Last year they ended the reigning premiers’ CSU-Rivcoll’s season in the preliminary final and they will hope that history does not repeat itself when they take on Royals.

Harlequins, the minor premiers, will be out to avoid a straight sets finals exit despite having beaten Royals five times throughout the season.

Royals will play in their first preliminary final in the club’s short history after being knocked out in the elimination final the previous two years.

Royals have nothing to lose and coach Pat O’Donnell will be keen to prove that his team are not just making up the numbers.

Back in round 10, Royals did manage to snatch one victory off Harlequins. They also led for almost the entire game in the last round, before the green team pulled off a last minute win to defeat the young Royals team.

Harlequins were lucky to escape with that victory and Brendan Watson’s team cannot rely on it again after playing catch up against Lake Albert in the qualifying final last week.

In the women’s division one competition, second-placed LAC United will be keen to end CSU-Rivcoll’s season in Saturday’s preliminary final.

However, recent form indicates it will go down to the wire, possibly even a shootout, given the last three games between the two teams have ended in draws.

CSU will welcome back Chayse Holland, who was absent in the six goal thumping of Rosellas, while LAC United is expected to go in unchanged.

LAC United forwards were unable to find the net in their 3-0 loss to Royals last week. Much will depend on midfielder Jesse Thompson, along with Caitlin O’Loughlin and Jess Swaysland.

CSU will need to be on their game and will be led by captain Emma Lynch and Rachel Hindi, who has proven a force in goals.

(Paul Field)

Division 1 Men

4.15pm: Harlequins v Royals

Division 1 Women

2.30pm: LAC United v CSU/Rivcoll

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