THEY pulled off great escapes Steve McQueen would be proud of, but Mater Dei are confident they can deliver their best performance when it counts and retain the Creed and Shipard Shields in Wednesday's finals at Gissing Oval.
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Both Mater Dei teams needed very late goals in regulation and an extra time winner to survive their semi finals, and will take on Wagga High (Creed) and surprise packets The Riverina Anglican College (Shipard) in the deciders.
Mater Dei and Wagga High have won the past six Creed Shields between them, with Mater Dei's semi win over Kooringal their only victory in the tournament thus far.
Wagga High won their round game meeting 1-0, but Mater Dei were missing key attackers Luke Stevens and Cameron Weir who got them out of jail with goals in the semi.
Mater Dei defender Patrick Mason is expected to miss the final with an ankle injury, but is looking forward to another chapter in their rivalry with Wagga High.
"We played them in the group stage and it's always spicy, three years in a row we've been in finals against them," Mason said.
"That (semi) game was a scary one, we probably should have been ahead more comfortably if we finished some earlier chances.
"Having Luke and Cameron back is great. They're both quality players who can score goals, move the ball and play possession."
Wagga High captain Kein Crevatin has made an impact at Pascoe Cup level with Wagga United this year, while Riley Whiting and Jacob Ochieng will also be key.
"Every Creed Shield final I've been in has been against them, it's good to get that rivalry going again," Crevatin said.
Mater Dei's Shipard Shield goalkeeper Mackenzie Gough said The Riverina Anglican College, who progressed by topping Pool B and defeating Kooringal High School in the semis, are an unknown quantity.
Mater Dei has won six of the past seven Shipard Shields.
"We have the pressure of continuing the streak, but it's a testament to our team that we can overcome it," she said.
"They (TRAC) are a mystery team for us, we'll play it by ear as it progresses."
TRAC's Zoe Jenkins says they've already accomplished their main goal, but want to make the most of their title chance.
"Our main aim was to make Pool A (next year) and we've already done that, but hopefully we can take it all the way now," she said.
The winners of Wednesday's third versus fourth playoffs (Kooringal v Wagga High in Shipard and Kildare v Kooringal in Creed) will also qualify for Pool A next year.
WEDNESDAY'S SCHEDULE
3PM: Shipard Shield third v fourth playoff - Kooringal v Wagga High
4.30PM: Creed Shield third v fourth playoff - Kildare v Kooringal
6PM: Shipard Shield final - Mater Dei v TRAC
7.30PM: Creed Shield final - Mater Dei v Wagga High
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