Men’s State League 1 Preliminary Final Preview
Balmain Tigers and Hills Brumbies clash at Valentine Sports Park for the second and final spot in the Men’s State League 1 Grand Final with the winner to face the North Shore Mariners in next weekend’s Grand Final.
Hills Brumbies v Balmain Tigers, Sunday 13th September, 4pm, Valentine Sports Park
Balmain Tigers look to go one step better in their second straight Preliminary Final while Hills Brumbies have hit form at the right time of the year.
Both teams were forced into playing 120 minutes last weekend with Balmain Tigers 3-2 winners and Hills Brumbies caught napping losing 4-2 to North Shore Mariners.
Balmain coach Joe Di Giulio has most of his squad available for this clash with only doubts over winger Domenico Di Mento and striker Jonathan Gowdy.
For Hills Brumbies – their resources are already stretched with youth players filling out their bench compounded by Wade Giovenali’s suspension for two yellow cards.
These two teams are set up to attack scoring 54 and 40 goals throughout the regular season. Both coaches have been worried with their sides missed chances throughout the season.
Irish striker Jonathan Gowdy heads the Balmain Tigers goal scorers with seven with Gregory Giovenali the danger man for Hills Brumbies with nine goals.
Brumbies boss Joe Giovenali worked his tactics perfectly in the first half against North Shore Mariners which earned Brumbies a deserved halftime lead.
Gregory Giovenali combined well with former St George man Bruno Pivato in the opening half when Hills Brumbies cut the usually resolute North Shore Mariners open.
Balmain Tigers have dominated both their clashes in the final series and will look for an early goal pile pressure on Hills Brumbies.
But if the match gets tight headed into the final half hour though – expect Di Giulio to summon Scott Tonkin from the bench again.
The tall striker’s goal sent Balmain into this clash with his poked home goal at the start of extra time.
Brumbies have a frustrating habit of switching off after breaks which North Shore exploited. Ryan Faulkner and Thomas Brandon will need to be switched on from the opening whistle this weekend.
The pace of Will Donato and Domenico Di Mento may have similar joy if the Brumbies don’t fix their nap habits.
These two sides split their meetings in the regular season with Hills Brumbies 2-1 victory in round four while Balmain took the spoils in round 15 3-1.
Tale of the tape
Round 4: Hills Brumbies 2 v Balmain Tigers 1
Round 15: Hills Brumbies 1 v Balmain Tigers 3
-By Justin Davies, Men’s State League 1 reporter
