Elimination Finals Preview
Four Tigers teams have qualified for finals in 2023. The U13 Silvers get the weekend off after being crowned Minor Premiers and in week one, we see the U9's, U13 Bronze and the O35 Silver team's playing to get into the Qualifying Final. In a quirk of fate the three elimination finals feature the Tigers and the Sharks and both clubs will be hoping to have bragging rights on the day. Each team will have to be at their best, if they are to progress but they can go into their games with confidence, knowing they have the skills to come out on top.
GO TIGERS.
U9's Yarrawarrah Tigers V Cronulla Caringbah Sharks
The U9's are the Cinderella Story of the 2023 season and are playing in their first final series. After a torrid couple of seasons when victories were very hard to come by, the U9's have been a revelation this year. Finishing in 4th place with 7 wins, 6 losses and a draw, the U9's have played an entertaining brand of footy based on speed, power and team spirit. They meet the Sharks in the Elimination Final and both teams have met three times over the course of the season, with the Tigers winning two and the Sharks winning one. It will be an exciting day for the U9's and if they can remain focused, play their natural game and play to their ability, they should have too much skill and pace for the Sharks. We are predicting a close game with the Tigers winning by 2 tries.
U13's Yarrawarrah Tigers V Cronulla Caringbah Sharks
Last years Grand Finalists have made it through to the finals again, albeit in a much stronger competition. The U13's finished in 4th place with 9 wins and 6 losses and have played some scintillating footy this year. They have a solid defensive unit and attacking weapons that can strike from anywhere across the park. Defence will be crucial in this game, as it will allow the Tigers talented back-line the space to attack and find gaps in the Sharks defence. These teams have only met once this season, in Round 8, when the Sharks beat us convincingly 50-4. This will be a tough game for the Tigers but they have the ability to not only trouble the Sharks, but get over the top of them. We are predicting a narrow win for the Tigers by 10 points or less.
O35's Yarrawarrah Tigers V Cronulla Caringbah Sharks
In their inaugural season the Tigers are playing finals football which is a tremendous achievement for all involved. Finishing in 6th place with 4 wins, 10 losses and 1 draw, the O35's have been there or thereabouts in many games this season. They clearly have the ability to compete in this competition but are still working out their game-plan and style, which is understandable given how little time they have played together. These teams have met twice this year, in Round 5 the Sharks ran out winners 42-32 and in Round 13 they also won a close game 18-14. The Sharks will be looking to make it three from three but the Tigers may cause an upset, especially if they can get their passing game going. We are predicting a narrow win for the Tigers by 6 points or less.
