The captain/coach of the Laurieton Stingrays says he's feeling confident but not complacent ahead of the Hastings League grand final this weekend.
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The Stingrays are set to tackle the South West Rocks Marlins at Lank Bain Stadium, Wauchope on Saturday, August 17.
Stingrays captain/coach Tom Maguire became the team's leader in 2019 and said it was his goal for them to become minor premiers and make the final game.
Laurieton were defeated by Long Flat Dragons 18-12 in last season's Hastings League grand final and Maguire has his sights on taking back the trophy.
Maguire said he couldn't be happier with how the season has played out and is feeling excited and nervous ahead of the grand final.
If past games are anything to go by, the Stingrays are in for a good chance at claiming the Hastings League premiership.
The Stingrays won the major semi-final against the South West Rocks Marlins 22-8 to secure them the spot in the grand final.
Maguire said he was proud of boys and their hard-working efforts.
"We've trained really hard all year and it's now paying off," he said.
He said the plan is to keep building, to stick to their game plan and play their own brand of footy.
Maguire said he was happy with what he's been able to achieve as club captain/coach of the side.
He said the boys respond well to his leadership style and generally 'shut up and listen' when he's talking.
Maguire said he expects the match against South West Rocks to be a close one and players will have to work hard from the get-go.
Meanwhile, the Beechwood Shammies will take on the Marlinettes is the women's Hastings League grand final decider.
The women's side has had a great season so far and finished first in a very close race for the minor premiership.
Captain Nicole Pender said the Shammies had a strong season and will cap it off with a win this weekend.
"The girls have been training hard. We've got our eye on the prize this year, because we were premiers last year, and it just means a lot to us, and to the club."
A courtesy bus to the grand final is available for supporters.
People are asked to book at the Laurieton Hotel for a seat.
The bus will leave from the hotel at 12.30pm. In the women league, the Marlinettes will face the Beechwood Shammies in the grand final from 1pm. The grand final match between the Stingrays and the Marlins will kick off from 2.30pm.
For more information visit the Laurieton Stingrays Facebook page.
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