their lineup.
Daniel Bain and Pale Ale are also back, with the former taking Cheshire’s spot in the starting team.
Hudson White will maintain his spot as the starting hooker with John to make his entrance from the bench.
Hancock is not only after a win but is hoping for a fast and free-flowing game to unfold at Carrington Park.
Premier league kick-off is set for 1.45pm on Sunday.
