Post by Mackdadday on Jan 19, 2021 12:37:31 GMT
Week 1 of the finals is to be played out this week with just five teams left standing with five others left mourning a season that left them behind. Scandanavia, miraculously, having been pegged as bona fide spoon chances, will sit out week one in luxury, having won the minor premiership on for and against over second placed Adelaide.
The Elimination final
Gold Coast Crusade Vs Glasgow Reapers
A logic defying upset of epic proportions has left Glasgow alive as somehow a rag tag crew at Hull managed to defeat the inform Auckland Orcas. Even Coach Hesky, as disheveled and disoriented by scottish juice he may be, will admit the form of the latter part of the season hasn't been great. These teams collided in Round 18 with a hard fought 18-12 victory for the Crusade. However, the Crusade are rife with injuries and a win in a last encounter might make them a tad predictable this time round.
Form watch: Jordan Pereira (151) has been electrifying for the Crusade of late. Dylan Edwards (133) has also shown glimpses of brilliance.
-Joe Westerman (148) will be back after missing last week. Otherwise the rest of the team needs to lift. Moses (114) and Pearce (116) are way down on mid season form.
The verdict:I love losing a match to a team I am about to play in the finals. However, big game experience goes with the Crusade. The heart hopes for Joe Westerman to inspire the Reapers but when considering the trajectories of both teams, we are tipping the Crusade by an Adam Reynolds field goal.
The Qualifying final
Adelaide Attitude Vs Darwin Dragons
Adelaide have been on a strong run in the final third of the competition including a 36-10 win over Darwin in Round 15. Their halves are on fire and injuries seem to be minimal for now. Darwin are their usually strong selves although the same can not be said for them injury wise with stars Luke Keary and Zac Lomax set to join Matt Dufty on the sidelines. However, a returning Bradman Best and John Bateman will ease that pain.
Form watch: Adelaides spine are on fire right now with Tommy T (130), Sam Tomkins (152), James Maloney (159), Joey Lussick (150) and Mitch Barnett (138).
-Isaiah Papalli (144) and Moeaki Fotuaika (130) are in career best form but ASRL player of the year Nathan Cleary (132) will have to reach new heights with Keary out injured.
The Verdict: With Darwins injury list mounting and the red hot form of Adelaide, we are tipping Adelaide by 10. However, no one can write off the fire of the Dragons.
The Elimination final
Gold Coast Crusade Vs Glasgow Reapers
A logic defying upset of epic proportions has left Glasgow alive as somehow a rag tag crew at Hull managed to defeat the inform Auckland Orcas. Even Coach Hesky, as disheveled and disoriented by scottish juice he may be, will admit the form of the latter part of the season hasn't been great. These teams collided in Round 18 with a hard fought 18-12 victory for the Crusade. However, the Crusade are rife with injuries and a win in a last encounter might make them a tad predictable this time round.
Form watch: Jordan Pereira (151) has been electrifying for the Crusade of late. Dylan Edwards (133) has also shown glimpses of brilliance.
-Joe Westerman (148) will be back after missing last week. Otherwise the rest of the team needs to lift. Moses (114) and Pearce (116) are way down on mid season form.
The verdict:I love losing a match to a team I am about to play in the finals. However, big game experience goes with the Crusade. The heart hopes for Joe Westerman to inspire the Reapers but when considering the trajectories of both teams, we are tipping the Crusade by an Adam Reynolds field goal.
The Qualifying final
Adelaide Attitude Vs Darwin Dragons
Adelaide have been on a strong run in the final third of the competition including a 36-10 win over Darwin in Round 15. Their halves are on fire and injuries seem to be minimal for now. Darwin are their usually strong selves although the same can not be said for them injury wise with stars Luke Keary and Zac Lomax set to join Matt Dufty on the sidelines. However, a returning Bradman Best and John Bateman will ease that pain.
Form watch: Adelaides spine are on fire right now with Tommy T (130), Sam Tomkins (152), James Maloney (159), Joey Lussick (150) and Mitch Barnett (138).
-Isaiah Papalli (144) and Moeaki Fotuaika (130) are in career best form but ASRL player of the year Nathan Cleary (132) will have to reach new heights with Keary out injured.
The Verdict: With Darwins injury list mounting and the red hot form of Adelaide, we are tipping Adelaide by 10. However, no one can write off the fire of the Dragons.
