SOUTH Armidale Scorpions haven’t played in a NIF Premier League grand final since 2005.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Oxley Vale Attunga Mushroomsplay in their seventh successive McDonald’s Premier League grand final at Scully Park today.
The Scorpions have never won a Premier League first grade title while the Mushies have won two.
Both teams are coming off big away wins in recent weeks, OVA travelling to Inverell and then Armidale for 1-nil victories over Joeys FC (Inverell) and North Armidale Redmen and South beating reigning premiers Tamworth FC in a penalty shootout after coming from behind three times to draw 2-all and 3-all in extra time and then accounting for North Companions 3-1 in last Saturday’s preliminary final.
The young and enthusiastic side is aiming for a third successive Saturday win at Scully Park today for a club that is celebrating its 20th year.
The OVA Mushies, who celebrated their 30th year earlier this season, have a team full of grand final experience both afield and on the bench.
“Reserve goalkeeper Troy Keyte is 41,” coach Tim Coates said, “and Matty James is just 16.
“Tom Hungerford’s also on the bench so we’ve got both youth and experience.
“I can use any three of the five subs if I like.”
Michael Lord is the South Armidale coach and, while he’s missing the natural goalscoring talents of Ben Wright, who scored a hat-trick in the thrilling extra-time win over Tamworth FC, the Scorpions showed they can win without the goal poacher in last Saturday’s 3-1 victory over North Companions.
“Ben is a big loss,” Lord admitted.
“But we have shown we can win without him.
“We’ve had a hard run too – played three sudden death semis in a row.
“They’ve been tough games but the boys are good.
“They are match fit.
“They are mentally fit too – their confidence is high.
“OVA have played in the last six so they’ve got a lot of experience.
“Our belief is strong.
“The last time we played them, OVA played attacking football and we did similar.
“So we won’t be sitting back.”
They’ll be matching the OVA attacking game with their own free running attack.
“It’s great to be here,” Lord said.
“It’s very exciting for all of us. Hopefully we turn up to play.”
Behind them will be the likes of club stalwarts Gary and Phil Wright – and the Scorpion bus.
It’s been through some wars over the years, ferrying the boys around the Northern Inland.
It will be parked in prominent view at Scully Park today in its yellow and green although it may be missing a back window from a slight mishap after last week’s win.
The Scorpions will also be hoping to head back to their reunion dinner tonight with their first Premier League first grade premiership trophy on the bus.
Gary Wright helped found the club 20 years ago and has been treasurer for the past 18 while his son, Jason, is now club president.
“It’s been a while since we were in one,” he said of the 2005 disappointment.
They are certain to make the most of it today.