Semi Finals Preview – Week 1- Men’s State League 1

The regular season has concluded – there are five teams battling to become champions of the Men’s State League 1.

Elimination Final: Balmain Tigers v Dulwich Hill, Saturday 29 August, 4pm, Arlington Oval
Our first finals clash of the weekend sees Balmain Tigers take on Dulwich Hill in the Elimination Final.
Last weekend Balmain romped home 3-1 against Granville Rage while Dulwich Hill were thumped 6-nil.
Dulwich Hill welcomes back striker Sam Messam after his suspension last weekend to resume his partnership with Steven Hrysanthos up front.
Joe Di Guilio will have to juggle his back four after the departure of Serjei Kunst who was a rock at the back for the Tigers.
For Dully coach Norm Tome – he has to motivate his side after their stuttering end to the season as they shipped nine goals in two games.
If it is tight heading into the final half hour expect Scott Tonkin to make an impact for Balmain Tigers much like his appearance last weekend against Granville Rage.
The nature of Elimination Finals will see this be a tight contest which may need extra time to decide it.
Tale of the tape:
Round 8: Balmain Tigers 0 Dulwich Hill 4
Round 19: Dulwich Hill 0 v Balmain Tigers 2

Qualifying Final: Rydalmere Lions v Hills Brumbies, Sunday 30 August, 4pm, Arlington Oval
Rydalmere Lions host Hills Brumbies in an explosive qualifying final to earn a second chance for the finals series.
Hills Brumbies hit Dulwich Hill for six to leap into third while Rydalmere Lions were able to rest some players in their 3-1 loss to Stanmore Hawks.
Sunday afternoon shapes up as the battle of two of the best attacks in State League 1 plundering 54 and 47 goals respectively.
Zakeriya Elrich was Men’s State League 1 top-scorer and the Rydalmere winger does battle with Christopher Bedzo on the other side coming off a hat-trick last weekend.
Mark Giovenali was pleased with the smart, clean football from his Brumbies side more like their early season form which will worry the Rydalmere side.
Rydalmere Lions ‘keeper Harrick Sinpraseuth has kept his side in several games and may be called upon again against a prolific attack.
Either way Sunday shapes up to be a goal fest as the teams scored eleven goals between in their two regular season contests.
Tale of the tape:
Round 10: Hills Brumbies 2 Rydalmere Lions 4
Round 21: Rydalmere Lions 3 v Hills Brumbies 2
By Justin Davies, Men’s State League 1 reporter