Mens State League Two Round 2 Finals Series Preview
The Mens State League Two preliminary final features premiers Hurstville FC against Rydalmere Lions at Arlington Oval on Saturday (6pm kickoff), with the winner advancing to the grand final match against Southern Bulls.
The former Super League combatants have shadowed each other over the years, Lions winning six of their last 10 meetings to Hurstville’s three victories (the most recent encounter finishing 1-1 at St George Stadium two weeks ago, their first draw in five years).
Fortitude is mirrored by both defences with 17 goals conceded in 17 games, Rydalmere netting a few more times over winter (38 to FC’s 33), and both have shown enjoyment playing at Prospect’s home ground, the premiers vitally winning 1-0 there last month and Lions grabbing two victories in recent times, including last week’s knockout semifinal against United.
And look for an attacking dual between red-hot Rydalmere rocket Amoury Gauthier, who’s scored 11 goals since coming to Lions almost 10 weeks ago, and wily 15-goal Hurstville magician Denis Cutura, who’s bagged nine in the last seven rounds.
Hurstville coach Steve Zoric was rearing to go. “We haven’t lost to Rydalmere this year and I’ll have all my players back. It should be a great game… bring on the challenge!”
Lions coach Tony Basha was also in carnival mode. “At the end of the day the team that comes first often misses the grand final and we’re hoping that’s the case next week. We haven’t lost in so long, they’ve lost two in a row, so they’re the ones under the pump; they’re the premiers,” he said.
“We’ll just enjoy the festivities down there, maybe jump on the jumping castle [if they have one]. The ball’s in Hurstville’s court to go on to win the grand final.”
Grade 20 – Prospect play Bulls
The grade-20 preliminary final is Prospect United versus Southern Bulls at Arlington Oval on Saturday (3.50pm), the winner to meet premiers Rydalmere in the decider.
It was a close finish between the sides on the table and their contests went the same way – a 1-1 draw at Ernie Smith Reserve in June and tight 3-1 win to Prospect earlier at William Lawson, a scoreline United will be keen to correct.
