WINGHAM can secure third spot on the Group Three Rugby League competition ladder by defeating Taree City in the annual Kristylea Bridge Cup match at the Jack Neal Oval tomorrow.
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The Tigers currently sit in third place with two matches remaining before the start of the playoffs. However, it could be a slippery slope for Wingham if beaten by the Bulls.
A loss and defeat by Port Macquarie the following weekend could see the Tigers drop to fifth.
“This is our biggest game so far this year,’’ Wingham captain-coach Danny Russell reasoned.
Finishing third would mean Wingham head to Wauchope on Sunday August 5 to tackle the Blues in the preliminary semi-final. It would also make the result of the last round clash against Port Macquarie redundant. However, defeat would mean the Tigers would have to beat Port to secure third, assuming the Sharks account for Forster-Tuncurry this weekend.
Two losses for Wingham and two wins for the Sharks would have the sides finishing on equal points. Fourth place would then be determined on points differential and Port’s is far superior.
The Tigers will be without solid utility forward Nick Beacham tomorrow. He suffered a hamstring strain in the second half of the 16-16 draw with Old Bar last week. If the Tigers win tomorrow Beacham won’t play again until the semi-finals.
Joel Kleindienst is available this weekend to bulk up the forwards although Russell has yet to decide if he’ll be in the starting 13 or off the bench. Kleindienst works away during the week so can’t train with the side.
Russell was critical of his team’s lack of discipline last week, particularly conceding penalties deep in the tackle count. This saw them fritter away a 16 point advantage against the Pirates.
“That was poor and something we have to fix,’’ Russell said.
He understands the Bulls will be fired up for the contest.
“It’s virtually a grand final for them,’’ he said.
“But it’s important for us as well.’’
Macleay Valley has already forfeited the first grade clash against Wauchope so the Blues will finish second, with Port City the minor premiers for the second successive season. The Blues have been the only side to defeat the Breakers in the past two years. Wauchope also scored a solid win over Port Macquarie last weekend.
Port Macquarie should account for an injury-riddled Forster-Tuncurry at Port Macquarie on Sunday.
