This Saturday sees one of the biggest local rugby league games in years when the rampant Boorowa Rovers look to clip the wings of the Harden Hawks in the qualifying semi-final at Harden.
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It’s the game so many have wanted to see all season, with the prize to the winner being a shot at the minor Premiers, Crookwell and a ticket to the Grand Final.
Boorowa completed their regular season with a convincing 24-12 win over the North Canberra Bears at the Showground last Saturday reversing the result from earlier this season.
Best for the Rovers on the weekend was Daniel Roberts with 3 points, Matt Batt was solid as usual with 2 points whilst Ryan Foley with 1 point.
In other games last weekend, Crookwell completed their finals preparation with a 58-4 demolition of Gunning, Harden 52 demoralised Binalong 6 whilst Bungendore ended a disappointing season with a 54-12 win over ADFA.
Boomanulla and the Grizzlies had the bye and are still on mad Monday celebrations.
The final ladder looks this way: Crookwell 33, Harden 29, Boorowa 29, North Canberra 24, Binalong 21, Bungendore 18, UC Grizzlies 15, Boomanulla 12, ADFA 12, and Gunning 8.
The final series is shaping up as one of the best in decades.
All five teams will fancy their chances; however the top three teams, Crookwell, Harden and Boorowa have the luxury of the double chance.
Crookwell have been coasting all year whilst Harden appears to be really hitting their straps in recent weeks.
Boorowa will be battle hardened after some tough clashes in the later rounds.
The Smokey could be the Bears despite their loss to the Rovers on the weekend, whilst it’s difficult to see Binalong making a run after their hiding from Harden last Saturday.
So this Saturday sees the Rovers travelling to Harden in a game where picking a winner is akin to picking the winning lotto numbers.
Their only clash this season was way back in round 12 when they played out a controversial 6-6 draw.
Defence won out on that day and this weekend could be no different.
With Josh Burns directing traffic at halfback, the class of Daniel Roberts, Ryan Foley and co should give the Rovers outside flyers Trent Crawford and Justin Corkery plenty of space to exploit.
The forwards, led by the strong running McNamara, Carnell and Black complimented by the scheming hooker Garrett will create plenty of headaches for the Hawks big men.
The Hawks too, have plenty of attacking flare which will test the Boorowa backline in defence.
This will be one of the biggest local league events in years and for those who make the short drive to Maclean oval in Harden on Saturday, you won’t be disappointed.
Kick-off for the Rovers is at 3.15pm so why not make the trek and support your local league side.
The Rovers’ match will be preceded by The North Canberra Bears v Binalong game at around 1.30pm with the loser eliminated.
A supporters’ bus for the Rovers will leave at 2pm sharp from the Courthouse Hotel.
As with the league tag supporters bus which will leave at 10am for a 10.55am kick off, please let the Courthouse hotel know if you are taking the bus or contact club president, Murray Armour for further details.
Tickets on the bus will be $15 dollars plus entry into the ground. See you on Saturday.