The Big Dance and two Tigers teams have made it all the way to the Grand Final. The U9's defeated the Minor Premiers De La Salle in their final and the U13 Silver team was pushed all the way against a determined Dragons team but came out winners. The 9's meet the Gorillas at Gwawley Park and the 13's take on the Seagulls at Forshaw Park-Enjoy the previews below.
U9's Yarrawarrah Tigers V Gymea Gorillas
The U9's can go into the Grand Final with confidence and momentum. Their two finals against the Sharks and De La Salle, proved the Tigers can match it with any team and they have a resilient defensive mindset to shut down most teams. These teams have met on two occasions this year, the Gorillas won the first in Round 5, 42-36 and the Tigers won the second meeting in Round 9, 36-26. If the team continue to play to their strengths, there is no reason why they cannot be crowned Premiers in what would be a remarkable achievement for the team and club.
Archer Brassington Fast, tenancious and scores the important tries
Zach May Super fast, reads the game well and a great finisher
Hudson Palmervale Makes important tackles and intercepts
Malachi Kane Super reliable in defence and has a great step
Charlotte Dart Ms 100%, makes the team tick in attack and defence
Max Carlson A willing runner and when given space can hurt teams
Lachlan Couley He has the X factor that can unsettle the opposition
Hayden Walker Fast, powerful and a great finisher
Aston Gibbons Reads the game well, defensively sound and scores big tries
Geordan Fairbaim-Raco The wall, always willing to take a hit-up and gets the Tigers going forward
Oscar Allen Does everything well and score when it matters
We predict a 10 point win for the Tigers as they are playing with belief, their defence is almost impenetrable and they have too many attacking weapons for the opposition to hold out.
U13's Silver Yarrawarrah Tigers V Brighton Seagull
In tricky conditions the Tigers defeated the Dragons in their preliminary final. It was a close game with few opportunities and both teams defences held up, under enormous scrutiny. Although it was a narrow win the Tigers proved they now have the mindset to go with their obvious skill and they can go into the final with confidence and belief.
These teams have met twice this season, the Tigers running out winners in the Round 2 clash, 26-12 and in Round 11 both teams played out a 24-24 draw, with the Tigers only fielding 11 players. The Seagulls defeated the Crocs in their preliminary final and looked comfortable throughout the game. They have some fast players on the edges and a couple of big boppers up the middle that will run hit up after hit up and create gaps for their backs to exploit. The Tigers forwards will be tested on Saturday and Hudson W, Dylan, Mason H and Mason D will have to be at their best to hold out the Seagulls. In what is expected to be a tough game, the Tigers will go into the game as favourites and they should have too much skill for the Seagulls. The Tigers creative players, Ethan, Tom, Flynn, Zac and the two Billy's will have the Seagulls second guessing and on the back foot and should create enough chances to get over the line.
The Tigers have been the strongest team throughout the season and this is why they were crowned Minor Premiers. Finals footy has a way of throwing up surprises but the Tigers can be confident in their ability and each other to get the job done and we predict an entertaining game with the Tigers winning by 10 points.
We wish both teams the best of luck on Saturday and we are so proud that they have made the Grand Final. Make us proud Tigers, enjoy the day and soak up the experience. GO TIGERS
