The two most consistent New England Rugby (NERU) teams will battle it out for the William Sawyers Shield on Saturday, when the Walcha Rams take on Armidale Blues at UNE\u2019s Bellevue Rugby Ground.<\/p>\n
Having played three times this season, Walcha holds a 2\u20131 advantage, but remarkably, only one point separates them on the overall scoreboard.<\/p>\n
Two weeks ago, Walcha looked to be far too strong for the Blues, scooting out to a 28\u20136 lead before the Blues came within a whisker of the comeback for the ages, scoring three late tries to go down 28\u201327 on the bell. The Blues will look to repeat last week\u2019s far more clinical win over Robb, where they avenged last year\u2019s Grand Final defeat.<\/p>\n
The Rams, coached by wily and experienced campaigner Barry Hoy, know the way to the trophy room and will be eager to open their New England account.<\/p>\n
Leading around the park will be the Edward triple threat \u2013 Edward (the first) Churchill, Edward (the second) Cordingley, and Edward (the third) Pitt \u2013 showing the Rams have the skills and the smarts to trouble any side and will look to play a high-tempo game.<\/p>\n
The Blues, on the other hand, have the evergreen John Roberts and lightning-quick Fletcher Strong linking with Ratu Sailosi Nawerecaqa, who was the Blues\u2019 best last week, behind a tough and uncompromising pack led by Henry Coldham. The Blues\u2019 only injury concern will be hooker Angus Smith, who looks to be nursing a shoulder complaint.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Women\u2019s 10\u2019s fixture has red-hot favourites Tamworth looking to continue their all-conquering form over Albies.<\/p>\n
Tamworth was far too strong in the major semi, bulldozing Glen Innes, and while Albies did the same last week to book their ticket, they will find the Tamworth team a tough prospect.<\/p>\n
Hosting threats across the park, expect to see Elli Hannaford and Tegan Barnaby lead the magpies around, with support from Candyce Duckett. Albies will look to Sally Nielsen and Emma Wilkinson to lead from the front, ably supported by Addy Haddrill.<\/p>\n
Looking at second grade, we will see a new premier when the Tamworth Magpies come up against a very strong Dorrigo outfit.<\/p>\n
Tamworth ended Walcha\u2019s march to back-to-back premierships two weeks ago, but will face a disciplined and well-structured Dorrigo side that looked very good in repeating the dose against Walcha last week.<\/p>\n
An epic battle looms in the forwards with two big packs, but the difference might be found with Dorrigo\u2019s livewire halfback Eucla Veamatahau Davies up against Liam Allan\u2019s kicking game and Tamworth\u2019s unpredictability out wide.<\/p>\n
And finally, in third grade, Tenterfield\u2019s Jeremy\u00a0Phipps and Jed\u00a0McCowen will look to avenge their narrow defeat to Albies and send Chrisso Thompson and Laim Keady out on a win.<\/p>\n
NERU organisers say to get there early to watch this one \u2013 it\u2019s sure to be a cracker.<\/p>\n
Match Times<\/p>\n
10.40 am 3rd grade \u2013 St Alberts College v Tenterfield<\/p>\n
12.10 pm 2nd grade \u2013 Tamworth v Dorrigo<\/p>\n
1.45 pm Women\u2019s 10\u2019s \u2013 Tamworth v St Alberts College<\/p>\n
3.00 pm Welcome to Country and national anthem<\/p>\n
3.05 pm 1st Grade \u2013 Walcha v Armidale Blues<\/p>\n