#SIRU2014 Round Nine Preview:
Well, aren't the next few weeks of the competition of the important! Check out the ladders on the SIRU webpage to really see how close things are over the next three rounds as teams really start duking it out for the Premier Division.
While there are plenty of important games for the make up of the Premier Division, I have tipped the Tumut v City match as Match of the Round as it will be the first step for either team in cementing a place in the top tier.
CSU (1) v Deniliquin - 2nd Grade Only
Waratahs (2) v Temora (9)
Things just haven't turned out for the Tuskers the way they would have liked, but they will definitely put it to Waratahs this weekend. Waratahs may be carrying some lingering hangovers from the Brumbies Provincial Tournament on the weekend which might play into the Tuskers favour here.
Albury (3) v Griffith (5)
It's old news that the Steamers aren't what they used to be but there are definitely no guarantees for the Blacks this weekend. The Steamers home ground is tough to win at and they always rally at home. Like the Waratahs Temora hitout, the Blacks will no doubt have some sore bodies on the park following the BPT and Albury will be up for it at home.
Young (8) v Leeton (10)
The Yabbies have had a very successful season this year and will be very happy with how they have improved but will need to bag maximum points out of this match as they have a bye in the final round of the competition.
Coota (11) v Ag College (7)
Life doesn't get any easier for the Tri-Colours as they host Ag College at Country Club Oval on Saturday. Ag College are in a similar position to Tumut, City and Young - they need to bag as many competition points as they can to ensure their place in the Premier Division.
Ag College need to be on guard here as Cootamundra are desperate for a win and will be pulling out all the stops to chalk up their first win for the season.
Tumut (4) v City (6) - Match of the Round
This match has all the importance of a Grand Final for these two teams here. Now is the time to control their own fate and solidify their position in the Premier Division in 2014.
Most punters would know that the Tumut forward pack has been their strength in recent years, led by Jock Mason, Tim Graham and Co up front. 2014 has seen them pick up a few handy backs and it is making all the difference to their performance on the field.
While Scott Gibson has been getting plenty of accolades, it's great to see guys like Jonty David starting to get some form under their belts. These guys are going to have their hands full containing James Curgenven and Hamish Wrafter in the backline.
Rambo Lagaali has been playing well in recent weeks and has been relishing the move into the backrow. He will need his forward pack to follow his lead and commit to the tough stuff against the Bulls.
The wet weather that is tipped for this weekend could also play a role in this match, maybe field position and tactical kicking will also become important factors to consider also. This will be a great game of footy.
