Hastings Valley Vikings will need to call on every piece of their advantage that comes with playing at Oxley Oval in the 2021 Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union grand final.
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The Vikings won't have played a match in four weeks going into the biggest game of the season should the season decider proceed as scheduled on September 11.
They earned that right following a comprehensive 52-27 win over Southern Cross University Marlins on August 14 in the major semi-final.
It's not the best preparation for a grand final, but with the NSW statewide lockdown being extended until at least August 28, Mid North Coast rugby were left with little choice.
MNC rugby union executive officer Bruce Worboys said it wasn't ideal, but they were focused on doing what they could to ensure the season can finish.
"We've got to think of players health and safety first," he said.
"Rugby is a physical game so you need some sort of preparation - even if it's a week - because if you haven't trained in four weeks you can't go and play rugby overnight."
Two zones across New South Wales have already called off the season, with the Illawarra and Southern Inland competitions crowning a minor premier, but not a major.
It is believed the Mid North Coast can extend their season as far as September 25.
"We've got three weeks left and rugby isn't the sort of sport where you could play a semi-final on a Saturday and then a grand final on the Sunday," Mr Worboys said.
"We'd love to get the season completed, but most important is to follow advice of NSW Country rugby who have to follow NSW Health guidelines."
Should regional NSW emerge from lockdown at midnight on August 28 the minor semi-final between Kempsey and Coffs Harbour Snappers will be played on August 29.
The winner of that match will then play Southern Cross University on September 4 with the winner of that fixture to face the Vikings in Port Macquarie on September 11.
There is also the possibility, subject to COVID restrictions, of any or all of those fixtures being played with no crowd.
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