Five sides in with premiership chance

Aug. 10, 2012, midnight

Gary Cook takes the ball up for the Kendall Blues.

HASTINGS League president, Geoff Connor, says all five sides in the 2012 semi final series have the chance to claim the premiership title.

But Connor said minor premiers, the Lake Cathie Raiders, have been the dominant side in this year's home and away matches.

"Congratulations to the Raiders on wrapping up the Hastings League minor premiership and I am looking forward to the start of the semi-final series this Saturday," Connor said.

"Although the Raiders have dominated the competition, reigning premiers, the Comboyne Tigers haven't played their best yet and the Lower Macleay Magpies are definitely the quiet achievers of this year's competition.

"The Long Flat Dragons are a proven semi-final football side and the Hy-Tech Sharks won't be taken lightly either.

"This creates plenty of interest for the final series."

In the elimination semi final, the Hy-Tech Sharks will take on the Long Flat Dragons at 1pm. The preliminary major semi-final will see the Tigers take on the Lower Macleay Magpies. That clash will start about 2.45pm tomorrow.

In the first match of the afternoon, the Dragons have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition throughout the past 20 seasons and they will provide fans with 80 minutes of committed league.

The Sharks have been a surprise to some this season, but will need to improve their defence if they want to trouble the Dragons.

In the main match of the afternoon, the Tigers will pit themselves against the Magpies in what should be an excellent contest.

Comboyne are noted big match performers while the Magpies have also been consistent in the home and away series under the guidance of captain-coach Coby Meehan.

Meanwhile, veteran rugby league caller, Chuck Murray, will make a welcome return to the airwaves calling all Hastings League semi-finals series matches.