WINGHAM coach John Bevitt predicts the clash of the goal keepers will decide Saturday’s Southern All Age football grand final against Wallamba at the Zone Field at Taree.
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Bevitt reasons there’s little between the sides.
“I think it will come down to the keepers,’’ he said.
“A crucial save at an important time can decide a game.’’
Bevitt described Wallamba’s custodian Reece Dawes as a ‘quality keeper.’ Dawes was among the best on ground in Wallamba’s upset win over Old Bar last week.
However, Bevitt has plenty of faith in his last line of defence, Griff Bell.
“Griff'’s been in good form all year,’’ he said.
“He won’t let us down.’’
The Warriors toughed out a 1-0 win over Old Bar Gladiators in the preliminary final at Wingham last Saturday. Bevitt said it was a torrid encounter and some of his players were still hobbling at training earlier this week. Jai Tisdell is causing the most concern, but Bevitt expects him to take his place.
“At this time of year a few of the boys are carrying niggling injuries, but they’ll all play,’’ he added.
“This is a grand final.’’
The Warriors finished third after the competition-proper and defeated Wallamba 1-0 during the finals series in the only time the sides have met this year.
However, Bevitt said this result doesn’t entitle the Warriors to favouritism. Just the opposite in fact – he’s claiming the underdog status. He bases this on this year’s results.
“Wallamba beat the Barbarians last week to get into the grand final,’’ he said.
“We didn’t beat the Barbarians this year – the best we could do was a draw, so they’ll be the favourites.’’
His Wallamba counterpart David Weller claimed that his side were the underdogs going on the result of the semi-final clash and his side’s lack of finals experience.
Bevitt said the Warriors boast a number of promising younger players and he's sure the big match atmosphere tomorrow will bring the best out of them.
“They’ll be like cream – they’ll rise to the top,’’ Bevitt said.
He nominated Eden Camalleri, Cameron Luckie, Nathan Amber and James Gregory as among Wingham’s most consistent performers.
However, Bevitt believes Jim Bird could be the player to get Wingham home, nominating him as a potential goal scorer.
“It’s going to be a close game,’’ he predicted.
The grand final is timed to start at 2pm.
