CRC Reserve Grade Grand Final Preview
The Canberra Raiders Cup Reserve Grade Grand Final will be underway this Saturday during an action-packed day of Canberra Region Grand Finals. The Yass Magpies and West Belconnen Warriors will kick off at 1:40 pm at Seiffert Oval for the decider.
The Warriors finished the regular season on top with a single win separating them from the Magpies. However, the Major Semi-Final showdown resulted in an epic 14-0 victory for the Magpies that gifted them a week off. It was not an easy battle for either side, and Yass halfback Liam Grame admitted the break was needed for his side to recover from injuries and get their full squad back on the field.
“Everyone was sore. It was very physical, and our forwards had a battle.” Grame said following the Major Semi-Final.
Despite finishing the season first on the ladder, Belconnen were left to fight for their spot in the Grand Final. They put on a dominant display last week in the Prelims where they took down the Bushrangers 28-14. Captain Coach Chris Thorley said they needed to “dig deep” to find their way into that Grand Final spot.
The Magpies are desperate for a comeback victory this year after going down 14-4 to the Bulls in last year's Grand Final. Yass Reserve Grade haven’t won a Grand Final since the 1960s, and the squad are geared up and ready to end the drought.
“We need to go through the motions, get in the grind and do all the right things,” Grame said about the game plan going into this weekend.
“It hurt last year, and we don't want that same feeling. We want a different result,” Grame added.
The Warriors last Grand Final appearance was in 2019, when their victory handed them the three-peat. West Belconnen have had an excellent season and are positive going into this Saturday’s match.
“We loved [this year]. Tim and I have been coaching the boys for three years now, and we’ve got a great group.” Thorley said.
Thorley’s plan is simple and confident. He believes the clique plan will win them the trophy.
“We’ve got to complete. Hold the ball, kick long and defend off the back of that.”
“We’ve got a good side with star players and strike right across the park.”
The stage is set, and fans will be pouring in to see this thrilling display of rugby league in the Canberra region.
“It’s a great thing for the town, the club and the team. The team we’ve got can definitely do it.” Grame said.
“The country towns get behind their footy sides, and whether they're supporting the other team or yourself, it's good. The crowd noise is awesome and the boys get a buzz about it, which makes them tackle harder and run harder.” Thorley said.
It will be a Grand Final not to be missed, with droughts set to end and comebacks to take place. The Magpies and the Warriors are guaranteed to put on a cracking showdown.
