The Tamworth school tackles Dubbo College in a University Shield semi-final tomorrow morning (10.30am) but not before the school’s Buckley Shield (Under 14) side tackles Hurtsville Boys High School in a Buckley Shield quarter-final timed for a 9.20am start.

Farrer First XIII coach Damien Kenniff was hopeful all his squad came through weekend Group 4 major semi- finals unsctahed.

All of his squad play for either North Tamworth or West Lions Under 16 and 18s.

On Sunday the North Bears beat West Lions 70-14 in the Under 16 major semi and 22-10 in the Under 18 major semi.

Big prop Brad Johnston scored four tries in the Under 16 major semi while halfback Tom Say scored two tries and kicked 11 goals.

Dylan Manicaros, who plays five-eighth for the Bear 18s but lock for the Bear first graders and Farrer, was one of the Bear Under 18 stars, scoring a try and kicking three goals, while Lochie Collins scored a determined try for his West Lions against Norths on Sunday.

“I think most of them are okay,”  Kenniff said yesterday morning.

“They have certainly had a lot of footie and won’t be short of match practice for this game.”

He said Dubbo presents a tough and dangerous opponent as Farrer defends its University Shield.

“They have a good half back, good fullback and a couple of forwards,” he said. “They are always tough.”

Dubbo College is coached by Craig May and in a similar situation as Farrer, with most of its squad playing for either Dubbo CYMS or Dubbo Macquarie in the local Group 11 competition.

The two Under 18 teams played a Group 11 major semi at Apex Oval on Sunday.

Dubbo College possesses some talented players such as fullback Warren Dodd, second-rower Phillip Combridge, prop Kaide Ellis and halfback Jayden Merritt.

They beat Kempsey’s Melville High in a quarter-final at Apex Oval last round with Dodd and Merritt both scoring two tries apiece.

Dodd’s speed and strength have been a highlight, while Combridge, who played NSW Country Under 18s, is also strong and quick.