The Griffith Blacks third-grade side will be heading across to Wagga this weekend looking to bring the McMullen Cup back with them as they take on Deniliquin in the decider at Conolly Rugby Park on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Blacks are coming into the final after having the week off having defeated Hay 30-7 in the major semi-final while Deniliquin also got over the Cutters in their preliminary final meeting last weekend in Griffith with a 30-13 victory.
Blacks coach Justin James is quietly confident, heading into the clash despite their previous meetings against the Drovers.
"They are the only team to have beaten us on both occasions," he said.
"They got over us by a point with just sixty seconds remaining in the game at home and then beat us 36-17 in the second game."
The Blacks finished the season in second position just a single point behind Hay and James puts the success down to the mix of youth and experience at their disposal.
"We treat third grade as a pathway for the juniors," he said.
"We have four 17-year-olds and then a good mix of younger guys and older guys who are looking to take the step back.
"You need to have the youth to provide the energy and no fear while the experience of the older guys helps guide the side around.
"We had the opportunity to give a couple of the younger guys are crack at first grade against CSU, and they did a fantastic job.
"The problem with younger guys is they don't build into their bodies until their 20s, but that hasn't stopped Francis from taking on players double his size."
James has coached a lot of the younger boys since juniors and to see their progression has been pleasing for him to see.
One of those players is Bryn Francis, who the coach believes will be crucial for his side this weekend.
"Bryn playing at number 9 has been one of our most consistent players this season," he said.
"He knows how to control the game and plays with the composure well above his age.
"His combination with Teao Woetai who plays at flyhalf. Between the two of them, they provide a calming influence to the team."
Heading into the clash with the Drovers, James knows his side need to be careful not to be dragged into the niggle.
"It will be their just because it is third grade," he said.
"We just need to keep our discipline and maintain our structure, and we should be in a good position."
The third-grade clash will be the first game of the day with kick-off set for around 10.30am on Saturday.
RELATED
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
