WHAT a game of football we're in for at Lank Bain Sporting Complex on Saturday, with the minor premiers, the South West Rocks Marlins, taking on their rivals from just down the road, the Lower Macleay Magpies.
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In a first for the Hastings League, the two lower Macleay sides will fight out the season decider.
The two sides couldn't be any different, with the Marlins accounting for last year's premiers, the Kendall Blues, in the major semi to go straight through to the grand final.
Meanwhile, the Magpies had to play the last three weeks to get their chance.
The clash between the two forward packs should be a highlight, with both sides boasting plenty of size and experience.
The Marlins' big three of Mick Judd, Tony Duncan and Wayne Sines will be going forward all day and with the help of Grant Schubert and Les Lockwood, they will be hard to stop.
Super subs Buddy Blair and Corey Robinson will certainly have an impact.
On the other side, the Magpies' in-form pack lead by big Trent De Gioia and Clint McCabe with Clint McMurray, Shawn Skinner and Tobie Malcolm have all the momentum and will be up to the task.
Off the bench, Charlie Sultana and Trent Brady will also make their presence felt.
An injury cloud hangs over Magpies hooker Zac McKiernan. He will be a huge loss if he doesn't play, as the Marlins rake Paul Owens will be prominent all game.
Both sides boast a wealth of experience and skill in the backs and have plenty of attacking ability.
The first game of the day kicks off at 1pm with the Lake Cathie Raiders playing the Harrington Hurricanes in the Bun Hayward Cup.
The Raiders were unlucky not to make the semis and will be keen to take home the cup, while the ever improving Hurricanes will certainly show up to play.
Before the big game kicks off at 3pm, there will be: a 100 metre dash for cash featuring players from all teams; presentation of the Bun Hayward Cup, the Player of the Year, Top Try and Points scorer.
Players from the 1965 and 1990 grand finals will also play a part.
I'd like thank Wauchope Country Club for supporting Hastings League as our major sponsor and wish all our supporters, officials and players the best of luck on Saturday.
