Looks like it will be a good day for Newport.Div 2 Semi Finals Preview
1st grade
UNSW vs Hawkesbury V: Only clash this year resulted in a 45-21 victory to HV. Can see a similar result coming Saturday with a strong HV result, as along with Newport these two teams are a class above in Barraclough
Newport vs Lindfield: Lindfield will be praying for rain all week to try and nullify Newports sparkling backline. Sefton was a bog last week and is not at semi final standard. Newport victories 41-10 and 29-17, the last game being 3 weeks ago when Lindfield scored two late tries in last 5 mins. But having watched Gordon beat Norths yesterday anything is possible in finals footy. Newport should win and win well with a Breakers victory by 15+ (unless it pisses down and it will be closer).
2nd grade
UNSW vs Newport: UNSW edged out a tight victory in the teams only clash but Newport were down signifcant cattle with a covid outbreak impacting players across the grades. UNSW late season form has been strong and they will go in justifed favourities but think if Newport are at full strength they can overcome this challenge. My blue eye says Breakers but I will go with UNSW in a very tight affair.
Lindfield vs Hills: Old Soldier were deserved Minor premiers and go in heavy favourites. My only concern is game fitness as they havent played for 3 weeks but they should have enough talent to see of a gallant Hills outfit.
Colts
Lindfield vs Hills: Old Soldier edged out a 8-5 victory mid season and Hills will like their chances of an upset. Question marks remain over Lindfields backline defence but I think a forward game beckons with Lindfield heading to the big dance.
Newport vs Easts: Easts inflicted one of only two losses for the Breakers and are a real chance of getting the biscuits here. This game will come down to a touch of class from someone to secure a victory. Head says Easts but heart says Breakers...just by 1
3rd grade
Newport vs UNSW: Minor premiers should have too much firepower for UNSW and should grind out a solid victory even though their only season loss was to the students. Saturday will have a very different Newport side to that mid season loss.
Hills vs Lindfield: Hills will be way too tough for old soldier and a 10+ victory awaits for Hills.
The matches of the day for me look to be Newport and Easts in colts and UNSW v HV in 1st grade.
Will the Easts colts side see a trickle down effect from their 3rd colts premiership over the weekend? Newport have been good all year, and I think they deserve a spot in the big one.
UNSW v HV looks another close fixture. UNSW are coming off the bye and HV off a tough loss to minor premiers Newport and then a soft second half to Barker. I think this will be closer than you have indicated, both with mobile packs and speed and skill out wide. Both teams will feel they deserve a spot to play for the Barraclough - rugby to be the winner.