"AS crazy as it sounds, it could be a blessing in disguise."
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Oberon Tigers' Dallas Booth is taking an upbeat approach when looking back on the team's Mid West Cup major semi-final loss to CSU Mungoes last week, believing the squad could benefit from the lessons that loss gave them.
The Tigers had been flying high this season until the Mungoes delivered a 14-10 defeat, giving Oberon plenty to think about ahead of this weekend's preliminary final clash with Orange United Warriros.
Thankfully for the minor premier Tigers they get a second chance this finals series and they're determined to make the most of the opportunity.
"We haven't played consecutive games for seven weeks. Finishing first gave us the week off so we haven't had back-to-back games since half way through the comp.
"As much as no-one likes to lose, we get an extra game against the Warriros. It should be a cracking game, but if we're not on our game we will lose. They've found some form and are going to be hard to beat."
Warriors will be fired up after a hard-earned 26-24 minor semi-final victory over the Cargo Blue Heelers.
The forward battle is bound to be a fascinating affair.
Both teams boast excellent workhorse players through the middle of the park, and it will likely be the determining factor for who gets to face CSU again.
Booth expects a great clash there.
"When we played them last time it all happened through the middle. When we go on top there we started scoring points, and when they started playing strongly through there they scored points," he said.
"Both sides have some flair out wide too ... but if the middle isn't going forward, like ours against CSU, then your backs aren't going to be able to do anything."
Ty Simmonds come back into the Tigers squad for the preliminary final.