The GRAND FINALE!
Premier Colts
BOND v SUNNYBANK
Bond last week showed that they were able to turn around the momentum of Brothers and take the Preliminary Final fairly comfortably in the end. Whilst both sets of forwards were fairly equal, it was their back-line, particularly the 10, 12 & 13, that made the difference and gave the advantage throughout the game.
Bonds scrum was sound and the line-out had its moments, but on the whole, was adequate. There scrounging around the ruck was also good and added pressure to the Brothers back-line. The backs were not really tested last week in defense. Brothers decided to employ the kicking game, a majority of time, and the 12 and 13 lacked confidence to run at the line. Bond played very well as a team and there was a wonderful try in the second half to prove it.
The Bank had the week off and for the one's I saw last weekend at the PF, seemed fairly relaxed. There tight 5 are possible one of the best in the competition, with a back-row which has shown promise. They have a good scrum and are dominant in the line-out. They play a scrubbing style of rugby (where they like to make the oppositions ball dirty) and this will add pressure to the Bond back-line. They need to watch the off sides though.
People on this forum have raved about the back-line and they have been prolific scorers during the regular season. Over the last few weeks they have made yours truly eat some of that pie; good for them. They have McNamara coming back (? no prem. duties for him) and I think that will be a positive. The one thing I can say to them, from the Major Semi a few weeks ago, that the backs need to attack the advantage line. I agree with HTC, that the #22 preferred to grubber (in the major semi) rather than use a change of pace to beat the opposition. RUNNING AT THE LINE is very important for 10, 12 and 13, just ask Brothers. Who knows maybe you may make them miss a tackle or two.
Last week Bond had their mojo back. However without the #9 momentum in the backs may not be taken for granted. Maybe the performance against The Bank in the major semi was "that moment" on the big stage or maybe it was The Banks style of play? If there are cracks in Bond, well, The Bank, its time to expose them.
I think that running at the line, the break-down and line-out control will be the key factors in the match. Both teams have backs that on their day can score and score well. This will be close. Now which way? Well since the others have picked the "easy way" (in Bond) I'm fairly happy to take the DRAGONS!! Go the GREEN!! ("it's not easy being green" - Kermit the Frog, but it can be very satisfying).
The BANK DRAGONS by 7
Yeah good luck to both team and hopefully injury free.
Your views (above) insightful as ever.