That’s what spectators can expect for this Saturday night’s Group 10 premier league elimination semi-final between hosts Bathurst Panthers and Oberon Tigers if their previous clash is anything to go by.

Panthers and Tigers put on bruising show when they came together just three weeks ago.

The men in black were 20-18 winners at Carrington Park, turning around a 24-16 loss to the Tigers at Oberon earlier in the year.

Panthers are on the hunt for revenge after losing to the Tigers in last season’s preliminary final.

Panthers captain-coach Doug Hewitt, returning from a shoulder injury, is expecting more big hits as both teams put their seasons on the line.

“It was so physical, from the kick off to those last couple of minutes,” he said.

“Being finals footy it wouldn’t surprise me if they were able to step it up another level from that.

“Last game was played mainly through the middle and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was played through there again. That’s where most of the physical nature came from, but our boys are ready for it.

“We executed pretty well in that last game against them, especially controlling them in defence.”

Panthers’ previous two matches against Lithgow Workies and Blayney Bears weren’t spectacular showings despite Bathurst being on the winning side for both affairs.

The Bathurst men were often careless in attack but still proved difficult to break down in defence.

Bathurst knows they must bring themselves up a couple of notches in quality to keep their finals campaign alive.

St Pat’s-bound Luke Branighan will be hungry to keep his time at the Tigers alive that little bit longer and Oberon will come into the game fresh off a final round bye.

READ MORE: Bathurst Panthers go down to Oberon Tigers in close finish, Bathurst Panthers win at home in Group 10 thriller against Oberon Tigers

READ ALSO: Bathurst Panthers win their knockout for a third consecutive year

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One thing that will help lift the Panthers is knowing that they have three other teams also enjoying finals action over the weekend, with two of them playing beforehand at the same venue.

Both the under 18s league tag (elimination semi-final) and the first division side will play Bathurst rivals Pat’s (qualifying semi-final).

Hewitt is hoping to keep the club’s strong season moving ahead at full steam.

“We’ve taken out the club championships again and that’s always a big boost,” Hewitt said.

“Having more supporters in the crowd is great. We always enjoy getting around each other. That’s been a big talking point this week, knowing the importance getting around your mates.”

Hewitt will be the sole change for the Panthers starting lineup, pushing last round’s starting halfback Willie Wright to the bench.

Carrington Park is being officially renamed as Farmers Stadium for the day – in support of those on the land doing it tough – and the two clubs will hope to put on a great show to match a great cause.

Donations will be taken at the ground to support drought relief.

Winner of the Panthers-Tigers clash will face the loser of the qualifying semi-final derby between Orange Hawks and CYMS.

Premier league kick off is 6.15pm.

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